The Blueberry Tea is a cocktail made from tea and liqueurs. It is served hot and could be considered a variant on the hot toddy. Its name derives from its fruity taste, which some compare to blueberries.
Blueberry tea can offer a number of excellent health benefits, which may include its potential ability to protect against cancer, strengthen heart health, increase bone density, and boost the immune system. It also helps prevent macular degeneration, improve cognitive function, and improve kidney health.
What is Blueberry Tea?
Blueberry tea is made by steeping the dried leaves of the blueberry bush, as these leaves are packed with antioxidants and nutrients, just like the fruit that the bush bears. Blueberries have become one of the most sought-after fruits in recent decades, after the discovery that they had potent antioxidant potential, and can have a hugely positive effect on overall health. These fruit-bearing bushes are native to North America, but were introduced to Europe nearly a century ago, and can now be found in most parts of the world.
The most common species is Vaccinium Planococcus, [rx]and the majority of its health benefits are derived from the high concentrations of anthocyanins, polyphenolic compounds and other phytonutrients, as well as vitamin A, C, B and K, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron.
Health Benefits of Blueberry Tea
Drinking blueberry tea can be a wise choice for anyone experiencing the symptoms of cataracts, low immunity, dementia, Alzheimer’s, kidney infections, high cholesterol, hypertension, osteoporosis, low metabolism, nutrient deficiencies, and anemia.
- May Boost Heart Health – Blueberry tea can provide a boost to your cardiovascular system in a number of ways, beginning with its possibly high potassium content, which can act as a vasodilator to reduce blood pressure and may lower your risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack. Secondly, the plausibly high concentration of proanthocyanidins, in blueberry tea, has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease. [rx]
- May Improve Cognition – The antioxidants found in this powerful fruit tea can significantly affect your cognitive function by preventing oxidative stress and plaque deposition in the brain. This slowing down of your neural connections can be what leads to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases, and the active compounds in blueberries may help protect you from that. [rx]
- Might Improve Digestion – Gallic acid is a naturally occurring potential antioxidant in blueberries that can reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the stomach. By helping re-balance bacterial levels in the gut, it can optimize digestion, reduce discomfort, cramping, and bloating, and ease symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. [rx]
- May Improve Immune System – Our immune system can be bolstered by both the vitamin C and the anthocyanins found in blueberry tea. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant, while the anthocyanins may seek out free radicals and neutralize them before they can cause cells to mutate or undergo apoptosis. [rx]
- May Aid in Improving Vision – The vitamin A found in blueberry tea means that this herbal beverage can help protect and strengthen your vision. This vitamin is known to act as an antioxidant, specifically in defending against macular degeneration in the retina and slowing down the onset of cataracts. [rx]
- May Help in Betterment of Kidney Health – Two acids found in this tea, ellagic and hippuric acids, may help detoxify the urinary bladder walls by increasing the acidity of the urine. Furthermore, these active components of blueberry tea can reduce the level of oxalates in the body, which can lead to kidney stones. [rx]
- May Improve Bone Density – In some studies, consuming blueberry tea has been positively associated with increased bone density and a lower risk of developing osteoporosis. The plausibly balanced mineral content in it may give your body a healthy boost, keeping your bones strong as you age.
- May Help In Improving Circulation – Possibly high levels of iron are present in blueberry tea, as is calcium, which can improve iron uptake by the digestive system. Iron is also a key component of red blood cells, which means more oxygenation to extremities of the body and tissues that require repair or regrowth. Improved circulation can also increase energy levels and may prevent symptoms of anemia. [rx]
- May Have Anticancer Potential – Sarah A Johnson of Colorado University and Dr. Bahram H Arjmandi of Florida University, USA, have co-authored a research paper that highlights the superfood properties of blueberries and their apparent effect on cancer. The anthocyanins found in these berries (and the leaves that make this tea) may have anti-cancer potential. By drinking blueberry tea on a regular basis, the gallic acid and other antioxidants in this tea may measurably lower your risk for colon, prostate, breast, lung, and cervical cancer. [rx]
- A stronger immune system – That can make you sick less often and speed up your recovery process when you do get sick. Blueberry tea is rich in Vitamin C, which has been shown to help make your immune system work better. Anthocyanins in blueberry tea further strengthen your body’s immune system.
- Better brain function – Blueberry tea can help your brain work better. This applies also to people with cognitive brain disorders like Alzheimer’s or Dementia. For instance, blueberry tea helps prevent plaque from building up in the brain. While this won’t create new brain pathways to replace lost ones or prevent pathways from fading over time, neurons will have an easier time moving across pathways that already exist. This in turn makes it easier to think, process information, and remember important events.
- Better blood circulation – If you find that your hands or feet get cold easily, you may have a problem with your blood circulation. Healthy blood flow is key to letting important nutrients in your body reach vital organs and extremities. Red blood cells, in particular, deliver oxygen throughout your body. Red blood cells are made with iron, which means if you want good circulation, you need both iron and calcium since calcium helps your body absorb iron. Luckily, blueberry tea has a lot of both.
How to Make Blueberry Tea?
Making blueberry tea at home is a simple and quick way to give your body a healthy boost. All you need are blueberries or dried blueberry leaves, hot water, and natural sweeteners, such as honey or sugar, if necessary.
Refreshing Blueberry Tea Recipe
Methods 1
Ingredients
- 10-12 blueberries or fresh or frozen
- 2-3 tsp blueberry leaves dried
- 2 cups water filtered
- 1 tsp honey optional
- 1 tbsp cream optional
- 1 tsp sugar optional
Instructions
Blueberry Tea Made From The Fruit
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You will need good quality blueberries for the tea. Wash them well, avoiding any berries that are shriveled.
