16 herbal (iced or not) teas

Homemade herbal tea can be made from even the smallest herb garden

Beautiful in the landscape, fragrant and tasty in the kitchen, herbs are also valued for their health and medicinal benefits. They contain many vitamins, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium and zinc.

Besides cooking delights like chicken with rosemary, fresh dilled pickles and delicate lavendar shortbread, there is a growing trend to homemade herbal teas. They are a pleasant, tasty way to rehydrate, relax and replenish energy. There is an herbal tea for any time of day, whether you’re waking up or unwinding before bed, and herbal teas are quickly catching up to coffee in popularity.

Even the smallest herb garden will yield many teas. Perhaps the following list will inspire the tea drinker to grow herbs or the herb gardener to drink teas!

Recipes are for a one-cup serving using dried herbs; double the amount of herbs if they are fresh. Strain out the herbs and use only the liquid. Limit consumption of any one tea to two cups per day, no more than five days in a row. And be sure that you have properly identified any herb before using it in a tea or recipe.

Annual and Biennial Herbs

BASIL

(Ocimum basilicum): Boil water and steep 2 mL (½ tsp.) basil for 10 minutes to release vitamins K and A, as well as magnesium and calcium. Suited for an evening tea; serve with cinnamon if desired. Can help reduce inflammation, increase relaxation, and increase memory and boost the immune system. Supports the colon and spleen. Use externally for fungal infections.

CAYENNE PEPPER

(Capsicum annuum Longum Group): Steep 1 mL (¼ tsp.) cayenne pepper for 15 minutes; serve with ginger and maple syrup. Used to cleanse the blood, colon and strengthen the heart. Stimulates endorphins and digestion. Boosts immunity. Contains beta-carotene.

CILANTRO

(Coriandrum sativum): Steep 10 mL (2 tsp.) for 10 minutes. High in lutein and vitamin A, which is important for the eyes and arteries, and aids in digestion. This tea is beneficial for the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts and may help treat allergies, hay fever and diarrhea. Let some go to seed and it will self-sow.

DILL

(Anethum graveolens): Steep 10 mL (2 tsp.) for 5 minutes. Dill protects from exposure to everyday chemicals and can help prevent bacterial infections. Contains iron, magnesium and calcium. Helps settle the stomach and prevent insomnia. Annual, but may self-sow.

LEMON GRASS

(Cymbopogon citratus): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) for 15 minutes; try with mint and serve hot or cold. Use to calm stomach, relieve arthritic pain and reduce fever. Contains vitamin A. Tender perennial herb.

PARSLEY

(Petroselinum crispum): Steep 10 mL (2 tsp.) for 10 minutes; serve with lemon. Cleanses the blood, lymph system and muscles. Rich in minerals, iron, folate and vitamins A, C and K. Helps with swollen glands and irritated sciatic nerve. Warms the body, so is suitable when chills are present or on cold days. May self-sow.

Perennial Herbs

CHAMOMILE

(Matricaria recutita): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) chamomile for 10 minutes and serve with ginger, mint or lemongrass. Aids digestion and reduces gas. Helps promote relaxation, balances the emotions and relieves anxiety. Reduces nerve pain and strengthens the eyes. Cool and use externally for irritated skin or sore muscles/feet. Suitable for nighttime drink. Hardy to zone 6.

GARLIC

(Allium sativum): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) crushed garlic for 10 minutes; serve with sliced ginger. A powerful detoxifier, it stimulates and rejuvenates the respiratory, nervous, digestive and circulatory systems. Protects the heart and lymph nodes. Excellent source of manganese, vitamin B6 and C. Hardy to zone 5.

LEMON BALM

(Melissa officinalis): Steep 10 mL (2 tsp.) for 15 minutes. Used to calm nerves and fight depression, as an antiviral and to relieve fever. Supports the liver and lungs. Suitable as a nighttime tea to help induce sleep. Astringent due to high levels of beneficial tannins. Hardy to zone 3.

MINT

(Mentha spp.): Steep 10 mL (2 tsp.) for 10 minutes; serve with honey. Relaxes and cools the body; serve chilled in summer. Aids in digestion and may help reduce congestion, fever and headaches. Stimulates bile flow to help break down fat. Contains vitamin A and trace minerals. Aggressive in the garden so is best planted in a container. Most mints are hardy to zone 6.

OREGANO

(Origanum vulgare): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) for 10 minutes. An antioxidant and antibacterial, it helps with constipation, upset stomach and chest congestion. Can help relieve muscle pain and increase muscle and joint flexibility. Contains omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamins A and C. Hardy to zone 5.

SAGE

(Salvia officinalis): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) for 10 minutes. Contains antioxidants and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. May improve brain function and memory, and may also help in fighting cancer. Contains vitamin A, potassium and calcium. Hardy to zone 5.

Shrubby Herbs

ORANGE THYME (Thymus fragrantissimus): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) for 10 minutes; serve with honey. Anti-viral and anti-fungal properties may help with mild asthma, coughs and sore throats. Helps loosen congestion in lungs and sinuses. Hardy to zone 4.

ROSEMARY

(Rosmarinus officinalis): Steep 2 mL (½ tsp.) for 15 minutes. Aids circulation, digestion and immunity to disease and is a natural anti-inflammatory. May help reduce headaches. Contains calcium, manganese and iron. Hardy to zone 7.

TARRAGON

(Artemisia dracunculus): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) for 15 minutes. Stimulates appetite and eases toothaches. Promotes immunity to disease, stomach strength and liver health. Contains vitamin E, zinc, phosphorus and calcium. Hardy to zone 5.

WINTER SAVORY

(Satureja montana): Steep 5 mL (1 tsp.) for 10 minutes. Use to relieve gas, diarrhea and upset stomach. Contains vitamin A, B and C, as well as calcium and iron. Hardy to zone 5. Summer savory (S. hortensis) is an annual with better flavour and more used in cooking.