Tea Tuesday #2: Rose Hips and Hibiscus

I had a craving for something red, with rose hips. And, preferably, hibiscus. The end result just so happens to be spectacularly heart-friendly, and with today being Valentine's Day, well, how perfect!
 
Ingredients:
Rose petals, one part (in this case, approximately two tablespoons)
Hibiscus flowers, one part
Rose Hips, four or five
Hawthorne berries, four or five

Health highlights:
Hibiscus: heart health, healthy water balance, supports healthy blood pressure, promotes regularity
Rose Petals: heart health, mood support, promotes regularity
Rose Hips: high in vitamin c, antioxidants, and iron
Hawthorne Berries: heart health, supports healthy blood pressure, promotes regularity

To make the tea, measure out and then lightly crush the ingredients while the water boils. When the water reaches a boil, remove from heat. Measure herb blend into a tea strainer, one tablespoon full of the herbal blend per cup of water. 

Let steep for five minutes, then remove tea strainer from cup. This tea has a pleasantly fruity, tart taste from the rose hips and hibiscus, and a subtle floral note from the rose petals. Enjoy it as is, or try one of these delicious options:

• Hot and sweetened with honey
• Over ice with cranberry juice or cranberry juice blend, to taste
• With sumac berries in addition to the rose hips and hawthorn berries