Herbal Tea Recipes

I’m brewing up a pot of herbal tea recipes just for you! And, yes, there’s a sort of renaissance going on when it comes to tea herbs!

We’ve “been there, done that” and now we’re embracing the things of nature – the way our parents and grandparents did years ago. And “taking tea” makes us slower our pace, quiet ourselves and just appreciate the moment.

Herbal teas are in the forefront not just because they’re different, but because herbal teas are good for you.

If you’ve ever brewed a cup of peppermint tea after an unsettling meal, or sipped some chamomile tea at bedtime to help you sleep, then you have taken advantage of the natural properties of herbs for therapeutic value.

Herbs have no caffeine or calories. Tisanes come from the Greek word for medicinal brew, and usually contain leaves and flowers and sometimes fruit (elderberries, etc.) for a therapeutic brew.

Remember, the body’s healing begins from within, so it makes sense that one of the best ways to use an herb’s curative properties is to brew it into tea and take it internally. When boiling water is poured over an herb and the herb is allowed to steep, the herb’s cell walls are broken releasing soluble organic compounds and essences into the water – that’s why herbal teas smell so great. I hope all of our readers pick up a selection of tea herbs next time they visit Natorp’s!

BREWING HERBAL TEAS

Pour boiling water over tea herbs: Use 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs per cup. If making in a pot, add an extra teaspoon or tablespoon (if using fresh) – this is called “one for the pot”. Cover to prevent aromatic steam from escaping. Let steep for 3-5 minutes. Don’t steep longer because the tea will have a bitter flavor. If you want a stronger flavor, add more herbs.

Good herb combinations:
• Ginger, lemon, honey, cayenne pepper. Good for upper respiratory ailments
• Thyme and sage, with a bit of ginger – great for sore throats.
• Lavender, Chamomile, Bee Balm (also known as Monarda, Oswego tea, and Bergamot tea) and Rose Hips: Relaxing and soothing – the rose hips contain vitamin C and A and help reduce coughs. Bee Balm has a minty flavor and helps reduce nausea.
• Spearmint, lemon balm, hibiscus flowers, lemon peel, rose petals and cinnamon sticks. Makes a wonderful iced afternoon tea, perfect for a pick-me-up.

To sweeten herbal tea: A natural herb, like Stevia (which Natorp’s sells) or honey.