HOW TO USE HERBS FOR TEA- FRESH OR DRIED

How to make tea with herbs

here is the general process used for making tea with garden herbs.

• Use boiling water (100°C/212°F) to brew herbs.

• Use 1-2 Tbsp.* of dried herbs or 3-5 Tbsp. of fresh herbs per 1 cup of hot water.

• Cover and steep for 3-5 minutes.

The amount of herbs to use varies depending on the type of herb, when it was harvested, how long it’s been stored, growing conditions, etc. Start with 1 Tbsp. dried and 3 Tbsp. fresh per cup of boiling water and go from there. Experiment to find what works best for you and your homemade tea blends. Most garden herbs require steeping for 5 minutes, but some herbs release a bitter flavor steeped too long. Only steep chamomile, lavender, rosemary, rose, orange/lemon peel for 3 minutes.

Fresh or dried herbs for tea

You can use both fresh or dried herbs for tea. You can use dried herbs for brewing a hot cup of tea. There’s more consistency and it’s easier to store and manage dried herbs. You can also brew tea from fresh herbs if you've done some pruning and have a handful of clippings.

Favorite herbs for tea

Chamomile – helps calm nerves, reduce stress, soothe the digestive system and promote sleep. Hyssop – a lovely scent good for the heart, digestive system and for promoting sleep Sage – a woodsy scent to help clear the mind and soothe sore throats Rosemary – stimulates circulation to soothe aches and pains, helps clear congestion and boosts mood and memory.

Peppermint – menthol flavor for relaxing muscles, soothing sore throats and relieving stress Chocolate Mint – chocolate and peppermint flavor to enjoy and promote relaxation Spearmint – great for soothing digestive issues Apple Mint & Other Fruit Mints – mild mint with unique aromas and flavor good for digestion.

A word of caution about herbs for tea

All plants have properties in them that may cause allergies or undesirable side effects, especially if taken in large doses. The herbs for tea mentioned in this article are intended to be enjoyed as an occasional cup of tea now and then. Anyone intending to consume more than an occasional cup for pleasure should do more research about each individual herb and talk to their medical practitioner. This is particularly true for young children, pregnant women, anyone on medication or anyone with a chronic disease.