Learning how to make herbal tea can seem simple at first, but because there are so many varieties of herbal teas, one recipe hardly fits all. This page was created to teach you how to make the perfect cup of herbal tea, which can help you relax, rejuvenate or whatever else the health benefits may be for that specific herbal infusion or tisane.
Rosemary
Rosemary leaves can act as a tonic and help reduce Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Enjoy a cup of rosemary tea before lunch and before dinner two days before your period for maximum benefits.
How to Make Herbal Tea for PMS Relief
1. Place 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of dried rosemary leaves in your cup.
2. Add 250 ml of boiling water (1 cup).
3. Cover with a lid, saucer or plate and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Enjoy while warm.
How to Make Herbal Tea for Headache Relief
Ginger tea can help relieve tension headaches, indigestion or congested sinuses. Its effectiveness against digestive problems is largely due to its active ingredient called gingerol. Gingerol helps with the neutralization of stomach acids and tones the muscles of the digestive tract. Good news for pregnant women: ginger tea is a good remedy against morning sickness and it will not harm the fetus.
1. Grate enough fresh ginger to produce 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of ginger.
2. In a pot, bring 400 ml (1 1/2 cup) of water to a boil with the freshly grated ginger.
3. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it steep for another 10 minutes.
4. Pour in a cup and sip slowly while inhaling the steam as you drink the ginger infusion.
How to Make Chamomile Tea
While this particular herbal tea can brag about being the first ever herbal tea (as documented in 1550 BC), it can also brag about being here to stay. Chamomile originates in Ancient Egypt and offers relaxation in a cup of sweet apple-like taste and aroma. It can help relieve nausea and anxiety and it promotes sleep.
To prepare a cup of chamomile tea, simply use 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of fresh chamomile or 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of dried chamomile flowers for each 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water.
How to Make Herbal Tea - Rooibos Tea
Rooibos originates from South Africa and is also known as Red Bush Tea or Red Tea. Its worldwide popularity started during World War II when Japanese and Chinese tea supplied became unavailable.
This caffeine-free alternative to tea has since become another favourite and is slowly becoming more and more popular in Canada and the United States. Amongst its benefits, you can include a high count in antioxidants, which helps prevent premature aging of the skin and helps promote a healthy immune system.
To prepare it, use 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of rooibos tea for each 250 ml (1 cup) of water. For best taste, do not bring the water temperature above 82 C or 180 F and let it steep for 7 minutes.
How to Make Dandelion Tea
If you do not use pesticide on your lawn, you can use the dandelion roots from your yard. If not, you can always buy some from your local natural health store. Dandelion tea is a mild diuretic that helps cleanse the liver.
To prepare it, take about 8 g (0.02 lb) of dandelion root (which you can pre-roast for added flavour) and add 500 ml of water (2 cups). Let it simmer for 10 minutes and enjoy.
How to Make Tulsi Tea
Tulsi tea is also known as Holy Basil. It can help reduce cortisol levels (the well-known stress hormone) and bring you in a more relaxed state. Dried leaves can be used to relieve flatulence and the sensation of fullness.
To prepare it, add 2 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of dried leaves to 250 ml (1 cup) of boiled water.
How to Make Herbal Tea for Stomachache Relief
Peppermint tea can help soothe the stomach and improve digestion.
1. Bring water to a boil.
2. For each 250 ml (1 cup) of water, use 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of peppermint tea.
3. Enjoy after a large meal.
How to Make Herbal Tea - Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba Mate is a South American drink that can be used to energize the body and mind. It was introduced to the rest of the world as a substitute for coffee because of its stimulating effects. It has a very different taste to say the least but you should give it a try to experience the stimulating effects first-hand.
1. Bring water to a boil.
2. For each 250 ml (1 cup) of water, use 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of Yerba Mate tea.