How to Make Home-Made Herbal Tea

Hello! This is how to make a delicious tea using herbs from your own garden. You will need a handful of any herb used for tea, string/twine, water, a pot, a mug, and your choice of sweetener or additive.

You may either purchase herbs from a local grocery store or harvest your own. Some of the best options include spearmint, peppermint, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, dandelion, yarrow, ginger, or sage. Pick out the largest, healthiest looking stalks and clip the stem (using garden clippers or scissors) a few inches below the first leaves. If you do not have a tool, you may gently snap the herb or plant with your fingers. Pick close to a handful or enough to fill a cup.

Gather a bundle with a width around the size of a quarter of your chosen herb(s). Cut a nine-inch (adjustable depending on amount of herbs) piece of twine or yarn. Tie a loop around the end of a bundle towards the bottom of the stems. Make sure to keep it tight and not squish any leaves. Next tie a small loop at the end of the twine that is hanging off of the bundle.

Hang the bundle(s) off of any shelf, window, or high place that is out of reach of pets and can stay there for a while. Leave the herbs hanging for 2-3 weeks or until completely dry.

Now that your herbs are dry, take them down. The leaves will be fragile at this point, but don't be afraid to break them. Untie or cut the twine and then using your index finger and thumb, run your fingers down each piece or individually pick the leaves off.

Put the leaves in a plastic bag and crush by squeezing the bag, or use your hands to break the leaves into little pieces. Make sure every bit is broken up well and there are no stem reminents.

Boil 1-2 cups of water in a pot or just microwave until hot (I do around 1.5 minutes). You may use a kettle if it's available.

Fill a tea strainer with 1-2 tablespoons of herbs. Ensure that it is closed all the way so no leaf bits get in your tea. The fastening process is different for every strainer

Drop the tea strainer into your mug or heatproof cup. Let the tea steep for at least five minutes or until color is apparent (should appear yellowish green). Make sure it is not too hot to drink.

Now that the base of your fresh tea is done, add any sweeteners, fruits, or just enjoy plain. I like to add a few drops of honey to mine. You can even add milk or ice to make it an iced tea.

If you don't finish your tea, store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can keep your extra herbs in a jar or plastic bag to use for another cup of tea at any time. Dried herbs can last up to 3 years in storage!