Would you like a recipe for a super-duper healing cooling delicious drink perfect for a hot summer's day? which is not just tasty but packed with medicinal benefits! If the answer is yes, then read on...
Elderflowers are powerful immune boosters...
They have been used in traditional medicine all over the world in various cultures for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory conditions. Elderflower is also known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, therefore, helps alleviate allergies and boosts the immune system. It has a beautiful fragrance, tastes great, looks amazing and is a joy to pick... what's not to like about it!
I love harvesting the pretty flowerheads, thanking mama nature for her medicine and beauty, and filling up my basket on a lovely summer's morning. Great way to start my day, communing with nature, collecting healing flowers, loving my body, walking in nature and making a yummy drink. It's a win-win for me.
My top three reasons why I choose elderflower every summer:
1. Tasty
2. Healthy - builds your immune system
3. Easily available in most parts of the worldAs I write this, it is the month of June and here in the UK, they are blooming in the wild in abundance. This is the perfect time to harvest. I like to pick some extra and dry them for use later in the year. In the colder months, I use them for brewing a warm infusion.
So, 'let's get on with the recipe'...I hear you say... and your wish is my command...
What goes into this drink:
A handful of elderflowers (fresh or dried) - about five medium-size flowerheads
About a tablespoon of dried wild rose petals (fresh petals will do if you haven't got any dried ones, but I highly recommend drying some for the future as they taste much better)
A pint of water
A sprig of fresh mint or some slices of fresh lime for garnishing
Some ice cubes (optional)
Add a small amount of any natural sweetener if you wish, I do not add any.
I have used rose in the recipe because of the tannin flavour it adds, tastes just like tea minus the caffeine...and of course for its beautiful medicine.
Rose is an all-round heart healer, a great medicine for the heart...that's why it is used as a symbol of love, a symbol of the heart. Rose petals are known for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. They also help soothe and calm the nervous system, easing tension and pain. I just love roses.
Quick note: For the health benefits, they have got to be wild roses or natural roses, not garden hybrids. 
If you do not have any rose petals, feel free to make this drink without them. It tastes just as good with some slices of lime for added zing and some cucumber for extra freshness.
How to make it:
Bring the water to a boil. I prefer to boil it in a pan instead of the kettle. Take it off the heat and let it sit for a minute or two. Add the elderflowers and rose petals. Cover the pan, let it brew for 20 minutes and extract all the beautiful healing qualities for you. Do not boil the flowers as it will kill the health benefits. Strain it, let it cool and your smashingly delicious healthy drink is ready. Add the garnishing and ice cubes...Voilà! Enjoy! Cheers!
Let me know if you tried it and how did you like it in the comments below. I would love to hear from you and if you added anything else.
A little something for you before I finish up. If you suffer from itchy eyes due to allergies, then, here's a tip for you. You can save a small portion of this brew, keep it in the fridge, when chilled and ready, soak two cotton pads in it and put them on your eyes. It is heaven for soothing the eyes. Even if you are not an allergy sufferer, you can do the same for just relaxing your tired eyes after a long day. Turn on some relaxing music, dim the light, close your eyes and drift away to the land of deep calm.
This is self-love.
