Make Your Own Tea Blend Plus 6 Easy Recipes - The Outdoor Apothecary (2024)

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The best reason I can think of as to why you should make your own tea blend is so that you can ensure the quality of your tea.

As you know, there are tons of commercially available teas and tea blends on the market today. But what we don’t often know, is the quality of the product.

These store-bought teas often have artificial flavorings and colorings and may have at some time been sprayed with some kind of chemical.

You can avoid this problem by making your own tea blend from your own homegrown herbs or from herbs collected from areas you know are chemically free.

It’s important to *note that technically speaking, caffeine free herbal teas aren’t actually teas at all but really what herbalist call “tisanes”. Only brews made from traditional tea leaves of theCamellia sinensisplant are true teas, however, we will use the loose term “tea” here to discuss our homemade brews.

With a handful of herbs, many of which can be found in your kitchen cabinets, and a few basic techniques, you can brew up healing teas for everyday ailments and make your own tea blend in no time.

There are lots of ways to enjoy the goodness of plants, but for accessibility and simplicity, it’s hard to beat a good cup of tea. I especially enjoy it when the tea contains herbs I grew, foraged, or blended myself.

There are also so many health benefits to drinking tea that can’t be denied. Here are a few of the known benefits.

1. Fights Colds and Flu

Herbal teas are great for treating a cold. When you’re fighting a cold, it’s important to load up on liquids that keep you hydrated. A great choice is a cup of hot tea, as it can soothe a sore throat and break up congestion.

2. Improves Digestion

Several herbal teas have been shown to help with nausea, constipation, indigestion, and more. Fortunately, most of them are widely available and easy to make. Some herbs that are known to help include: ginger, peppermint, gentian root, fennel, angelica root, dandelion, senna, and marshmallow root.

3. Boosts Immune System

The antioxidants and vitamins found in herbal teas are great for helping fight disease and infections. They can protect against oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic disease. Some of the best herbal teas for boosting your immune system include elderberry, echinacea, ginger, and licorice root tea.

4. Reduces Inflammation

There are a variety of beneficial compounds present in different kinds of tea that can help to soothe inflammation, including tea itself as well as rose petals and rose hips, ginger, turmeric, chamomile, and more.

5. Anti-aging

The antioxidants found in herbal teas have shown to aid in slowing down the aging process. They prevent free radical damage and reduce the aging of cells in the body. This makes your skin and hair look and feel younger.

6. Stress Relief

Herbal teas calm and relax the mind, relieving stress and anxiety. Since it calms the mind, drinking herbal tea before going to sleep also helps people who suffer from insomnia.

Chamomile tea is one of the best teas for stress relief and difficulty sleeping. The comforting effect may also act as a mild anti-depressant for some, as it stimulates the brain to reduce feelings of depression.

7. Lower Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure can be a scary diagnosis, but it’s possible to reduce it by changing lifestyle and diet. Of course, you and your doctor would need to discuss your treatment plan. The good news is that there have been many successful instances of people doing this naturally and without medication. One of the things that can help accomplish this is by drinking herbal tea, especially in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

8. Great for Skin Health

Herbal tea has a lot of antioxidant properties that can be used for acne and overall skin health. The tea can either be ingested normally or by directly applying the tea onto the skin.

Rooibos and chamomile tea are some of the best teas for treating the skin due to their antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Spearmint tea may also work as it reduces the breakout of acne.

The answer to this might surprise you since we’ve always been told that water is the healthiest thing you can drink, but the answer is tea.

According to a new study in theEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinkingthree or more cups of tea a day you might be doing your health more good than drinking plain water. Wateris essentially replacing fluid.Teareplaces fluids and contains antioxidants, so you’re actually getting double the benefit. Now, if that’s not reason enough to make your own tea blend, I don’t know what is!

So let’s get going to the fun part of where you get to make your own tea blend.

In the next section I will show you the three simple steps needed to make your own tea blend. Blending is not only easy, but it gives you the opportunity to experiment with flavors and create those you enjoy the most.

The trick to blending tea is to choose complementary herbs that help you to make your own tea blend that supports your taste preference or even your dietary needs. This is often referred to as herbal synergy, meaning that each herb enhances the effects of the others. The blend becomes more than the sum of its parts.

If you’re new to blending herbs, the three-step method is a good guideline to get you started. This method is mainly used if you are looking to create a tea blend that addresses a particular problem or health condition you are experiencing.

If you are just looking for flavor, then you can be much looser in your blending efforts.

Step 1 -To find herbal synergy when you make your own tea blend, you should start with the herbal action you require (immune support, calming, digestive stimulant, etc.). Use your preferred herb as the “active ingredient” base. In other words, the main ingredients in medicinal blends are herbs that directly address a specific health concern. These primary herbs make up 70 to 80 percent of a blend.

Step 2– Next, add a “supportive herbal ingredient” that is often used to soothe and buffer the effects of the stronger primary herbs. Supportive herbs make up 20 to 30 percent of a blend.

Step 3 -The final ingredient is the “catalyst” which adds a pop of flavor or offers stronger potency to the active ingredient by providing a complimentary action. Catalyst herbs are included in small amounts, 5 to 10 percent of a blend, catalyst herbs have a warming or stimulating effect on the body and serve to “activate” the tea. Ginger, peppermint, and cinnamon are frequently used as catalysts.

