#### Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried holy basil leaves)
– 2 cups water
– 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional)
– 1 slice of lemon (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Leaves:**
– If using fresh holy basil leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Gently pat them dry with a clean towel.
– If using dried leaves, skip this step.
2. **Boil the Water:**
– In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. **Steep the Leaves:**
– Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove the saucepan from the heat.
– Add the holy basil leaves to the hot water.
– Cover the saucepan and let the leaves steep for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors and beneficial compounds to infuse into the water.
4. **Strain the Tea:**
– After steeping, strain the tea into a cup using a fine mesh strainer to remove the leaves.
5. **Flavor (Optional):**
– Add honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter tea.
– For an extra touch of freshness, add a slice of lemon.
6. **Serve:**
– Enjoy your holy basil tea hot, or let it cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced tea option.
#### Tips:
– **For Enhanced Flavor:** You can also add a few slices of fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick to the boiling water along with the holy basil leaves for a spiced version.
– **Storage:** If you make a larger batch, store the tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat or serve chilled as desired.
This tea not only utilizes the pest-repelling properties of holy basil but also offers a calming and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
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