The Qld-made elixir set to be the hit new health drink

A unique Scenic Rim-made brew is attracting a loyal following for its so-called abilities to help with everything from sleep and migraines to reducing anxiety and inflammation.

As more Aussies say no to alcohol and yes to their health, the consumption of floral teas is beginning to boom.

Using a unique blend of flowers rather than traditional tea leaves, the brews are favoured for their distinct flavours, interesting aesthetic abilities and potential healing properties, used to help everything from inflammation and fevers to migraines and sleep.

Rachel Watkins from Elderflower Farm at Kents Lagoon in the Scenic Rim makes her own range of floral teas, picking posies straight from the field, drying them on-site and jarring them.

She said the tea’s popularity was blossoming, with her rose and apple mint, as well as gomphrena and camomile varieties her bestsellers.

“It started as another use for existing flowers but now it’s got its own following,” said Ms Watkins, who sells her flowers to restaurants and cafes as edible garnishes.

“People like that they’re grown here, they’re pretty to look at and they taste great.”

Shelby Smith at Elderflower Farm in the Scenic Rim with their floral teas. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Of particular interest to customers has been the unique aesthetic qualities of the teas, with the gomphrena variety turning the water bright pink, and the pansy blend transforming it blue-green. This has made them a hit as non-alcoholic drinks.

“The coloured ones are really nice as an iced tea option, and you could definitely focus on them as a mocktail-type option,” Ms Watkins said.

She said she even had chefs using the teas to make salad dressings, and distilleries wanting to add them to their gins.

But perhaps the biggest reason driving her repeat customers was the possible health benefits of the blends, with some flowers said to help calm upset stomachs and relieve headaches, while others could allegedly assist with boosting immunity or lowering high blood pressure.

“I think because they can be had cold or hot, a lot of people do want to try them for the potential health benefits,” she said.