The proportions are not set in stone, but rather fluid. Have fun and experiment. I like to start with 3 parts active ingredient, 1 to 2 parts supportive herbs, and 1/4 to 1 part catalyst. Adjustments can be made as needed.

I like to mix up enough to fill a small airtight Weck tulip jar and typically have a few varieties of tea blends on hand at any given time.

*Generally speaking, 1 tablespoon of tea blend per 6 ounces (0.23 kg) hot water is a good ratio, to begin with.

When you make—rather than simply take—your remedies, the very act is medicinal in itself.

Blending teas is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to reconnect to the age-old practice of herbal medicine, a healing system that’s been relied on by every culture in the world. Here are some of the most common herbs that you can use to easily make your own tea blend.

• Rooibos -It comes from a plant native to South Africa, and the drink there is called red bush tea. It’s caffeine-free and is full of antioxidants. Some researchers believe, based on studies done on animals, that this herb may boost the immune system and help prevent cancer.
• Rose Buds — In addition to being an immune booster, rosebuds can help to improve digestion and blood flow and relieve menstrual cramping and stress.

• Chamomile -This wonderful plant is often used to ease upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, insomnia, and anxiety. It’s important to note that if you are allergic to ragweed, then you should stay away from chamomile.

• Rose hip — This lovely plant contains vitamin Cand may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers.
• Peppermint—A personal favorite. Some people like this herb for its ability to help with upset stomach, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, and breathing problems.
• Marshmallow root —A “cooling” root, it helps to relieve the dry, scratchy throat that comes with a cold.
• Ginger—The root of this plant is well known for its ability to help with nausea and upset stomach and should not be overlooked. You might also try it to boost your appetite, to relieve arthritis pain, or to fight a cold.
• Dandelion Root— This is a great overall cleanse for the kidneys and liver and adds a nice flavor to your teas.
  
• Cinnamon —It has many powerful properties and including it in a tea will help to relieve inflammation, promote healthy blood flow, and contribute to gut health.
  
• Lemon balm— This delicious herb is helpful for calming nerves and for relaxing you to help you sleep. It may also improve memory, although researchers want to learn more. It can cause tummy troubles for some, so be careful about overuse.
• Oat Straw —Oat straw is highly nutritive, containing minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, and a variety of other constituents that deeply nourish the entire body. This gentle restorative herb is for those that are cold, depleted, or tired.
• Hibiscus —This plant is full of antioxidants. Some small studies have found that it can lower blood pressure and also shows promise of lowering cholesterol.
• Valerian – This plant is said to promote healthy relaxation and sleep.
• Echinacea— Also known as Coneflower — this plant is known as a cold remedy. It does seem to boost the immune system, and researchers are studying it as a treatment for the flu.
• Sage —This herb has been used forever for stomach problems, sore throats, depression, and memory loss.
• Orange Peels —Very rich in vitamin C!
• Turmeric—A powerhouse of a herb, turmeric and especially its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s andcancer. It’s a potentanti-inflammatory and may also help improve symptoms of depression andarthritis.
• Lavender— This lovely herb is thought to calm nerves, lead to better sleep, and improve skin health.
• Elderberry— A strong immune booster, elderberry also contains fiber for gut health and may help with joint pain.
• Holy basil —A fantastic plant known to be able to tackle stress,anxiety, andinflammation. Use the leaves to make a relaxing cup of tea.

This tea is my go-to, vitamin- and mineral-rich tonic to nourish and support the body through the winter months.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts nettle leaf
• 2 parts peppermint or spearmint leaf
• 1 part lemon balm leaf
• 1 part milky oats
• 1 part red clover blossom
• 1 part burdock root

Instructions

• • Mix your herbs together. For each cup of hot water, add 1–2 tablespoons of your herbal mix. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Add honey if you like it sweet. You can have a few cups of this tea during the day.

  • If you want your tea to have even more good stuff from the herbs, let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Make a big batch, leave it to soak overnight, and then warm it up when you want to drink it the next day.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm
• 2 tablespoons dried rose hips, cut & sifted
• 1 tablespoon dried oat straw
• 1 tablespoon dried chamomile
• 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients together & mix thoroughly. Store in a sealed container in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

For a hot cup of tea:

• For a single serving hot cup of tea, place 1 tablespoon of the tea blend into a tea ball or bag. In a mug, add the filled tea ball or bag and fill with 1 cup (0.24 l) hot water. Cover & let steep for 8–10 minutes, then enjoy! (Sweeten if desired!)

For a cold infusion:

• • In a 1 quart (0.95 l) jar, add 1/4 cup of the tea blend & fill the rest of the jar with water. Cover and let sit 8–10 hours, or overnight. Then strain out herbs.
  • Enjoy as is, add ice for extra refreshment, & sweeten with honey or other sweetener of choice if desired. (Drink tea within ~3 days.)

Tranquil Tea. This one contains ingredients chosen to relax and calm you.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp chamomile
• 1 tsp lemonbalm
• 1/2 tsp lavender

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or cup
2. Place a plate or top onto mason jar and let infuse for 20 minutes*
3. Remove plate and filter tea through strainer or cheesecloth
4. Add honey or sweetener if desired
5. Sip and enjoy!

This recipe from Wellness Mamais said to be both calming and to soothe stomach aches and other digestive problems. For each serving, the ingredients are:

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp mint leaves
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• Pinch of driedginger(optional)

Instructions

• Pour 1 cup (0.24 l) of boiling water over the tea mixture, cover, and steep for 5 minutes before drinking.

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