Examples of Tea Herbs
Rosemary is strong, so only a small amount is needed. This herb has a sort of pine-type taste and aroma. It is used for memory enhancement, digestion, improves depression, aids in headaches and sore throats.
Sage is another herb which can be used to treat sore throats. It has astringent and antiseptic qualities, and has a warm, woody aroma and taste.
Lemon verbena has a great lemony flavor and aroma, and can be used to enhance many tea blends. It dries fast and preserves well dried. There are other good lemon sources for tea, including lemon balm and lemongrass.
Rose hips contain vitamin C and bioflavoniods, so would hame a good addition to a cold/flu-type tea, or to just drink for a source of vitamin C. Hips can be dried and crushed before using in tea.
Mint can be a relaxing herb for tea and tea blends. Two common great tasting mints for tea are peppermint and spearmint, but there are many more that would add a great taste to many herbal teas.
Hops are used in some "sleepy" type commercial tea blends because of its sedative effects. This is a bitter tasting herb, however, so it would be advisable to blend with another herb used for taste, such as green tea or mint.
Chamomile is a sweet tasting little flower, widely used for tea. This herb makes a great tea all by itself, but can also be successfully used in a blend of a number of herbs. Its relaxing qualities makes it good in a cup of tea before bedtime.
Fresh or Dried?
Herbs can be used either fresh or dried in teas. Drying herbs and saving them in jars can extend your herbal tea enjoyment throughout the winter months.
How Much?
The basic measurement of herb per cup is one teaspoon; however, your own taste should be the deciding factor on how much is used. Keep in s that medicinal-type herbs should not be consumed at a higher dose than recommended.
Herbal Tea Blends
If you've tried commercial herbal tea blends, you may already know what you like. This could include different blends for morning and evening. An uplifting morning blend, one to wake up and feel good, could be a lemon and chamomile blend, or one that includes rosemary. To help induce sleep at bedtime, a blend could be composed of mint, hops and chamomile.
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