Herbal teas can be very tasty and deliver between 50 and 90 percent of the medicinal qualities of the herbs used. Teas you make yourself will be more potent and flavorful than those you can buy at the store, and much less expensive. Try experimenting with different herbal combinations, but be careful to avoid any plants you cannot confidently identify as edible, or any plants sprayed with pesticides. If using dried herbs, you can store your tea mixes in sealed containers for months. Be sure to label each container with the name of the tea.
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs per cup of hot water or 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs per pint of water. Steep the herbs for about 10 minutes and then strain. The following plants can all be safely used in teas:
Flowers
Alliums, bee balm, carnations, echinacea (roots and flowers), hibiscus, hollyhocks, honeysuckle (avoid the poisonous berries), lavender, marshmallow (use the roots), red clover, nasturtiums, roses (flowers or hips), violets.
Herbs
Basil, chamomile flowers, chives, dill, eucalyptus, ginger root, lemon balm, lemongrass, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, peppermint, linden leaves, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, valerian root, verbena.
Bushes and Trees
Birch leaves, blackberry leaves, citrus blossoms, elderberry flowers, gardenia, pine needles, raspberry leaves.
Weeds
Chickweed, chicory, dandelions, goldenrod, stinging nettle.
Tea for the Common Cold
Combine the following herbs in any proportion you like. Boil for 10 minutes, strain, and add honey to taste.
Marshmallow root (eases body aches, reduces inflammation)
Peppermint (reduces congestion, eases headaches, soothes stomach)
Echinacea roots and flowers (boosts the immune system)
Thyme (reduces chest and nasal congestion, increases circulation)
Cinnamon (reduces inflammation and fights infection)
Rosehips, finely chopped (full of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and energizes)
Ginger root, peeled and finely chopped (warms from the inside out)
Lavender, crushed (eases migraines)
Lemon peel, finely grated (full of vitamin C)
Calming Tea
Combine the following calming herbs, using about ΒΌ as much valerian as the other herbs (valerian can be very potent). Boil for 10 minutes, strain, and add honey to taste.
Lemon balm leaves
Chamomile flowers
Valerian root, crushed
Ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
Fertility Tea
Drink one cup of fertility tea a day to help balance your hormones and to get nutrients that can aid in becoming pregnant. Combine the herbs in equal proportion, boil for 10 minutes, strain, and add honey to taste.
Red clover blossoms (nourishes the uterus, promotes estrogen, rich in magnesium and calcium)
Nettle leaves (rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, and sulfur)
Red raspberry leaves (aids the fertilized egg in attaching to the uterine lining, rich in minerals, helps to tone muscles in the pelvic region)
Peppermint (aids in absorption of red raspberry leaf nutrients)
Cleansing Tea
The herbs in this tea will improve your digestion, help your body in its natural detoxification process, and give you more energy. Combine the herbs in any proportion (go easy on the cayenne), boil for 10 minutes, strain, and add honey if desired.
Peppermint leaves
Dandelion root
Whole allspice berries
Ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
Licorice root, crushed
Cayenne pepper