How to Make Herbal Teas

You can make your own herbal teas. Using fresh or dried herbs, fruits and spices, you can create special blends that energize, soothe and relieve minor ailments. Purchase organic herbs at local greenhouses and whole food grocers. Leave a lighter carbon footprint and only buy locally grown herbs. You can dry them at home.

Things You'll Need

• Nonmetal teapot
• 2 tbsp. each organic turmeric and ginger
• Fresh or dried herbs:
• 1 tbsp. organic chamomile flowers
• 1 tbsp. organic lavender
• ½ cup rose petals
• 2 tbsp. lemon balm
• 1 tbsp. rosemary
• 1½ tbsp. dried St. John's wort
• 1 tbsp. each valerian and linden flowers
• 1 tsp. juniper berries
• Steam distilled water
• Raw, organic honey
• Fresh, organic lemon
• Tea strainer
• Tea infuser

Instructions

Making Herbal Teas

1. 

   Brew herbal teas in a ceramic or glass teapot. Distilled water is a good option for pure water. Organic herbs and spices offer chemical-free purity. Fresh or dried herbs equally give full flavor and aroma.

2. 

   Blend fresh or dried chamomile flowers and lavender for a soothing tea. Add 1 tbsp. dried or 2 tbsp. fresh lavender and chamomile. Add to 1 cup distilled water. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Add raw, organic honey to enhance the flavors of the herbs. This blend soothes for restful sleep.

3. 

   Inhale the aroma of an English garden for a midday break. Mix ½ cup dried red rose petals, 2 tbsp. dried lemon balm and 1 tbsp. dried rosemary. Steep 1 tsp. in 1 cup boiling distilled water for 5 to 7 minutes.

4. 

   Boost your immune system with turmeric and ginger. Add 2 tbsp. each of turmeric and ginger to 2 cups distilled water. Heat to a slow boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and add fresh lemon juice and raw honey to taste.

5. 

   Ease migraine headache pain with herbal tea made from 1½ tbsp. dried St. John's wort, 1 tbsp. each valerian root and dried linden flowers, and 1 tsp. juniper berries. Store in a cool, dry place. Steep 1 tsp. of blend in 1 cup boiling distilled water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink while warm.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with flavors and aromas.

• Do not use herbs if pregnant or nursing. Seek health care advice about possible allergies or drug interactions. Some people experience jittery nerves with valerian.

Resources

• Herbal Teas
• Making Herbal Teas
• Use Raspberry Leaves to Make Herbal Tea