Sunday, January 3, 2010

Herbal Tea Recipe Swap


There is something about a bracing cup of herbal tea to take away a chill, and as I was looking out the window at the snow covered ground yesterday I started wondering about blending herbs for experimental brews. So I decided to do some investigating to see what others liked.


It seems mint is popular with most people. But there are so many mints it would take the rest of the winter to try them all. Luckily, Iced Mint Tea also seems to be a winner.

When making herbal tea, use 2 leaves of herb per cup. Don’t brew herbal tea in a metal container, and strain tea leaves before drinking.

Fill the cup with boiling water and let it steep. If you cover the cup with the saucer, it will keep it from cooling quickly. If you like sweet tea, add 1 teaspoon of honey.

Applemint tea is a favorite of many, especially during the holidays, with a little added cinnamon. It sounds like it would also be a good iced tea.

I really enjoy spearmint tea, but I tend to reserve it for when my tummy is bothering me.

Orangemint has also been recommended. As has pineapple mint and peppermint. Peppermint is available in black or white.

Catnip is considered a mint, and makes a relaxing bedtime drink, unless you’re a cat.

While mint makes a wonderful tea on its own, it also enhances your favorite brand of commercial tea.

Other herbal tea favorites include lemon balm and lemon verbena.

A blend of thyme, oregano, chamomile, marjoram and sage is a sworn favorite of my friend Phyllis. She uses the herbs in equal measurements.

I think a bit of sage and rosemary added to peppermint tea would be good, as would a blend of the citrus mints.

Once you find your favorite blend, experiment by adding medicinal herbs to your brew. Especially during flu season.  Learn more about medicinal herbs.

If you have a favorite herbal tea blend, please share it in the comment section below. It would help a lot of us with our plans for the organic herb garden.

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