Plant your own herbal tea garden

Yes, you can buy herbal teas but growing and drinking your own is more rewarding in terms of flavour and your physical and emotional wellbeing. You don't even need a garden , one or more pots on a windowsill is sufficient.

Planting your herbs

In pots

Fill a third of a pot with potting mix. Place the plant on top and cover roots with more potting mix. Press soil down firmly and water. Place in a sunny position. Fertilise a month later.

In the garden

Rake soil level and remove any debris. Plant so the top of the rootball is just below the surface. Press down firmly and water well.

Some herbs to plant

Respiratory: Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Sage, Rosemary

Digestive: Mint, Lemon Balm, Fennel

Relaxing: Chamomile, Lavender

Headaches: Feverfew, Mint

Wound healing: Calendula

Brewing your herbs

Warm teapot / cafeteria by filling with boiled water. Empty after a few minutes.
Add washed fresh leaves (6-8), flowers (crushed with a spoon) or dried herbs ( 1 heaped teaspoon per person) to pot.
Add boiling water and cover.
Leave for 5 - 15 minutes to infuse.
Sweetened with honey and flavour with fruit or ginger slices if desired.
Take 5 minutes out to enjoy the ritual of making and drinking tea. Inhale the aroma, feel the warmth, taste the flavour..

Picking your herbs for tea

Pick in the morning after dew dries and before it gets too warm.

For leafy herbs only take a third of the plant at a time to allow the herb to keep growing.

For floral herbs pick when flowers are in bud as the essential oils are more concentrated.

If drying carefully wash and dry leaves / flowers. Hang upside down or on trays in a warm, dry place. Turn twice daily. When dry and brittle (4 - 8 days), gently remove leaves,/ buds / flowerheads. Store and label in airtight containers.

Make Iced herbal tea

Make a pot of Herbal Tea, let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To make an iced drink, mix half a cup a tea with half a cup of fruit juice or sparkling water.

Make your own blends

Experiment by mixing different herbs together. For example, Lemon Balm, Mint and thyme.

Over to you

What will you plant? I'd love you to share photos of your herbal tea garden and tell me about which individual or blended teas you make and how they make you feel.

Contact me for advice on herbs for your specific health conditions.