Have you planted herbs that are going growing like crazy now?  Or maybe you picked up a bunch of herbs at the farmer’s market and are wondering what to do with them all?  Herbal teas are a great way to use them.  A cup of tea is one of life’s greatest comforts, and herbal tea can help you stay hydrated and healthy.  Many herbs contain vitamins and antioxidants that help strengthen our immune systems and give us energy. They may also have essential oils, minerals and fiber that contribute to overall well-being.   Here are some great ways to use those herbs to create homemade teas to help heal your mind and body.  The best part is that unlike regular tea, there is NO caffeine.  Each recipe is for one cup of herbal tea.  For each recipe, pour boiling water over the herbs and steep for 8-10 minutes.  The final step?  Strain the herbs, and enjoy!

Peppermint Basil Potion

Peppermint tea is often used for soothing heartburn and tummy troubles.  Basil is clean and refreshing.  Use two teaspoons of chopped peppermint leaves and 4-5 basil leaves.

 

Ginger Hugs Tea

This tea is useful for stuffy colds and also brings energy and healing.  Use a teaspoon of fresh ginger, a teaspoon of chopped mint, and a squeeze of lemon.  You can add honey to sweeten it if desired.

Smarty Pants

Smarty pants tea may assist with sharpening memory and concentration.  Use 1/2 teaspoon rosemary leaves  and 2 teaspoons chopped spearmint.

 

Love & Peace

This  tea is great to drink when you are feeling bummed out or overwhelmed.  Use a teaspoon of lavender, a teaspoon of jasmine flowers, and 1 cinnamon stick.  Use only Jasminum species such as J. officinale, J. sambac, or J. polyanthum. Pick the flowers during the warmth of the day when the dew has dried, as buds or freshly opened flowers.  Lavender relaxes the body and decreases anxiety.  Jasmine has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces stress.  Both scents are known to induce calm.   Cinnamon is known to increase mental focus and help upset stomachs.  The scent of this tea is heavenly.

Calming Chamomile

Another calming tea, chamomile is known to reduce stress and tension as well as fight bacteria.  It can also improve digestion.  It has a fruity, apple-like flavor.  Use two teaspoons of chamomile flowers.

Delicious Dandelion

Dandelions are rich in vitamin K which helps prevent blood clots, and calcium which helps maintain bone health.  It is also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help your body detoxify.  Do not drink dandelion tea if you are allergic to ragweed and related plants as it may cause an adverse allergic reaction.  It also interferes with the absorption of many common antibiotics.  Do not drink dandelion tea if you are taking antibiotics.  If you have discussed this with your physician and have been given approval as to its safety,  use two to three teaspoons of dandelion flowers.

Fabulous Fennel Tea

The licorice flavor of fennel infuses this tea, and helps with digestion.  Use a teaspoon of fennel seeds or several fennel leaves.

Luscious Lemon Verbena

Zesty and refreshing, this tea can also aid health including digestion and pain.  Add one to two teaspoons of chopped or torn leaves to your cup.

Ravishing Rosemary Thyme

Bold and invigorating, this tea will give you a pop of invigoration.  For one cup use one teaspoon rosemary leaves and two teaspoons lemon thyme leaves.  You may add honey if it’s a little too strong.

Helpful Tips

• You can experiment with combining herbs you like to create your own unique concoction; just remember that the longer you steep your herbs, the stronger the flavor will be.
• When in doubt, don’t add too many herbs at the start.  You can always add more, but you can’t add less!
• Use only organic, pesticide-free and chemical fertilizer-free herbs & flowers.
• You can substitute dried herbs for fresh, but the steep time will be shorter, usually only 3-4 minutes.
• Always talk to your physician and get approval before consuming any herbal tea to ensure your safety.  Some herbs may interfere with medications you are taking, or may be dangerous due to possible health issues  you may have.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  You may also enjoy Nine Best Fresh Herbs To Use In Your Kitchen and 23 Yummiest Gluten Free Foods at Trader Joe’s.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!