Make Herbal Teas

How to Make Herbal Teas from Your Garden Herbs

Growing and harvesting your own herbs for tea is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homegrown flavors while benefiting from the natural medicinal properties of herbs. Whether you’re making a calming bedtime blend or a refreshing digestive tea, this guide will walk you through the best herbs for tea, how to prepare them, and tips for brewing the perfect cup.

Why Make Herbal Teas?

• Fresh & Flavorful: Homegrown herbs provide a richer taste compared to store-bought teas.

• Health Benefits: Many herbs have medicinal properties that aid digestion, relaxation, and immunity.

• Cost-Effective: Growing and preserving your own tea herbs saves money.

• Custom Blends: You can mix different herbs to create unique flavors and health benefits.

Best Herbs for Herbal Tea

Each herb has unique flavors and health benefits. Here are some of the best herbs for making tea:

Calming & Relaxing Herbs

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – Helps with sleep, stress relief, and digestion.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Soothing, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality.

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – Calming and mildly uplifting for mood and digestion.

• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.

Digestive Support Herbs

• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – Relieves bloating, nausea, and digestive discomfort.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Aids digestion and soothes upset stomachs.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Helps with digestion, bloating, and gas relief.

• Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) – Refreshing and aids digestion.

Immune-Boosting Herbs

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – Strengthens immunity and helps fight colds.

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Helps with coughs, colds, and respiratory health.

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Antimicrobial and supports sore throat relief.

Uplifting & Energizing Herbs

• Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum, Tulsi) – Adaptogen that helps reduce stress and boost energy.

• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) – Refreshing and helps with digestion.

• Green Tea Leaves (Camellia sinensis) – Provides mild caffeine and antioxidants.

Detox & Cleansing Herbs

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Supports liver detoxification and digestion.

• Nettle (Urtica dioica) – High in vitamins and minerals, supports kidney function.

• Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – Rich in antioxidants and helps lower blood pressure.

• Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – Refreshing and supports digestion and hormonal balance.

How to Harvest and Prepare Herbs for Tea

1. Harvesting Herbs

• Pick herbs in the morning after dew has dried but before the heat of the day.

• Choose healthy leaves and flowers, avoiding any that are wilted or damaged.

• Use clean, sharp scissors to snip herbs to prevent plant damage.

2. Drying Herbs

• Air Drying: Tie herb bundles and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space.

• Dehydrator Drying: Lay herbs in a single layer and set the dehydrator to 95°F–115°F until crisp.

• Oven Drying: Set oven to the lowest temperature and dry herbs for 1-2 hours with the door slightly open.

• Store dried herbs in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

3. Storing Herbs for Tea

• Keep dried herbs in glass jars, tins, or resealable pouches.

• Label with the herb name and harvest date.

• Store in a cool, dark, and dry place to retain potency for up to 12 months.

How to Brew the Perfect Herbal Tea

Basic Herbal Tea Recipe

• Use 1 teaspoon dried herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs) per 8 ounces of hot water.

• Pour boiling water over herbs and cover to retain essential oils.

• Steep for 5-10 minutes (longer for stronger flavors and medicinal benefits).

• Strain and enjoy. Sweeten with honey or lemon if desired.

Blending Your Own Herbal Teas

Mix different herbs for flavor and health benefits. Here are some ideas:

• Relaxation Blend: Chamomile + Lavender + Lemon Balm

• Immune Boost Blend: Echinacea + Ginger + Thyme

• Digestion Support Blend: Peppermint + Fennel + Lemon Verbena

• Energizing Blend: Holy Basil + Lemongrass + Green Tea

• Detox Tea: Dandelion + Nettle + Hibiscus

Final Thoughts

Making herbal teas from your garden herbs is a simple, rewarding practice that allows you to enjoy fresh flavors and health benefits year-round. Whether you prefer calming blends or invigorating infusions, experimenting with different herbs will help you create personalized teas suited to your needs.

What are your favorite herbal tea blends? Share your recipes in the comments below!