While many find that it’s easy to pick up a box of herbal tea while they are at the grocery store (trust me I’ve done it many times), you haven’t had the best cup of herbal tea until you’ve made your own. Making herbal tea is easy, enjoyable, and best of all, it’s cheap!
As I stated in my previous article Self-Love, My Guide to Herbal Tea drinking herbal tea can be a mindful experience. That is true, nothing is more mindful than sipping on a cup of herbal goodness. When we grow, harvest, and prepare our own herbs for tea the entire experience can be very mindful and rewarding!
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How do you make your own herbal tea?
The process is an easy one. First, you must locate or grow your own herbs. While it’s getting late in the season to plant your own (unless you grow herbs indoors), it’s the prime time to harvest some in the wild. See below for a guide to wild herbs.
Tea is to the body as music is to the soul ~ Earlene Grey
Once you’ve harvested your herbs, you need to dry them. You can hang them to dry in a dry dark space or use a dehydrator if you have one (about 90 degrees)
Once they are dried completely, you can store them in airtight containers for use.
To make your tea I’ve done it several ways. You can add your tea blends to a tea ball strainer, tea infuser basket, or teapot with infuser. I’ve also purchased tea bags and filled my own (makes great Christmas gifts) or you can simply tie your herbs in a muslin or cheesecloth.
Pour boiling water over your herbs and let them steep for twenty minutes (this is best to get the maximum benefits).
That is it, now you just enjoy it!
Here are some common herbs to my area (Missouri) that can easily be found and cultivated:
Goldenrod. I had a dear friend from high school that contacted me regarding Goldenrod. They had seen a picture of my farm with Goldenrod growing all around and let me know they use it to make their own tea. I’ve lived here twenty years and harvested almost everything I’ve seen and never once thought to harvest Goldenrod. Now, thanks to her I will. Goldenrod offers many benefits including removes toxins, promotes sweating, anti-inflammatory to name a few.
Mints. Some mints grow wild. In my area, it’s Bee Balm. However, you can easily find peppermint, Wild Bergamot, and various other mint herbs growing around. Ask your gardening friends to see if they have any growing and if they mind you harvesting some.
Dandelion. As I mentioned above this is about the most common herb you can find. I harvest the roots and leaves. The best part is you can get dandelion almost anywhere. Early spring when they start to show is when I harvest my dandelions. While I’ve never made any myself, around these parts some make dandelion wine (it’s really good). If you detox regularly this makes a great tea to drink while you do.
Stinging Nettles. While I suggest you were gloves to cultivate it because it certainly lives up to its name. However, once you add it to boiling water it loses that sting. It’s rich in Vitamin A and C, magnesium, potassium and calcium, and iron. Offering many benefits from kidney and bladder issues, relieves congestion, and promotes hair growth to name a few.
If you need a reference for Wild Edibles in Missouri you can find that here. If you are in another state, I’m sure you can check with your local Department of Conservation to find one for your area.
What if I don’t want to grow my own herbs?
If growing your own herbs or harvesting them is not your thing, but you still want to blend your own teas I suggest you purchase high-quality herbs. For many years, I’ve always used Harmonica Arts (I am not an affiliate) I used them because for a long time I couldn’t find anywhere in this area to get my mushrooms or seaweed from. They are located in Canada and for that reason, it takes a little longer to get your product. However, I’ve always had really great luck with them and they are super friendly.
I’ve also used my local Amish store and as long as you don’t mind the occasional goat poop in your herbs, you should be fine with locating an Amish store in your area.
I am an affiliate for Starwest Botanicals and they do a great job. They have an organic herbs section (which is where I buy) and you can find about anything you need.
Growing, harvesting, and using herbs is something I’ve tinkered with since I bought my farm twenty years ago. I don’t claim to be a master at it, but I love doing it and have learned so much over the years. I always want to learn more. If you have any tricks or advice, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly. I would love to hear any experience or favorite herbs that you use.
If you have not already signed up for our weekly mindfulness challenge but would like to, please do so here. I would love you to be a part of this mindful tribe!
Peace & Love,
Ela
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