Made some beautiful rose tea this morning! While roses are known for their beauty and lovely scent, they also have great medicinal properties. Roses have been used in Ayurveda for centuries to heal digestive issues and for the flower’s antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant of properties.
Rose leaves are pcked with Vitamin C, malic acid, pectin, and citric acid. Rose tea soothes digestive issues, boosts the immune system and can prevent and help cure a sore throat. In addition, applying rose water to the skin fights acne and blemishes, while hydrating the skin and fighting wrinkles and aging. Rose tea also fights UTIs, and combats against heavy, uncomfortable periods. Rose leaves are a natural diuretic, so you can drink the tea safely throughout the day to banish bloat and lose excess water weight.
You can make rose tea in two ways. First, cut the base of the flower off, including the stem. Be sure to remove all of the little white parts that are a part of the base or your tea will taste bitter. Once the base falls off rinse the leaves with cold water. Next, you can either roughly chop the leaves and put them into a tea steeper or boil the leaves whole. If you go the first route, be sure to steep the leaves in your hot water for at least 7 to 10 minutes. If you boil the rose leaves whole, instead of chopping them up, just place the leaves into your pot, and let them sit for 3 minutes without boiling. Next, boil the leaves for 6 to 8 minutes, then drain. I enjoy the tea just on its own, but you can also add in cinnamon, cloves and raw honey to taste.
Let me know if you decide to make this tea and how you like it!
