More and more people are drinking herbal tea. Herbal teas, sometimes called tisanes, are drinks made by soaking or boiling herbs, spices, flowers, and other plant parts in hot water. They’re a great caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas.
Making your own herbal tea at home is an affordable way to experiment with flavors, and the quality is often better than what you can buy in the store. When you make your own tea, you can:
- Save money.
- Customize your flavors.
- Connect more closely with nature.
Read on to learn more about the ingredients you’ll need, how to dry and blend them, and some easy herbal tea recipes to get you started.
Understanding Herbal Tea Ingredients
Herbal teas are a delicious and gentle way to incorporate the power of plants into your daily routine. Here’s a look at some common ingredients:
Common Herbs for Tea
- Chamomile: Known for calming the nervous system, chamomile is often used to ease stress.
- Lavender: Used for centuries to promote sleep and relaxation.
- Lemon Balm: Said to calm and relax the nerves, easing stress and even settling an upset stomach.
- Rose Hips: A good source of both vitamin A and vitamin C.
Other Potential Ingredients
- Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and ginger add flavor and potential health benefits.
- Fruits: Apple, blueberry, and dried citrus peels provide sweetness and vitamins.
- Flowers: Rose petals and hibiscus add fragrance and visual appeal.
Sourcing Your Herbs
You can find herbs for tea locally, online, or even in your own backyard!
- Growing your own herbs: It’s easy and rewarding to grow your own herbs for tea.
- Purchasing from reputable sources: Buy or grow high-quality herbs, grown using organic practices.
- Foraging for wild herbs (with caution and proper identification): Gathering herbs connects you to the earth and your ancestors. It can increase your appreciation for nature and strengthen your sense of gratitude.
Drying Herbs and Other Ingredients for Tea
Most tea recipes will call for dried ingredients. Drying is important because it:
- Preserves the ingredients, so you can store them longer
- Concentrates the flavors
- Lets you blend and experiment with different ingredients
How to Dry Herbs and Other Tea Ingredients
There are three common methods for drying ingredients for tea:
- Food Dehydrator: This is the best way to dry your ingredients if you want to keep as much flavor and texture as possible. The amount of time and the temperature you’ll need will vary depending on what you’re drying.
- Air Drying: Hang bundles of herbs upside down in a cool, dry, dark place. It can take days or even weeks for them to fully dry.
- Oven Drying: Set your oven to the lowest possible setting and keep a close eye on your ingredients, so they don’t burn.
Getting Ready to Dry Your Ingredients
Make sure you harvest your herbs at the right time. The best time of day to harvest herbs is generally in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. Some people also say to harvest before the plant flowers.
Be sure to wash and dry your ingredients thoroughly before you dry them.
Cutting ingredients into smaller pieces will also help them dry faster.
Storing Your Dried Tea Ingredients
Keep your dried tea ingredients and tea blends in containers that are:
- Cool
- Dry
- Tightly sealed
- Away from light
- Away from moisture
Blending and Brewing Your Own Herbal Tea
One of the best things about herbal tea is that you can easily customize it to suit your tastes, perhaps by experimenting with a blueberry sage stress relief tea. You can control the ingredients and adjust the strength to get exactly what you want.
Creating Your Own Blends
Start by picking a base herb. Chamomile and lemon balm are great choices because they’re mild and blend well with other flavors. Then, add other herbs and spices that complement your base. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different amounts to find your perfect blend.
Brewing Techniques
Water temperature is important for getting the most flavor and benefits from your herbs. Check the instructions for your specific herbs, but generally, you’ll want to use hot (but not boiling) water.
Steeping time also matters. Let the herbs steep in the hot water for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. You can use loose leaf tea or tea bags – both work just fine.
Serving Suggestions
Herbal tea is delicious hot or cold. Add a little honey or another natural sweetener if you like it sweeter. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a slice of fruit.
Easy Herbal Tea Recipes to Try
Making your own herbal teas is fun, and it lets you customize the flavors and health benefits to suit your preferences. Here are a few super simple herbal tea recipes to get you started:
Calming Chamomile Lavender Tea
- Ingredients: Chamomile flowers, lavender buds, lemon balm.
- Benefits: Promotes relaxation and sleep.
- Instructions: Steep in hot water for 5-15 minutes.
Refreshing Mint Tea
- Ingredients: Fresh mint leaves.
- Benefits: Aids digestion and freshens breath.
- Instructions: Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
Soothing Ginger Lemon Tea
- Ingredients: Fresh ginger, lemon slices, honey (optional).
- Benefits: Supports immune system and soothes sore throats.
- Instructions: Simmer ginger and lemon in water for 10-15 minutes.
Rose Hip Tonic
Rose hips are a surprisingly good source of vitamin A and vitamin C, and they’ve traditionally been used to treat colds and flu. (Recipe details coming soon!)
Women’s Support
Many herbs are thought to support women’s health, and herbal tea is a great way to enjoy them. (Recipe details coming soon!)
Digestive Comfort
Sipping a warm cup of herbal tea can be a gentle way to support healthy digestion. (Recipe details coming soon!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best herbal tea to make?
That really depends on what you’re looking for! For relaxation, chamomile or lavender are excellent choices. If you need an energy boost, try peppermint or ginger. For immune support, consider elderflower or echinacea. The “best” tea is truly a matter of personal preference and desired benefits.
How to make a good cup of herbal tea?
The key to a great cup of herbal tea is using quality herbs and the right brewing time. Generally, use about a teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of hot (not boiling) water. Steep for 5-7 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavor. Always cover your cup or teapot while steeping to retain the essential oils and maximize the flavor and benefits.
What herbs can be mixed together for tea?
Experimentation is part of the fun! Some popular and delicious combinations include: chamomile and lavender for relaxation, peppermint and ginger for digestion, lemon balm and rosehips for a vitamin C boost, and hibiscus and lemongrass for a refreshing, tangy flavor. Always research individual herbs to ensure they don’t have any contraindications with medications you’re taking.
How to make simple herbal tea?
Making simple herbal tea is incredibly easy. Simply heat water to just below boiling, add your chosen herbs to a tea infuser or directly into the water, and let it steep for the recommended time. Strain the tea (if you added the herbs directly), and enjoy! You can add honey, lemon, or other natural sweeteners to taste.
In Summary
Making your own herbal tea isn’t just about saving money, although that’s definitely a perk, or creating unique gifts such as DIY bath tea bags. It’s also about playing with flavors and connecting with the natural world. There’s something really satisfying about brewing a cup of tea made with ingredients you’ve chosen yourself.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different combinations of herbs, flowers, and spices. The possibilities are endless. Brewing herbal tea at home allows you to create something that’s uniquely yours.
Whether you buy your herbs or grow them yourself, try to choose high-quality ingredients. If you’re buying, look for organic options whenever possible. If you’re growing, use organic practices to avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
Creating your own herbal tea blends can be a truly rewarding experience. It’s a chance to be creative, connect with nature, and enjoy a delicious and healthy beverage. So go ahead, give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite tea.