Herbal tea blends at home: how to grow, dry, and craft your custom tea

Herbal tea blends are an excellent way to incorporate natural health remedies into your daily routine. They offer numerous benefits for well-being, such as aiding digestion, boosting energy, and reducing stress. Making herbal tea blends at home allows you to customise them to your personal tastes and needs. From growing and harvesting your herbs to creating unique blends, this guide will take you through every step of making herbal teas at home.

Benefits of herbal tea blends

Herbal teas offer a variety of health benefits that make them a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies. Unlike regular tea, herbal teas are made from herbs, spices, flowers, and roots, meaning they are caffeine-free and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Boosting digestion and metabolism

Herbal teas, such as peppermint or ginger, are commonly used to aid digestion. Peppermint tea can soothe the stomach by relaxing the digestive tract muscles, while ginger tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate bloating and nausea. Incorporating these herbs into your tea blends can support a healthy digestive system.

Reducing stress and promoting relaxation

Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm are well-known for their calming properties. Chamomile tea has long been used to relieve stress and anxiety, making it ideal for bedtime consumption. Lavender can reduce restlessness and improve mood, while lemon balm helps soothe anxiety and promote sleep. Blending these herbs into your teas can create a calming experience with every sip.

Boosting the immune system

Herbal teas are rich in antioxidants, which help support the immune system by fighting off free radicals that can lead to illness. Teas made from elderberry, echinacea, or ginger are excellent choices for boosting the immune system, especially during the cold and flu season. These herbs are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties, which help protect the body from infections.

Environmental and cost benefits

Making herbal tea blends at home also has environmental benefits. Growing your herbs reduces the need for packaging and transport, lowering your carbon footprint. Moreover, homegrown herbs are a cost-effective alternative to purchasing pre-packaged tea blends, saving money while enjoying the freshest ingredients possible.

Growing and harvesting your herbs

Growing your herbs is an excellent starting point if you’re interested in making herbal tea blends at home. You don’t need a vast garden—many herbs can be grown in small pots on your windowsill or balcony.

Best herbs for beginners

Certain herbs are easy to grow and care for, making them ideal for beginners. Here are a few that you can start with:

• Mint: Mint is a hardy herb that proliferates and can spread easily, so it’s best to grow it in a pot to keep it contained. It’s refreshing, making it an excellent choice for teas.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is beautiful and known for its calming effects. It thrives in sunny locations and can be grown from seeds.
• Lemon balm: This citrusy herb is part of the mint family and is another great option for teas. It can tolerate partial shade and is perfect for growing indoors or outdoors.
• Lavender: Lavender prefers a sunny location and dry soil, making it a great herb for those living in warmer climates. Its soothing properties make it a wonderful addition to bedtime teas.

Growing tips for healthy herbs

Herbs are relatively easy to grow but have a few specific requirements. Most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight daily, so placing them near a sunny window or on a balcony is ideal. Herbs like mint and chamomile prefer moderately moist soil, while lavender and lemon balm do best with slightly dry conditions.

Avoid overwatering your herbs, as this can lead to root rot. It’s best to water them in the morning, allowing the soil to dry out slightly by the end of the day. A good rule of thumb is to check the top inch of the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.

Harvesting herbs

Once your herbs are mature, you can begin harvesting them for your tea blends. The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the day’s heat. This is when the essential oils in the herbs are at their peak, giving you the most flavourful tea.

When harvesting, cut the stems rather than pulling off individual leaves. This method encourages the plant to grow back fuller and bushier, ensuring you get multiple harvests throughout the season. If your herb is flowering, it’s best to harvest before the flowers open, as the leaves contain the most flavour at this stage.

How to dry herbs for tea?

After harvesting your herbs, the next step is drying them for tea. Drying your herbs preserves them for later use and concentrates their flavours, making your teas more potent.

Air-drying method

Air drying is one of the simplest and most effective ways to dry herbs. To do so, tie small bunches of herbs together with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dry room. Depending on the size and thickness of the herbs, this method usually takes one to three weeks.

Air drying works particularly well for herbs with thicker or waxier leaves, such as rosemary or sage. These herbs dry relatively quickly without losing their essential oils, making them perfect for tea blends.

Quick-drying in the oven

If you’re short on time, you can also dry herbs in the oven. Set your oven to the lowest temperature and leave the door slightly open. Place the herbs on a baking sheet and turn them frequently to prevent burning. Once the herbs are crispy and dry, remove them from the oven and cool them before storing them.

This method is especially useful for softer, moisture-rich herbs like basil and mint, which can take longer to air-dry and may be prone to mould if not dried quickly.

Storing dried herbs

Once your herbs are completely dry, store them in airtight glass containers to preserve their flavours and medicinal properties. Avoid using plastic containers, as they can absorb the essential oils from the herbs, affecting their taste. Be sure to label your containers with the herb’s name and the drying date so you can use the freshest herbs in your blends.

Creating your herbal tea blends

Now that you have your dried herbs, it’s time to create your tea blends. The beauty of making herbal tea blends at home is that you can experiment with different combinations of herbs to suit your preferences and wellness goals.

