herbal remedies

How to Make Sun Tea with Lemon Balm, Hibiscus & Calendula:

A Refreshing Herbal Brew for Summer

SKIP TO RECIPE
Herbal Sun Tea

There’s something magical about letting the sun brew your tea. Sun tea is not only nostalgic and refreshing—it’s a simple, solar-powered way to extract the benefits of herbs without turning on the stove. In this post, we’ll walk through how to make sun tea with three vibrant, healing herbs: lemon balm, hibiscus, and calendula. These herbs offer a blend of calming, cooling, and skin-loving benefits—perfect for sipping on long summer afternoons.

WHY

sun tea?

Sun tea uses gentle solar heat to infuse herbs slowly over several hours. This method preserves more delicate flavors and nutrients than boiling water might. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to connect with nature’s rhythm—just herbs, water, a glass jar, and the sun. It’s also energy-efficient and ideal for summertime living.

HERBAL BENEFITS

Lemon Balm, Hibiscus & Calendula

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a favorite in the herbal world for its citrusy scent and calming properties. It’s known to reduce stress, support digestion, and uplift the mood—making it a perfect base for a relaxing sun tea.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Hibiscus adds a tart, cranberry-like flavor and a gorgeous ruby red color to your brew. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, hibiscus is often used to support heart health and maintain healthy blood pressure.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula petals bring a gentle earthiness and subtle floral note to the tea. More than just pretty, calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-supportive properties—making it a lovely addition for glowing summer wellness.

kitchen recipes

How to Make Sun Tea with Lemon Balm, Hibiscus & Calendula

herbs

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp dried lemon balm (or a large handful of fresh)

  • 1 tbsp dried hibiscus petals

  • 1 tbsp dried calendula petals

  • 1 quart (4 cups) of clean, filtered water

  • Optional: a slice of fresh lemon or a spoonful of honey after brewing

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add all dried herbs to a clean quart-sized glass jar.

  2. Fill with filtered water and stir gently to submerge the herbs.

  3. Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cheesecloth.

  4. Set the jar in full sun for 3–5 hours.

  5. Once brewed to your liking, strain out the herbs.

  6. Chill in the fridge and serve over ice. Sweeten if desired.

tips for the

Best Herbal Sun Tea

  • Use fresh herbs from your garden when possible for a vibrant, living brew.

  • Always use clean glass jars and filtered water to avoid contamination.

  • If the sun isn’t shining, you can make a cold infusion in the fridge overnight.

  • Store in the refrigerator and drink within 2 days for peak freshness.

Other Herbal Blends to Try

Once you fall in love with sun tea, try experimenting with other homestead favorites:

  • Mint + lemon balm + rose petals

  • Chamomile + lavender + orange peel

  • Tulsi (holy basil) + spearmint + fennel seeds

final thoughts:

Let the Sun Do the Brewing

Making sun tea with lemon balm, hibiscus, and calendula is one of the simplest ways to enjoy your garden harvest and care for your body naturally. Whether you’re sipping for wellness, flavor, or a bit of both, this herbal blend is a summer staple worth keeping on hand. Brew, sip, and soak up the sun—one jar at a time.

brewing sun tea the safe way

READ THE POST
Sun Tea

Let’s connect! Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Tag your instagram versions with @homestead.onthehill and #homesteadonthehill.