Teas have been used in healing for centuries and across the globe, covering a vast ranges of cultures. They can help with a lot of things, from indigestion, anxiety, stress, sleep & so much more!
Some teas have proven health benefits and have been studied many times over, while others are still. relatively new. They have claims that have yet to be backed up by science & medicine.
In this post we will take a look at some of the different benefits of teas and how you can use them in your home.
In addition to your basic teas and bases you can also infuse your teas with other herbs and healing properties too. Honey, berries, and other fruits will add natural sweetness to your teas, in addition to providing antioxidants that you may need.
When looking at herbs there are many that have healing properties, you can use in both your teas and cooking.
It is always best to try the herb first to get its extract flavor profile before adding it into your meal or your tea. No one wants to add a savory element to a sweet tea and have the whole brew taste off. 😉
Adding a bit of information from another blog below here that had some amazing information. I have kept her hyper links in the info, so if you would like you can read more of her work too.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Zones 4-9
Brew the leaves into an aromatic, medicinal tea that tastes similar to mint but milder. It is purported to combat colds and flu, and the tea is soothing on a sore throat.
Calendula
Zones 9-11 (but can be grown as an annual in colder zones)
Calendula’s natural anti-inflammatory properties make it wonderful for curing a sore throat and it can also help to heal urinary tract infections. Read more about the benefits of Calendula here.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Zones 3-9
Catnip leaves and flowers can be brewed into a tea that is purported to help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Catnip tea tastes similar to mint but earthier and with slight cirtusy notes.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Zones 3-9
Chamomile is a good go-to tea just before bedtime because it is purported to promote sleep and treat insomnia (read more on that here). It may also reduce anxiety and soothe an upset tummy.
Dandelion (Taraxacum)
Zones 3-9
Dandelions aren’t just annoying weeds, they are actually a nutrient-packed superfood! They are rich in potassium as well as Vitamins A, C, and K, and dandelion tea is often used to help treat digestive problems.
Echinacea
Zones 3-9
Echinacea tea can help to boost your immunity and fight off colds and flu. Echinacea tea has a strong floral taste which many people like to pair with a sweetener like honey or stevia.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Zones 6-10
Fennel tea is purported to aid in digestion and painful menstrual cramps. The tea has a delicious, slightly bitter licorice taste.
Hibiscus
Zones 5-11
Be sure to choose an edible variety of hibiscus for making tea, as some are bred just to be ornamental. Hibiscus tea tastes fruity and tart. Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C, aids digestion, and may help to lower blood pressure.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Zones 7-10
Holy basil is full of vitamins and also contains zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. It is said to boost immunity, reduce stress, and promote overall health.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Zones 4-9
Lemon balm has a citrusy, slightly minty taste that makes for a delicious tea. It is also thought to have stress-reducing properties, so sip this when you need to calm your mind.
Mint (Mentha)
Zones 3-11
This herb is one of the most popular for tea, and it’s no wonder why. The comforting flavor of mint tea is perfect for a hot drink on a cold day. It can help soothe a sore throat and is thought to improve sleep. There are a ton of different mint varieties out there, so you can brew all kinds of tasty teas like chocolate mint, pineapple mint, and lots more!
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Zones 8-11 (but can be grown as an annual in colder zones)
Pineapple sage makes a lovely tea because it has the sweet taste of pineapple combined with the earthy flavor of sage. It also contains antioxidants, so this is a sweet treat you can feel good about putting into your body.
Rose (Rosa)
Zones 3-9
You can use rose petals and rosehips to make tea. Rose petal tea is full of Vitamin C to boost immunity and can help ease the pain of menstrual cramps, plus it has a lovely floral flavor. Rosehip tea has a tart, fruity flavor and is packed full of nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, and zinc.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Zones 6-9
Rosemary has a ton of health benefits, including helping to boost memory and mood and decrease inflammation. You can read more about rosemary’s numerous medicinal properties here. Rosemary tea is quite strong tasting on its own and is delicious blended with other herbs such as thyme or mint.
Stevia
Stevia leaves contain Vitamins C and A as well as iron, potassium, zinc, and calcium. Since the leaves are so sweet, I like to add them to other teas instead of using honey or other sweeteners. Read more on how to use stevia here.
More Tea Tips
Small space? No problem! Plant your tea herbs in a strawberry pot or turn this mosquito repelling planter into a tea garden with some of the herbs listed in the previous articles.
No garden space outside? Grow inside! You can create this vertical herb garden and harvest tea all year round.
Read this post on how to harvest and prep herbs for the perfect cup of tea every time.
Shopping Assistance:
You can always buy premade mixed teas that are infused with herbs or you can even plant the seeds yourself and create your own tea garden. It all depends on what your level of comfort is when working with plants.
If you would like to plant your own tea garden I will drop a few links below for you to purchase everything you need.
Links to purchase seeds:
Medicinal Herb Seed Assortment
Seed Starter Kit – Medicinal & Herbal Tea
https://www.deckerrdseeds.com/product/herbal-tea-garden-kit/embed/#?secret=LAP9GSLSre
Herbal Tea Garden Seed Kit (8 packets inside)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/756694549/grow-your-own-herbal-tea-garden
https://www.screentea.com/chamomile-tea-seed-kit-original-price-15-50/
Links to purchase teas already made:
https://www.herbalhealinginc.com/our-therapeutic-herbal-teas/embed#?secret=4EMqfOmR0D
https://www.swansonvitamins.com/yogi-tea-breathe-deep-16-bags-s?SourceCode=INTL4071
LunaOwl 