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tea

Herbal Tea and Infusions

How to make a simple, satisfying cup from fresh or dried herbs - and when to steep longer.

Difficulty

beginner

Time

10-15 minutes

Herbal Tea and Infusions

The guide

Herbal Tea and Infusions

Making herbal tea is simple, but the details matter - steep time, water temperature, and fresh versus dried all affect what ends up in your cup. This guide covers the basics so you can get a good result every time.

Note: "Herbal tea" and "herbal infusion" are terms used interchangeably here. Neither contains tea leaves (Camellia sinensis); they are made entirely from herbs, flowers, and other plant parts.

What you need

  • Fresh or dried herbs
  • A kettle or pot
  • A mug, teapot, or mason jar
  • A fine mesh strainer, tea ball, or reusable tea bag
  • Honey or lemon to taste (optional)

Basic method

  1. Heat your water. For most herbal teas, water that has just come off the boil (200-208°F) works well. You do not need a precise temperature the way you do for green tea.
  2. Measure your herb. A general starting point: 1 tablespoon fresh herb per 8 oz water, or 1 teaspoon dried herb per 8 oz. Flowers like chamomile are lighter and you can use a slightly larger volume.
  3. Steep. Pour hot water over the herbs. Cover the cup or pot while steeping - this keeps aromatic oils from escaping with the steam. Steep for:

- Leafy herbs (mint, lemon balm, basil): 5-7 minutes - Flowers (chamomile, lavender): 5-10 minutes - Roots and seeds: 10-15 minutes (simmer in water for roots)

  1. Strain and sip. Remove the herb, add honey or lemon if desired, and enjoy while warm.

Stronger infusions (nourishing infusions)

For a longer, more concentrated preparation, use 1 oz (by weight) of dried herb to 1 quart of boiling water in a quart mason jar. Cover and steep for 4-8 hours or overnight at room temperature. Strain and drink throughout the day. This method is commonly used with nutritive herbs like nettles, oat straw, and red clover - not typically with strong aromatic herbs like peppermint, which can become overpowering.

Fresh vs. dried

Fresh herbs give a brighter, more delicate cup. Dried herbs give a more concentrated flavor. Both are valid; adjust quantity to taste.

Good herbs for simple teas: chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, lavender.