How To Craft Your Own Herbal Teas

(collaborative post)

There’s quite a bit of novelty when crafting your own herbal teas. You have endless options for creating your blend, and you can either stick to existing mixtures or curate one of your own. Plus, you get a sweet-smelling and great-tasting drink at the end to indulge in afterwards. You could even store your remaining blend for future purposes.

The whole process requires much thought and patience, like how you should approach life. Dive into the process and learn how to embrace a slow living mindset.

1. Find Your Equipment

It’s essential to have all the necessary tools for your tea-making endeavours. One of the most basic ones is a tea kettle, teapot and a mug. You can use a stovetop kettle if you prefer to boil your water manually, though there are electric ones that heat water more quickly.

Since the herbal tea will be made from scratch, a dehydrator is a must. Measuring appliances also come in handy. However, keep in mind that different parts of the plant are used, which will likely result in different consistencies. A digital kitchen scale is ideal, as weighing by weight can give you more accuracy than weighing by volume.

You can also look for a jar to place your herbal tea blend in. Dark-coloured and airtight glass is ideal to help block out sunlight and moisture. Plastic, aside from being unsustainable, can absorb your herbs’ scents and change the tea-tasting experience.

2. Choose Your Herbs

The next step is to choose the herbs for your tea blend. There are many ways to approach this, from considering the season to your recipient’s preferences. If you’re making it for yourself, ask yourself what herbs you enjoy.

Remember to be intentional about your tea blend. Think about it like cooking ingredients — basil has minimal flavour. However, adding rosemary, oregano, thyme and sage can complement one another to create an Italian spice. Mixing and matching your herbs should also focus on the same principle. Here are a few sample recipes you can try out.

Immune-Boosting Blend

Some people refer to herbal tea as tisane, which means a beverage with medicinal effects. If you want to boost your immune system, include these components in your herbal tea:

•  Cinnamon: Cinnamon tea is already quite a powerhouse on its own. It can help prevent bacteria growth and reduce overall inflammation in your body. Some people also use it to lower their blood sugar.
• Ginger: Ginger can add an unexpectedly spicy flavour to your blend. It is known to soothe the throat and minimise bloating. It also assists with protecting nerve function and managing cholesterol levels.
• Turmeric: Turmeric tea has gained popularity over the last few years and is known for its curry-like tones. It can reduce swelling and sores within the mouth. Some people also use it to mitigate fat buildup.

Bright and Fruity Fusion

A fruity tea mix is a way to go when you’re a fan of bright bursts of flavour. Plus, they’re easy to make as many fruits go well together. Here’s a fusion you may enjoy:

• Lemongrass: It’s a common misconception that lemongrass tastes similar to lemon. The truth is it has a more mint-like flavour with minimal citrus undertones.
• Strawberry: Fresh strawberries are a great addition to herbal tea, as they are a natural sweetener. Some batches may have a higher acidity, resulting in a more sour taste.
• Mango: Adding mango to your tea blend adds a tropical infusion to your beverage. You can opt for peach mango for a more lively and sweet taste.

Relaxation Elixer

People like to drink tea for the warm and relaxing properties that it has to offer. Here are the ingredients for a restful blend and an even more calming smell.

• Chamomile: Chamomile flowers have a soothing scent perfect for relaxing herbal teas. When processed, they have a subtle sweet, and clean taste.
• Lavender: If you prefer wood-like undertones, lavender is a great choice. It is very aromatic with a more pungent flavour. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering your blend.
• Valerian: Valerian herbs are best known for their medicinal properties. They can help treat migraines and insomnia, which is essential when resting.

3. Airdry and Measure Your Herbs

Next, measure and airdry your herbs. Unless you’re using the fruit or its concentrate, air drying is the best way to retain the flavours of your roots, leaves or flowers for future brewing.

You can use a dehydrator to quicken the process or resort to the hang-drying process. It involves letting your plant components hang in the air and allowing them to naturally run out of moisture. To get the best results, slow dry the herbs in a space with low humidity.

Next, measure the herbs for the blend. The higher the grams, the more flavourful that ingredient will be. However, there are exceptions, like lavender, where a little goes a long way.

4. Slowly Brew Your Teas

With your herbs blended, it’s time to brew yourself a drink. Remember to be meticulous with your brewing process. Pouring boiling water over your blend could burn your tea leaves and inhibit their flavour. It’s best to recall the slow living ethos at this time, which is deliberately pacing yourself to discover joy in even the most mundane things.

You’ve just created a masterpiece of different flavours at your fingertips, so why rush now? After boiling your water, give it time to sit before putting it in with your loose herbs. You can strain once you get your desired colour. Remember to store your remaining blend in a container.

5. Have a Mindful Tea-Drinking Ritual

With the herbal tea in hand, it’s time to practice mindfulness when you’re drinking. Here are a few steps you can incorporate into your routine.

• Give yourself enough time: Whether you’re drinking the tea in the morning, afternoon or evening, pause your schedule and enjoy your cup. You can get a whiff of the aroma and take small sips as you appreciate your blend.
• Have a calming activity: Herbal teas are known for their calming properties as they exclude caffeine. However, you can make the drinking experience even more soothing with a nice activity. Breathing exercises help you become more aware of the moment, while journaling lets you reflect on past or future events.
• Share the practice with loved ones: Slow living is not synonymous with getting left behind. It merely means you’re learning to appreciate the small things in life, and that’s best done with a friend or family member. Spread love and gratitude, and maybe share a cup of your herbal tea too.

Drink Herbal Teas and Enjoy the Intentional Slow Living

Crafting your herbal teas can be a soothing process, especially when you let yourself ponder the different effects, smells and tastes these components offer. Take your time and embody the slow living ethos.

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