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Boil water in a saucepan or a kettle. Steep the berries in the hot water for 10-15 minutes.
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Strain the tea into cups, making sure to mash the boiled berries to get the maximum juice of the fruit.
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Add sugar, honey, or cream if desired. You can also add a green or black tea bag. This blueberry tea can be served hot or iced and makes for a great party beverage!
Methods 2
Blueberry Leaf Tea
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You can buy dried blueberry leaves at most natural health food stores or online. You can also use leaves from wild blueberry bushes. However, before you use wild blueberry leaves, make sure you choose the right leaves as other berry varieties that look similar to blueberries can be hazardous to your health.
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Bring the water to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Add the dried blueberry leaves.
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Let the leaves steep for 10-15 minutes.
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Strain the tea and add honey or sugar, if desired.
Ingredients
This recipe only uses a few ingredients, making it perfect for lazy summer days.
- Homemade Blueberry Syrup
- Black Tea
- Lemon & Mint
- Filtered Water
This iced tea uses our blueberry syrup recipe for both the blueberry flavor and the sweetness. It can be made with fresh or frozen berries. I suggest making a double batch because it only takes 20 minutes and keeps in the refrigerator for up to two months.
I tested this recipe by making a blueberry iced tea recipe with crushed blueberries and sugar, it did not work. It required significantly more refined sugar to get the sweetness and didn’t have much blueberry flavor. Using our syrup is definitely the easy way to go.
We like this recipe with black tea. Nothing fancy, just easy and approachable. You can also use green tea. We used bags for this recipe. But bulk tea works too, just be sure to use the equivalent of 6 bags.
While not required, the lemon and mint add an additional layer of flavor. The mint enhances the refreshing quality of the iced tea. While the lemon brightens up the overall flavor.
Instructions
- Bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep 10 minutes.
- Discard tea bags. Pour the tea into a pitcher. Add the blueberry syrup, stirring until totally incorporated. Add the remaining 3 cups of water.
- Chill for a minimum of one hour. Serve with lemon slices and mint leaves.
Methods 3
To be honest, iced tea is pretty easy to make. But here are a few tips to ensure the perfect blueberry tea:
- When making a fruit-flavored iced tea, always strain fruit syrup (or the final tea product before serving, depending on the recipe). You don’t want seeds or skins floating in your tea.
- Use quality tea, but not fancy expensive blends, that you like as regular brewed tea. Regardless of what you add, flavor or sweetness, the tea will always be the predominant flavor.
- We always recommend using filtered water for tea and coffee drinks.
- Allow the tea to rest so the fruit flavor is spread throughout.
Blueberry Hot Tea
Is there a better way to add an extra delicious note to classical bergamot scented Earl Grey than adding some blueberries? We recommend making this tea hot, but if drinking hot tea in summer doesn’t sound appealing, let it cool down and serve over ice. Flowery, pretty, fruity, intense, and great for an afternoon tea party – even if the party means you only. Always choose fresh spring water for making tea and wash all ingredients well.
You will need
- 1 cup of boiling water
- A handful of blueberries
- A Pinch of dry lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of Earl Grey tea
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil.
- Wash blueberries, put them into a bowl, and gently squeeze them with a masher.
- Put blueberries, lavender, and black tea in a teapot or a mug and add 1 cup of boiling water.
- Steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain, add honey, and serve.
Methods 4
Blueberry Iced Tea
What is better than a light, fresh, and fruity iced tea on a hot summer day? Blueberries in this recipe are boiled before adding to tea to intensify the flavor. This recipe makes for about 5 glasses of iced tea. To make it easier, you can cold-brew all ingredients overnight and add blueberries, juice, and honey before serving.
You will need
- 1 cup of boiling water + 1 liter of cold water
- About 10-15 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 of a whole lemon and 1 more for serving
- 2 cups of blueberries
- 2 cups of water
- 1-2 spoon of honey (optional)
- 1-2 spoons of Orange Pekoe
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add blueberries and use a hand blender to make a puree.
- Let it simmer on low fire for 10 minutes.
- Remove from fire. Use a strainer to remove the pulp.
- Bring water to a boil. Let it cool down for a few seconds.
- Wash mint leaves. Gently rub mint leaves between fingers.
- Put all ingredients into a teapot or a mug and add 1 cup of water.
- Steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash the lemon and squeeze the juice.
- Strain and add blueberry and lemon juice and honey.
- Add 1 litre of water.
- Add ice and serve.
- Store in the fridge and serve over ice.
Side Effects of Blueberry Tea
Blueberry tea has very few side effects, and they are limited almost exclusively to gastrointestinal issues and rare allergic reactions.
- Stomach Issues – The side effects of blueberry tea include stomach upset, indigestion, diarrhea or nausea, but this is only when an excessive amount of this tea is consumed. When consumed in moderation, less than 3 cups per day, these side effects shouldn’t occur.
- Allergic Reaction – While allergic reactions to blueberries are rare, they can happen, and typically manifest as swollen lips, tongue, or gums, as well as skin irritation, redness, swelling, and itchiness. If any of these symptoms develop after drinking this tea, discontinue use immediately.
- Pregnancy – If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, always speak to your doctor about your particular condition before adding blueberry tea to your diet.
From Where To Buy
- Six 20 count boxes of True Blueberry Herbal tea bags
- Blended with wild blueberries and blackberry leaves for a bold, fruity taste
- Caffeine and gluten free
- No artificial flavors, colors or artificial preservatives
- Steep tea bag in hot water for 4-6 minutes for the perfect cup
References
