Blueberry Ginger Refresher (Iced Herbal Tea)

Hello everyone. I was asked by the Migraine Research Foundation, through Twitter, to recommend a great-tasting herbal tea to go along with this very interesting February weather we are having. The tweet read: The weather in NY is mild and balmy. Looking to make a great tasting iced herbal tea. Any suggestions? #freakyfebruary Feb 02, 8:19 AM via HootSuite.  Cool! A challenge! An iced herbal tea for weird, warm, cloudy, out-of-place winter weather. Plus, I don't believe I've ever published an iced tea recipe before. As you may know, I am a fan of blueberries because they are very high in vitamins and minerals, not to mention extremely beneficial to the cardiovascular system due to flavanoid content. Since they go along with winter pies, I thought I would incorporate them into my somewhat summery iced tea. I know it's a little out of place, but so is the weather! Ginger is a good source of magnesium, potassium and B6, as well as other minerals, and may help with both nausea and inflammation. Cinnamon, like ginger, is very high in manganese, so it may also help with inflammation. So, Migraine Research Foundation, here is your...

Blueberry Ginger Refresher

2 cinnamon sticks or 2 tblsps ground cinnamon
1/4 cup fresh ginger root, sliced
4 cups water
2-3 cups fresh blueberries (or thawed, frozen blueberries)
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
ice

In a medium non-metal saucepan, simmer ginger and cinnamon in water for 15 minutes. While simmering, run blueberries in a chopper, blender, strainer, or food processor long enough to release juices. Being careful to save all juice, strain blueberries through a cheesecloth or very fine mesh strainer to remove chunks. Set juice aside. When ready, remove saucepan from heat and remove ginger slices with a slotted spoon, then stir in sugar. Pour over ice in a pitcher, allow ice to cool the liquid, then add blueberry juice and stir. Serve over additional ice or refrigerate for later enjoyment. You may substitute fresh peaches for the blueberries (make a peach puree before straining), if you wish. Sweeten or garnish, if desired.