• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nourished Kitchen

  • Philosophy
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Recipes
    • Cookbooks
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    » Home » Recipes » Herbal Recipes » Moon Tea

    Moon Tea

    Posted: Aug 24, 2021 · Updated: Dec 11, 2021 by Jenny McGruther · This site earns income from ads, affiliate links, and sponsorships.

    Moon tea pinterest pin

    Women have used medicinal herbs and herbal remedies to support fertility, hormonal health, and menstrual cycle wellness for millennia. This moon tea blends hibiscus, ginger, red raspberry leaf, and ginkgo comes together in a herb-forward, astringent infusion. These nourishing botanicals are traditionally used to support healthy menstrual cycles, well-being and mood.

    Jump to Recipe | What is it? | What's in it? | Tips | Variations | Common Questions

    Moon tea in a large white mug, garnished with fresh ginger, red raspberry leaf, and ginkgo

    What is it?

    A moon tea is an herbal infusion intended to support women's well-being around their menstrual cycle. These teas contain powerful herbal allies that may encourage healthy mood, especially in the latter half of your cycle before your period begins. Many women take these teas to ease feelings and discomfort they experience leading up to their menstrual cycles.

    What's in it?

    While recipes vary, this moon tea contains five key botanicals: hibiscus, ginkgo, red raspberry leaf, lemon balm and ginger. These herbs contain a wide variety of micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

    • Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is rich in various polyphenols which give the flower its vivid red color. Additionally, it contains vitamin C - a vital nutrient that helps support the body's stress-response system and may ease feelings of worry and anxiety (1).
    • Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a nootropic herb, meaning that it supports cognitive health. For ginkgo, those effects extend beyond cognition to mood, too. Researchers have found gingko to support both mood and ease physical discomfort associated with the latter half of the menstrual cycle (2, 3).
    • Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is a mineral-rich herb that is traditionally used as a uterine tonic (4). In European folk medicine, the herb was used to tone the uterus, both supporting the later stages of pregnancy as well as healthy menstruation in women who are not pregnant.
    • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is in the mint family, though it smells of citrus rather than minty. Lemon balm relaxes the nerves, and is used to support sleep and ease anxiety (5).
    • Ginger (Zingiber officinale) harmonizes this blend of herbs with its pleasant, fiery taste. Ginger is highly anti-inflammatory and may ease feelings of pain(6). One study found that ginger helped reduce symptoms of PMS, although more research is necessary (7).

    Where to find organic herbs and spices

    You can find many fresh herbs at your local grocery store; however, medicinal herbs can be harder to find locally. We recommend Starwest Botanicals because they stock a wide assortment of organic and ethically wildcrafted culinary and medicinal herbs.

    >> Check it out here
    spices in a small bowl with ginger root

    Tips for making herbal infusions

    This moon tea is an herbal infusion, meaning that it steeps longer than a traditional herbal tea. In addition, it uses more plant matter than an herbal tea or tisane, and these two factors (time and volume of herbs) mean a more beneficial brew with a stronger flavor and higher concentration of plant nutrients.

    Herbal infusions are easy to make, but there's a few things to keep in mind.

    • Start the ginger in cold water. Since ginger a tough rhizome, it takes a longer time to release its beneficial compounds. Placing the ginger in cold water and bringing that to a boil ensures that you make a stronger, more potent brew.
    • Leafy herbs should steep after the water reaches a boil. Because hibiscus, lemon balm, and other leafy herbs are more fragile than ginger, you'll pour the ginger water over these herbs and then let them all steep together.
    • The longer you steep the infusion, the stronger it will be. I recommend steeping this infusion for about 4 hours; however, if you prefer a lighter flavor, then you can steep it for as little as 20 minutes.
    • Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can drink it hot or cold, and after about 3 days it may lose its potency.
    Rate this Recipe
    5 from 1 vote
    4 servings

    Moon Tea Recipe

    This moon tea recipe contains botanicals that support healthy hormones, mood, and menstrual cycle wellness, especially during the week leading up to your period.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Infusion4 hrs
    Total Time4 hrs 5 mins
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Click to Remove Ads

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
    • 2 tablespoons dried ginkgo leaves
    • 2 tablespoons dried red raspberry leaf
    • 2 tablespoons cut and sifted dried lemon balm
    • 1 (2-inch) knob ginger (coarsely chopped)
    • 4 cups cold water

    Equipment

    • Medium Saucepan
    • Quart-sized Jar
    • Fine-mesh Sieve

    Instructions

    • Spoon the hibiscus, ginkgo, red raspberry leaf, and lemon balm into a quart-sized, heat-proof jar, and set it aside on your counter.
    • Add the ginger to a medium-sized saucepan, and then cover it with 1 quart cold water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, and then immediately turn the heat off.
    • Carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into the jar, and let them steep about 4 hours. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the spent herbs. Enjoy hot or cold, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Rate this recipe!If you loved this recipe, give it a rating. Let us know what works, what didn't and whether you made any adjustments that can help other cooks.

