Getting Started With Herbal Tea

A recipe for a warming cup of comfort and calm

Photo by Miguel Gaeta

Herbal teas have a way of comforting and smoothing our day. It’s choosing to appreciate a moment– pausing to nourish and rest.

It’s the perfect companion when snuggling in with your favorite book. And quite honestly, what’s better than sipping a warm, soothing cup of tea– connecting with friends and family?

Spontaneous heart-warming discussions around the table bring us back to the basics. It strengthens bonds and unity. These powerful rituals of simplicity bring much joy into our life.

Health Promoting

Herbal tea is a wonderful addition to your natural lifestyle routine. Unlike coffee, most herbal teas do not have caffeine, making it the perfect anytime drink.

Herbs are brimming with antioxidants and vitamins. The varieties seem endless, each offering unique and complementary benefits. Calming, sleep-inducing, detoxification, inflammation reduction, PMS ease, digestion, and stress reduction, to name a few.

Throughout generations, herbs have had a place in healing and prevention as part of a remedial routine.

Variety

Dried or fresh, the possibilities seem endless. You can steep most roots, seeds, and flowers. Herbs have a long history in both traditional and folk medicine.

Ginger and turmeric are some of my favorite roots to combine. They’re known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

You can also prepare teas from the bark of trees. One of my absolute favorites is Cuachalalate, known as Cuachalalá. In Mexico, it’s a popular drink known for its many healing benefits. It’s a delicious tea worth consideration.

As easy or involved as you’d like

Tea blends come in premade bags, making it quick and easy. They often come with an inspiring message on each tea bag — quotes and encouragement on gratitude, forgiveness, and kindness. Traditional medicinals and Yogi tea are a few of my favorites.

If you’re more on the creative side, there are numerous herbs to mix and match. You can fill reusable or disposable tea bags with loose herbs of your choice.

There’s also an array of unique and beautiful teapots that come with built-in infusers to fill with your creation.

Herbal teas can be as convenient or hands-on as you’d like. They’re available online, through clubs, shops, farmer’s markets, or your garden.

A calming herbal tea recipe

This calming blend is a perfect way to support sleep and ease stress holistically. I premix the herbs and store in an airtight container, so I have the blend on hand.

This combination promotes a restful and calm state. Feel free to add or eliminate herbs and roots.

Equipment

• kettle with or without filter or a small pan with a cover

• small mesh strainer

• your favorite ceramic mug

• airtight container

Ingredients

Dried herb mix

• 3 Tbsp chamomile

• 2 Tbsp hibiscus

• 1 tsp cornflower petals

• 1 tsp licorice root

• 1 tsp linden flower

• 1 tsp lavender

Remaining Ingredients

• 5–10 fresh mint leaves

• 1/2 inch of ginger root (peeled)

• 3 cups of water

• honey or maple syrup to taste

Instructions

1. Combine dried herbs in an airtight container. Measure out two tablespoons of your herb mixture and save the rest for later use.

2. Add two tablespoons of the herb mixture, ginger root, mint, and filtered water in a teapot or small pan. Cover.

3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Turn off heat and let steep for 10 to 20 minutes.

5. If you have a built-in filter in your teapot: remove the filter and pour the tea it into your mug.

6. If you’re using a pan or your kettle doesn’t have a filter: place a small strainer over your mug and pour contents through the strainer.

7. Taste and adjust to your liking. If it’s too strong, you can soften it by adding water. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.

Notes

• This article is for informational purposes only. It’s always best to check with your doctor when incorporating herbs– especially when taking medications, pregnant, and/or nursing.

• Links are non-affiliate

The possibilities are endless when it comes to herbal teas. This calming and comforting recipe is one of my go-to’s. I hope you love it!