Valued for their unique flavors and potentially restorative qualities, herbal teas have been a staple of both cooks and healers for thousands of years. Also known as tisanes, herbal teas are prepared by steeping a combination of flowers, stems, roots and seeds of the herb in hot water until you achieve the desired strength. The leaves of herbs contain the most nutrients, although the roots and bark of plants are frequently high in minerals. Whether you choose to drink herbal tea for pleasure or for its reported medicinal properties, keep in mind that, like all food and medicines, an allergic reaction or other undesirable side affects can occur. Consult with your primary-care physician if you are taking any other medications, or if you intend to drink more than an occasional cup of herbal tea.
Fresh Herbs
Step 1
Rinse fresh herbs under a gentle stream of running water and pat dry.
Step 2
Bring one cup -- 8 oz. -- of cold, filtered, spring or distilled water to a boil in a non-metallic pot. Pour the hot water into a porcelain or earthenware teapot.
Step 3
Chop or cut the fresh herbs into small pieces. Spoon one heaping tablespoon into a tea ball or infusion pot and submerge, or simply scatter the herb directly onto the hot water.
Step 4
Cover the pot and allow to steep for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 5
Strain the tea, if desired, and drink immediately, or cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Dried Herbs
Step 1
Purchase your dried herb of choice in bulk from a health or natural food store. Read the label carefully to determine the source and safety of the tea. Choose an organically grown herb, if possible.
Step 2
Place the dried herb in a coffee grinder and process until it becomes a coarse powder.
Step 3
Bring one cup -- 8 oz. -- of cold, filtered, spring or distilled water to a boil in a non-metallic pot. Pour the hot water into a porcelain or earthenware teapot.
Step 4
Spoon one heaping tablespoon of processed herb into a tea ball or infusion pot and submerge; or simply scatter the herb directly onto the hot water.
Step 5
Follow steps 4 and 5 for infusing fresh herbs.
Tips and Warnings
- If you prefer a traditional teabag, you can carefully remove the staple from a regular tea bag, empty the contents and replace with your favorite herbal tea. Fold the bag over a few times and re-staple. To make herbal tea from plant roots, seeds or bark, simmer in a cup of water over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Not all herbs are edible, and some are extremely toxic to the human body. Consult with a professional herbalist before experimenting with herbal teas.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh or dried edible herbs
- Filtered, spring or distilled water
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
- Coffee grinder
- Non-metallic pot
- Earthenware or porcelain infusion pot or tea ball
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