There’s something special about sipping on a cup of tea made from ingredients grown right in your own garden. From the moment you plant the seeds to the final harvest, each step of the process is infused with care and intention. In this blog post, we’ll explore a collection of herbal tea recipes using plants commonly found in herb gardens. These recipes harness the healing properties and aromatic flavors of chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, lavender, lemon verbena, and holy basil (tulsi) to create nourishing and delicious infusions. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of herbal tea-making with ingredients straight from the garden.
Tranquil Chamomile Blend
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves
Instructions:
- In a teapot or heatproof container, combine chamomile flowers, lavender buds, and lemon balm leaves.
- Pour hot water (just below boiling) over the herbs.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes to extract the flavors and beneficial compounds.
- Strain the tea and pour into cups.
- Sweeten with honey if desired.
- Savor the soothing aroma and gentle flavors of this tranquil blend, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Refreshing Peppermint Infusion
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon verbena leaves
- Slices of fresh lemon (optional)
Instructions:
- Place dried peppermint leaves and lemon verbena leaves in a teapot or infuser.
- Pour hot water over the herbs and let steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Add fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor and vitamin C.
- Strain the tea and pour into cups.
- Enjoy this refreshing and invigorating infusion as a morning pick-me-up or afternoon refresher.
Lavender Lemonade Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon verbena leaves
- Juice of half a lemon
- Honey or agave syrup to taste
Instructions:
- Steep dried lavender flowers and lemon verbena leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a pitcher and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweeten with honey or agave syrup to taste.
- Stir well to combine.
- Serve over ice for a refreshing twist on classic lemonade, infused with the floral notes of lavender and the citrusy brightness of lemon verbena.
Lemon Balm Mint Mojito
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
- Juice of one lime
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Sparkling water
- Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
- Steep dried lemon balm leaves and peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a glass filled with ice.
- Add lime juice and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
- Stir well to combine.
- Top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Enjoy this refreshing and herbaceous mocktail, reminiscent of a classic mojito, but with the soothing twist of lemon balm and peppermint.
Tulsi Turmeric Tonic
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried holy basil (tulsi) leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried turmeric root or powder
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Dash of black pepper (to enhance turmeric absorption)
- Honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
- Steep dried holy basil leaves, turmeric root or powder, grated ginger, and black pepper in hot water for 7-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a mug and sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Stir well to dissolve the sweetener and distribute the flavors.
- Sip on this warming and immune-boosting tonic to promote vitality and well-being, harnessing the healing power of tulsi and turmeric.
With these herbal tea recipes, you can transform your garden harvest into nourishing and aromatic brews that delight the senses and nurture the body. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, refreshment, or a boost of vitality, there’s a tea for every mood and occasion. So, gather your herbs, brew a cup, and let the magic of herbal infusions elevate your tea-drinking experience to new heights.