The Right Way of Using Herbal Tea Blends and 4 Best Herbs For Tea
Herbal tea blends are a delicious and healthy way to start your day or unwind after a long one. Before you reach for that tea bag, let us talk about the right way to brew the perfect cup of herbal tea.
At Myla's Moss today, we will walk you through the basics of herbal tea blending and share four of our favourite herbs that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So put on your tea kettle and get ready to sip on something truly divine.
Using herbal tea blends is pretty simple. First, add your favorite herb as a base ingredient and then any supporting ingredient to add extra flavour. Finally, add the "accent," which will complement the other two ingredients and further improve the taste of tea.
A warm cup of herbal tea provides amazing health and cognitive benefits. Whether you're sipping to soothe stress, boost immunity, or simply savour a comforting cup.
Join us on a journey of flavor and wellness as we explore the rich and fascinating world of herbal tea blends.
Herbal Tea Blending: What You Need to Know?
Today, herbal tea blending has become increasingly popular to create personalized and flavorful tea blends that has amazing taste and can provide various health benefits. A cup of herbal tea can help improve sleep, aid digestion, balance hormones, and provide many other benefits.
So, if you’re a tea enthusiast, making herbal tea blends should be on your to-do list. Let’s get you started with the basics of tea blending.
- Know the Properties of Various Herbs
First, you need to know a bit about the benefits of various herbs to decide which herb will be perfect according to your preference for the tea blend.
For example, if you want to improve your sleep adding Chamomile or Lavnedar to the blend is the best idea. 1
On the other hand, ginger and cinnamon are great for boosting metabolism. Herb like peppermint can help in relieving bloating, gas, and indigestion 2
- Experiment with Flavours
Peppermint and lemon balm tea blends taste fresh and minty. On the contrary, sage and dandelion roots are a bit bitter.
So, mixing and matching various aromas and flavours will allow you to make tea blends and mask the bitterness of different herbs by adding minty and fresh ones.
Experiment with different combinations of herbs and you might create your own customized delicious tea blend.
- Store Them Safely
Storing the herbal tea blends in a secure, air-tight jar will preserve their nutritious value, increase their life and make their taste last longer.
The Perfect Herbal Tea Blend: A Basic Formula
Here’s a little secret of making the best herbal tea blends.
- Select a Base Herb
The base herb will make up the majority of the blend. It will also provide a solid foundation to layer other herbs on top. Some amazing base herbs are chamomile, peppermint, etc.
- Choose a Secondary Herb
- Add an Accent
- Customize the Ratios
The various herbs' ratio depends on your preference and taste buds. You can start with equal amounts and tweak things as you like.
Herbal Tea: Tips for a Better Taste
Although some herbal tea blends may calm and relax your nerves, others are enough to set you puking for hours due to their taste. It is because natural herbs come in all flavours and aromas. While a many may tickle your taste buds, few are no less than a bitter cup of coffee.
But who says you must gulp down the most unpleasant tea blends to squeeze out the maximum benefits?
Here are a few tested tips on how to make herbal tea blends taste better.
- Fresh and Good Quality Ingredients
Choosing fresh and high-quality tea blends will naturally ensure that your tea has the maximum aroma and flavour. So, always go for fresh ingredients that taste and look garden-fresh.
Also, always source the ingredients from reliable vendors to ensure quality and hygiene.
- Keep the Temperature Balanced
Different herbal tea blends require different brewing temperatures. The right temperature will bring out the best flavours and colours. Generally, it is best to use water just below the boiling temperature as it is suitable for most herbs.
- Steep Properly
The brewing and steeping time also greatly impacts the aroma and flavour of your herbal tea. As a general rule, steep the tea for around 5 to 10 minutes for maximum benefits.
- Add Sweeteners
Some herbal tea blends are naturally a bit bitter and may not taste the best. In such a scenario, adding natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, etc., in the tea to retain the health benefits while punching up the flavour is best.
Best 4 Herbs for Herbal Tea Blend
If you are confused about where to start, we have rounded down some of the best herbs for tea blends. Although all herbs offer excellent benefits, we have picked our top 4 favourite combos. Have a look:
- Burdock Root
Also, it’s rich in antioxidants and may promote healthy digestion.
- Sheep Sorrel Leaves
Sheep sorrel leaves contain various nutrients and antioxidants and are known for their potential health benefits. 4 These help to support healthy digestion, boost the immune system, and potentially have anti-cancer properties.
- Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm bark may provide numerous health benefits, including soothing sore throats and coughs, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and potentially improving skin health. It's also a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients.
- Indian Rhubarb Root
Indian rhubarb root has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, including supporting healthy digestion, improving liver function, and potentially having anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Besides, it may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce oxidative stress.
The Bottom Line
Making unique herbal tea blends is a great way to aid your emotional and physical health. So, add them to your daily ritual and experience the joys of herbal tea.
If you are looking for a reliable source of organic herbs, check out Myla’s Moss Herb Hut. We offer a wide selection of high-quality organic herbs that are carefully sourced and prepared to ensure their effectiveness and potency.
FAQ's
How to make your own herbal tea blends?Making a DIY herbal tea blend is simple and fun. First, choose herbs you enjoy, and mix them in desired proportions. Use 1-2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, strain and enjoy!
What herbs can you mix together for tea?Many herbs can be mixed for tea, such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon balm. Experiment with different combinations and proportions to discover what you like.
Should you grind herbs for tea?Grinding herbs for tea is not necessary but can help release more flavour and aroma. However, it can also make the tea more bitter or cloudy. Try out different methods and seeing what works for you is best.
Is it better to make tea with fresh or dried herbs?Both fresh and dried herbs can be used to make tea, but dried herbs are generally preferred for their more robust flavour and longer shelf life.
- Zick, S. M., Wright, B. D., Sen, A., & Arnedt, J. T. (2011). Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 11(1), 1-8.
- Salaramoli, S., Mehri, S., Yarmohammadi, F., Hashemy, S. I., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2022). The effects of ginger and its constituents in the prevention of metabolic syndrome: A review. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 25(6), 664.
- Lin, S. C., Lin, C. H., Lin, C. C., Lin, Y. H., Chen, C. F., Chen, I. C., & Wang, L. Y. (2002). Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa Linne on liver injuries induced by chronic ethanol consumption and potentiated by carbon tetrachloride. Journal of biomedical science, 9(5), 401-409.
- Korpelainen, H., & Pietiläinen, M. (2020). Sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.): not only a weed but a promising vegetable and medicinal plant. The Botanical Review, 86, 234-246.