Photo: Andreana Bitsis | Styling: Jessy Scarpone

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Summer is the season when everything is growing– including weeds. But don’t toss them! We put together a list of edible weed iced teas to keep you healthy while you beat the heat.

g Start Slideshow

1/ 5

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Mugwort

Mugwort is a popular herbal remedy and is ubiquitous even in areas as urban as New York City– seriously, once you recognize it, you won’t be able to stop seeing it. Medicinally, mugwort is used to treat various digestive concerns, as well as menstruation irregularities and sleeping problems. Outside of its medicinal properties, mugwort can be used for awakening lucid dreaming; according to the doctrine of signatures, it is correlated with the moon because of its pale underside.

As for turning it into a tea, mugwort is a fairly flexible flavor and can be used in a number of blends. Check out this list for ideas; with the hot weather, we’re personally fans of blending mugwort with lemon balm and lavender for a calming, seasonal refresher.

2/ 5

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Mullein

We’ve encountered mullein in the past, as it’s a popular choice for those whose lungs and respiratory system need relief– it’s even added to herbal smoking blends to soothe the lungs. The widespread weed can be found outdoors along roads as well as in many herb shops, where it’s a favorite for treating bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. Even if you’re in good health, mullein offers up nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and Vitamins A and C.

If grilling has your lungs irritated– or just the general hazy pollution of summer– opt for this simple mullein tea recipe, which pairs it with the ever cooling mint and a dash of sweet honey.

3/ 5

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Dandelion

We’ve espoused the benefits of dandelions in the past, but it bears repeating. The plant’s leaves and roots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, B complex, C, K, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and fiber, as well as being a soothing way to calm the digestive system– unlike coffee.

While we’ll admit an iced coffee feels like the ultimate summer staple (it goes with every outfit), we think our recipe for faux coffee is pretty delicious too. The blend of dandelion with chicory root, cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns, and ginger creates an almost chai-like beverage that keeps us in top shape and ready to sit through those grueling sweaty subway rides.

4/ 5

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Stinging Nettle

When it comes to allergies, there’s no better herbal answer than stinging nettles. (Allegra, who?) Even for those who are blessed to be allergy-free, a cup of stinging nettles can be the perfect afternoon pick-me-up drink, as it offers essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin K1, and Vitamin C. Plus nettles are high in iron and chlorophyll (great for the kidneys) and can be a nutritive tonic during and after pregnancy. Beyond its culinary uses, stinging nettles can also be used in beauty products, and are supposedly a relief for those who suffer from psoriasis.

While in Germany a while back, we picked up a recipe for a wild foraged detox tea using green tea as a base and blending stinging nettles, lemon, mint, and ginger. If you’ve overdone it with cocktails the night before or are feeling the ill-effects of cookout indulgence, this delicate, soothing tea is your answer.

5/ 5

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Clover

Clover has more than just luck going for it– the unassuming green is high in protein and fiber, and can be incorporated into salads and smoothies (just toss a handful in and reap the benefits). Red clover in particular is prized among herbalists for its supposed cancer fighting properties, and new research shows promising results for red clover as a supplement to promote better bone health among women experiencing menopause.

As far as sipping it down, our go-to recipe is this one, which uses the milder white clover, complementing it with just the right touch of mint and honey. Not included in the recipe are the porch, rocking chair, and scenic view.

Get your plant on.

Farmacy Gift Set Giveaway!

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Mugwort

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Mullein

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Dandelion

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Stinging Nettle

5 Edible Weed Iced Teas To Try This Summer

Clover

Related Galleries

The Best Air Purifiers For Allergens, Particulates, and Dust

11 Botanical Makeup Artists Mastering Experimental Beauty

What’s Your Florascope? January 2018 Edition

GC’s Top 10 Stories of 2017

What to Eat, See, Do, and Where to Stay at Art Basel Miami Beach

Hiking Outside of New York City? Hunter Mountain is Worth the Trip

What’s Your Florascope? December 2017 Edition

The 12 Best Environmental Nonprofits to Donate to This Holiday Season

Stay Connected.