Hawthorn Twin-Flower Honey Drink

Why people make this drink

High blood pressure is one of the most common troubles of later life, and left unmanaged it is a leading risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Nourilo offers this gentle sour-sweet tea as a daily comfort: hawthorn, honeysuckle and chrysanthemum simmered together and sweetened with honey. In traditional food therapy it is associated with invigorating the blood, clearing richness, and supporting healthy blood pressure, lipids and cholesterol.

Method

1. Rinse the hawthorn, honeysuckle and chrysanthemum.
2. Simmer in 600 ml of water for about 15 minutes.
3. Strain off the dregs. The same herbs may be simmered a second time.
4. Let the tea cool slightly, then stir in honey to taste and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Honey is rich in vitamin C and active compounds that boiling water can destroy — wait 5 to 6 minutes for the tea to cool before stirring it in so you keep most of the goodness. Diabetics can skip the honey and add a little monk fruit or a few dates instead.