In this article we are going to explore 10 lovely herbal cuppas, their benefits and how to make them. So, grab a cuppa, and enjoy.
1. Chamomile Tea
This fragrant herbal tea helps to promote relaxation and sleep, soothe digestive issues and aids gut flora.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the flowers or tea bag.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose flowers and enjoy!
2. Peppermint Tea
This refreshing herbal tea aids digestion and can also relieve headaches.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the leaves or tea bag.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose leaves and enjoy!
3. Ginger Tea
This kitchen spice helps to alleviate nausea, improve digestion and reduces inflammation. This is a good tea to have at the start of the day to stimulate the gastric process.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the ginger.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using fresh ginger and enjoy!
This is lovely served with a slice of fresh lemon.
4. Rooibos Tea
This tea is a good replacement for regular black tea. It is rich in antioxidants and supports heart health.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 teaspoon of rooibos leaves or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the leaves.
3. Steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose leaves and enjoy!
5. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus is a beautiful red flower, and makes a naturally sweetish red tea. It is naturally calming and helps to lower blood pressure and supports the immune system.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 tablespoon of dried hibiscus petals or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the petals.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose petals and enjoy!
6. Lemon Balm Tea
The fresh leaf of this garden herb has a soft fresh lemony scent when you bruise it between your fingers. It is a delight just to inhale this scent. A tea made from this herb can reduce stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality and may also help with hayfever symtpoms.
How to Brew:
1. Use a few fresh leaves, 1 tablespoon of dried lemon balm leaves or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the leaves.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose leaves and enjoy!
7. Lavender Tea
This English garden herb, helps to promote relaxation, and soothes the skin.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the flowers.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose flowers and enjoy!
8. Echinacea Tea
This herbal tea boosts the immune system and reduces cold symptoms, it is definitely one to have in the house during the cold and flu season.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 tablespoon of dried echinacea or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the echinacea.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose echinacea and enjoy!
9. Lemongrass Tea
This culinary herb aids digestion and helps to detoxify the body.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 tablespoon of dried lemongrass or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the lemongrass.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose lemongrass and enjoy!
10. Turmeric Tea
This common spice has a great anti-inflammatory action on the body and also boosts brain function.
How to Brew:
1. Use 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric or 1 tea bag.
2. Pour 8 ounces / 0.5 pints / 0.25 litres of boiling water over the turmeric.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain if using loose turmeric and enjoy!
Tips for Brewing the Perfect Herbal Tea
Water Temperature: Use boiling water (around 212°F or 100°C) to fully extract the flavors and benefits.
Steeping Time: Steep (allow to brew) for 5-10 minutes unless otherwise directed. Oversteeping can sometimes lead to a bitter taste (Don’t ask me how I know).
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality, organic ingredients when possible for the best flavor and health benefits.
Customisation: Feel free to add honey, lemon, or other herbs to customize your tea to your taste.
Enjoy exploring these wonderful herbal teas and their unique benefits!
Do you have a favourite herbal tea blend, what are the health benefits you are enjoying from it? I would love to hear from you.
If you would like to hear the FB live I did on this topic (the above is a summary), please follow the button below to recording (it is on my FB group)