    Variations

    As with most herbal infusions, this moon tea recipe is flexible and you can customize it to suit your preferences and needs. Here's a few herbs that you might consider adding.

    Chamomile is an herb that supports restful sleep and good mood. You can use it in place of or in addition to the lemon balm in this recipe.

    Mint gives the infusion a good flavor, and works well with both ginger and hibiscus.

    Stinging nettle is a mineral-rich herb and a nice companion for red raspberry leaf.

    Passionflower is traditionally used to improve mood and sleep.

    Common Questions

    How do I store it?

    Store moon tea in a clean glass jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Can I freeze it?

    Yes, you can freeze it in ice cubes for up to 3 months.

    Can I make a big batch?

    If you prefer, you can make a large batch of this tea blend and store it in a jar in a dark cupboard for up to 1 year. Keep the ratios the same, and add 2 tablespoons dried cut and sifted ginger instead of fresh.

    Can I share it with other members of my family?

    While this moon tea is intended as an herbal infusion for women's wellness, the herbs are gentle and generally suitable for most people.


    References

    1. de Oliveira, Ivaldo Jesus Lima et al. “Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS vol. 18,1 (2015)
    2. Ozgoli, Giti et al. “A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba L. in treatment of premenstrual syndrome.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 15,8 (2009): 845-51.
    3. Tamborini, A, and R Taurelle. “Intérêt de l'extrait standardisé de Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) dans la prise en charge des symptômes congestifs du syndrome prémenstruel” [Value of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in the management of congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome]. Revue francaise de gynecologie et d'obstetrique vol. 88,7-9 (1993): 447-57.
    4. Romm, Aviva. Botanical Medicine for Women's Health. (2017) Churchill Livingstone.
    5. Cases, Julien et al. “Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances.” Mediterranean journal of nutrition and metabolism vol. 4,3 (2011): 211-218.
    6. White, Brett. “Ginger: an overview.” American family physician vol. 75,11 (2007): 1689-91.
    7. httpKhayat, Samira et al. “Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms.” ISRN obstetrics and gynecology vol. 2014 792708. 4 May. 2014,

    Try these herbal recipes next

    • Fire Cider
    • Nettle Infusion
    • Cannabis Honey
    • How to Make Flower Essences
    « Natural Remedies for Indigestion
    Daikon Radish Kimchi »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 4waystoyummy says

      August 25, 2021 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      Moon Tea, the name alone makes me wish to try it. I will put hibiscus on my grocery list. My mother was from Austria and as children we loved drinking hibiscus tea. I had a friend who made hibiscus soda for her children by cooling the hibiscus tea, adding stevia and some carbonated water. I remember she said it had what her kids loved...bright red color, sweetness and bubbly. I thought she was very clever.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Reader Favorites

    • Wild Mushroom Pâté
    • Rose Water
    • How to Make CBD Oil
    • Easy Sourdough Starter
    • Bone Broth
    • Easy Fermented Hot Sauce

    In Season Now

    • Brussels Sprout Slaw
    • Wild Mushroom Risotto
    • Einkorn Apple Cake
    • Pomegranate Spritzer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Explore

    • Nourishing Recipes
    • Broth Recipes
    • Fermented Vegetables
    • Fermented Drinks
    • Cultured Dairy
    • Herbal Remedies
    • Sourdough

    Seasonal Cooking

    • Soup Recipes
    • Stew Recipes
    • Winter Vegetable Recipes
    • Winter Fruit Recipes

    Connect

    • About
    • Cooking Club
    • FAQ
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Privacy Policy + Disclaimer + Terms and Conditions + Affiliate Disclosure + Copyright Notice + Accessibility

    Copyright © 2023 Nourished Media LLC. All rights reserved.