Basic blending formula

When creating a herbal tea blend, it’s helpful to follow a basic formula that consists of three components:

Primary herb

This is the main ingredient of your tea blend, making up around 50% of the mix. Choose an herb based on the main benefit you want from your tea, such as chamomile for relaxation or peppermint for digestion.

Secondary herb

This herb should complement the primary herb in flavour and health benefits. It should make up around 30% of the blend. For example, if you’re using peppermint as your primary herb, you might add lemon balm for a fresh, citrusy note.

Flavour accents

The remaining 20% of your blend can include herbs, spices, or fruits that enhance the flavour. Dried ginger, cinnamon, or even dried apple pieces can add a delicious twist to your blend.

Suggested blends for specific purposes

Here are a few herbal tea blend ideas to get you started:

• For relaxation: Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm
• For digestion: Peppermint, fennel, and ginger
• For immune support: Echinacea, elderberry, and ginger
• For energy: Peppermint, rosemary, and lemon verbena

Feel free to experiment with different herbs to create your own signature blends!

Steeping and serving your herbal tea

How you steep your tea can greatly impact its flavour and health benefits. Herbal teas should be steeped longer than traditional teas to extract all the beneficial

boil the water, and prepare your tea. The general rule for herbal teas is to use one teaspoon of dried or one tablespoon of fresh herbs per cup of water.

Steeping tips

Unlike regular tea, which is usually steeped for just a few minutes, herbal teas require a longer steeping time to extract their beneficial properties fully. Cover your herbal tea for at least 10–15 minutes to allow the herbs to release their flavours and medicinal compounds. If you prefer a stronger tea, steep it for up to 20 minutes or add more herbs to the blend.

Enhancing flavour with add-ins

To further enhance the flavour of your tea blends, consider adding natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. You can also incorporate spices such as cinnamon or cardamom for warmth or citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Dried fruits like apples or apricots can add natural sweetness without the need for added sugar, making your tea blend delicious and healthy.

Storing and gifting herbal tea blends

Once you’ve created your perfect tea blend, proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness and potency.

Best practices for storing herbal teas

To keep your tea blends fresh, store them in airtight containers away from direct sunlight. Glass jars are ideal for this purpose, as they prevent moisture from entering and allow you to see the contents. Avoid using plastic containers, as they can absorb the essential oils from the herbs and alter the flavour of your tea.

Be sure to label your jars with the blend’s name and the date it was made. This will help you keep track of their freshness, as herbal teas tend to lose their potency after six to 12 months. For the best flavour, use your blends within this time frame.

DIY herbal tea gifts

Homemade herbal tea blends make thoughtful and unique gifts. Whether for a special occasion or just as a gesture of kindness, sharing your custom blends allows others to experience the benefits of herbal tea. To create a beautiful and functional gift, fill a glass jar with your blend and tie a ribbon around it. Include a small tag with steeping instructions and a brief description of the tea blend’s benefits.

You can also get creative with packaging by using vintage tea tins, fabric pouches, or even reusable tea filters as part of the gift. Adding a personal touch to the presentation will make your gift all the more special.

FAQs

What herbs go well together in tea?

Many herbs complement each other in flavour and health benefits. Popular combinations include:

• Chamomile and lavender: A calming blend that helps with relaxation and sleep.
• Peppermint and lemon balm: A refreshing mix that aids digestion and lifts mood.
• Ginger and lemongrass: Great for digestion with a zesty flavour.
• Rosemary and mint: A refreshing, invigorating combination that supports focus. These blends are just the beginning, and you can experiment with various herbs to create your perfect mix.

How to make herbal tea with fresh herbs?

It would be best if you generally had more than dried herbs to make herbal tea with fresh herbs. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs. Here’s how:

• Harvest and rinse your fresh herbs.
• Gently crush or chop the herbs to release their oils.
• Please place them in a teapot or strainer and pour boiling water over them.
• Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
• Strain and enjoy your fresh herbal tea.

What is the ratio of herbal tea blends?

The typical ratio for a balanced herbal tea blend is:

• 50% primary herb: This is the main herb that dictates the blend’s primary flavour and health benefits.
• 30% secondary herb: This herb complements the primary herb in flavour and purpose.
• 20% accent herbs or spices: These are added to enhance the flavour or add unique notes, like ginger or cinnamon. This ratio provides a good starting point, but you can adjust based on personal preference.

What herbs cannot go together?

While most herbs are safe to combine, certain herbs can have opposing effects or interactions:

• Licorice root and herbs that raise blood pressure should not be combined, especially for individuals with hypertension.
• St. John’s Wort can interfere with certain medications and should be used cautiously.
• Ginseng may interact with herbs like ginger, increasing their effects on blood pressure and should be avoided in certain conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about combining specific herbs, especially if you are on medication.

How many herbs can you put in one tea?

It’s best to use three to five herbs in one blend to balance the flavours and benefits. Using too many herbs can dilute the potency of each one, resulting in a less effective or muddled taste. Stick to a few herbs that complement each other well, focusing on a primary, secondary, and accent herb to maintain a harmonious blend.