HERBAL TEA

1 gallon of water
Double handful of mint of your choice
Double handful of lemon balm leaves
1 1/2 cups of lemon verbena leaves
1 cup chopped lemon grass (picked fresh and rinsed)
Orange juice

Using a non-metallic pot, bring water up to, but not boiling. Add herbs, reduce fire to simmer for 30 minutes. Lightly mash the herbs with a non metallic spoon to help release some of the oils. Remove and let set to cool. Strain through a coffee filter or cheese cloth. Refrigerate until time to use. Will keep for several days.

Measure out 2 cups of the infusion to one gallon of weak tea. Add 1 cup of orange juice and serve over ice. This is one of the ways to make use of your herbs, when they are flourishing fully; besides it is so nice to have this on hand for a refreshing drink anytime.