herbal tea

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Steep Time: 10-15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Intensity: Low. This is a gentle, soothing, and mild brew, perfect for quiet evenings.

• Servings: 1 large mug (approx. 12 oz / 350 ml)

• Yield: 1 cup of tea

Ingredient Notes

• Water: The foundation of any great tea. Use fresh, cold, filtered water. Water that has been previously boiled or has a strong taste (like from the tap) will result in a flat-tasting tea.

• Chamomile Flowers: The heart of this blend. Chamomile offers a sweet, apple-like flavor and is world-renowned for its mild sedative and calming properties.

• Lemon Balm: A member of the mint family, lemon balm adds a bright, refreshing lemony note without any sourness. It’s excellent for lifting the mood and reducing stress.

• Lavender Buds: Used sparingly, culinary lavender adds a touch of floral elegance and a deeply relaxing aroma. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it, or your tea may taste soapy.

• Dried Spearmint: This adds a familiar, refreshing minty undertone that beautifully bridges the floral and citrus notes, creating a well-rounded cup.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (350 ml) Fresh, filtered water

• 1 tablespoon (approx. 2-3 grams) Dried chamomile flowers

• 2 teaspoons (approx. 2 grams) Dried lemon balm

• ½ teaspoon (approx. 0.5 grams) Dried culinary lavender buds

• ½ teaspoon (approx. 0.5 grams) Dried spearmint

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Tools: You will need a small saucepan or an electric kettle with temperature control, a teapot or a large heatproof mug, and a fine-mesh strainer.

2. Heat the Water: Bring your fresh, filtered water to a boil. Once boiling, let it sit for just a moment to cool slightly. The ideal temperature for most herbal teas is just off the boil, around 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, letting the boiling water rest for 30-60 seconds is perfect.

3. Combine the Herbs: While the water is heating, place the dried chamomile, lemon balm, lavender buds, and spearmint into your teapot or directly into your large heatproof mug. Take a moment to inhale the beautiful, complex aroma of the dried herbs.

4. Pour the Water: Carefully pour the hot water over the herbs, ensuring they are all fully submerged.

5. Steep with Patience: This is the most crucial step. Cover your teapot or mug with a small plate or a lid. This traps the volatile aromatic oils and steam, ensuring you capture all the flavor and therapeutic benefits. Let the herbs steep for a full 10 to 15 minutes. Unlike black tea, herbal infusions benefit from a long steep and will not become bitter.

6. Strain and Serve: Place your fine-mesh strainer over a clean mug (if you steeped in a pot) or hold it over another mug (if you steeped in your drinking mug). Slowly pour the tea through the strainer to catch all the plant material. Gently press on the herbs with the back of a spoon to release any last drops of liquid.

7. Enjoy the Quietude: Find a comfortable, quiet spot. Hold the warm mug in your hands, inhale the soothing steam, and take your first sip. Let the gentle flavors wash over you. This tea is perfect on its own, but a small drizzle of raw honey can be added if you desire a touch of sweetness.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Cup

• Sourcing Your Herbs: For the best flavor, purchase your dried herbs from a reputable source. Look for bulk bins at natural food stores or trusted online retailers that specialize in culinary and medicinal herbs. Ensure your lavender is labeled “culinary grade.”

• Making a Bigger Batch: This recipe is easily multiplied. To make a pot for two, simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger teapot, maintaining the same steep time.

• The Sun Tea Variation: On a hot day, you can make a sun tea version. Combine all the herbs with cold water in a clear glass jar, seal it tightly, and place it in direct sunlight for 2-4 hours. Strain and serve over ice for a refreshing, non-caffeinated iced tea.

• Don’t Throw Away the Herbs! After straining, the spent herbs can be composted. Alternatively, you can let them cool and place them in a small bowl in the refrigerator. The fragrant aroma will help absorb odors and naturally deodorize the space for a day or two.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands and quantities of dried herbs used. Herbal teas provide negligible amounts of macronutrients.