To make herbal tea at home, pour just-boiled water over about one teaspoon of dried herb per cup, cover it, and steep three to ten minutes. That is how to steep loose leaf tea: leaves and flowers get steeped, while hard roots and barks are simmered longer. Always follow your package directions first.
The same few questions come up at my counter every week, so here are the answers in one place. I have kept it short on purpose.
How to Steep Loose Leaf Tea: Infusion vs. Decoction
Steeping (an infusion) is for the soft parts of a plant: leaves, flowers and tea bags. Pour just-boiled water over the herb, cover the cup so the aroma stays in, and let it sit. A long steep makes many herbs bitter, so start short and go longer next time if you want it stronger.
Simmering (a decoction) is for the hard parts: roots, barks and seeds. Herbalists traditionally put them in cold water, bring it to a gentle boil, cover and simmer, then strain. Some packages give a shorter steep for cut roots, as ours does for burdock root, so your label comes first.
For most dried herbs, start with about one teaspoon per 8 ounces of water. Here is what the labels say on products we carry:
| What you have | Method | Amount | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hibiscus tea bags | Water just started to boil; stir | 1 bag per 6 to 8 oz | 3 to 4 minutes |
| Chamomile tea bags | Boiling water; stir | 1 bag per 6 to 8 oz | 4 to 6 minutes |
| Lavender flowers (loose) | Boiling water | 1 teaspoon per 8 to 12 oz | 3 to 4 minutes |
| Burdock root (loose) | Boiling water | 1 teaspoon per 8 oz | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Other loose roots and barks | Simmer, then strain | About 1 teaspoon per cup | Roughly 15 to 20 minutes |
Can You Cold Brew Herbal Tea?
Yes, and it tastes softer and less bitter. Put about two teaspoons of dried herb in a jar with 8 ounces of cold water, refrigerate it for four to twelve hours, then strain. Keep it in the fridge and drink it within a day or two.
One note: the hibiscus label says to brew it hot first, let it cool, then add ice.
Can You Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
Yes. Use about three times as much fresh as dried, so a tablespoon of leaves where a recipe says a teaspoon. Bruise the leaves lightly and steep as usual.
One rule for garden herbs: use only plants you can identify with certainty and that have not been sprayed. If you are not sure what it is, it does not go in the cup.
Easy Blends to Start With
Keep blending simple. Peppermint and chamomile are an easy pair for flavor. Lavender is strong, so use less of it than you think. For a deeper, earthy cup, simmer dandelion root first. Add one new herb at a time, so you know what you are tasting.
What About Herbal Tea Benefits?
Many herbs have long traditional uses, and I share those. But the evidence varies from herb to herb, and tea is not a treatment for anything. The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reminds readers that “natural” does not always mean “safe.” Enjoy tea as part of a routine, not as medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap one herb for another in a tea? Often yes for flavor, but not always safely. Peppermint and spearmint swap easily. Other herbs have different traditional uses and different cautions, so do not treat them as interchangeable. If you take medication, ask your pharmacist before swapping.
Which herbs should I not mix together? There is no simple list, which is why I say ask before combining. Herbs can interact with each other and with medication, and many have not been tested in pregnancy. Add one new herb at a time, and check with a pharmacist or doctor if you take medication.
Which herbs go well with honey? Hibiscus, peppermint, chamomile and lavender all take a little honey well, because it softens tart and floral flavors. Stir it in after steeping. Never give honey to a child under 12 months old, because the CDC warns it can cause botulism.
What is the difference between herbal tea, an infusion and a tonic? Herbal tea and herbal infusion mean the same thing here: herbs steeped in hot water. Strictly, true tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, so herbal teas are really tisanes. A tonic is usually a stronger prepared liquid, such as bitters, taken in small amounts.
How much herbal tea can I drink in a day? Follow the label on the product you buy, because no single amount suits every herb or every person. Start with one cup and see how you feel. If you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist before making it a daily habit.
How do you make medicinal tea at home? The method is the same as any herbal tea: steep leaves and flowers, simmer roots and barks. What changes is the care. Herbs traditionally used for wellness can interact with medication or be unsuitable in pregnancy, so check with a pharmacist or doctor and follow your package.
How should I store loose leaf tea and herbs? Keep dried herbs in an airtight container, away from light, heat and moisture, such as a closed glass jar in a cupboard. Write the date you bought them on the jar. Dried herbs slowly lose flavor, so buy amounts you will use within a few months.
Come See Us
Nicholas Brooklyn is a family-run, Black-owned apothecary at 1396 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216, open since 1974. Browse our teas and loose herbs in store or online, and we ship nationwide. For more on building a herbal cabinet, read my post on 10 herbs every household should keep, and on how tea differs from a tonic, my guide to soursop bitters. Sea moss gel also stirs into a warm cup, as I explain in sea moss and elderberry. Our stingless bee honey is a customer favorite stirred into tea.
Sources: NCCIH, Using Dietary Supplements Wisely; CDC, Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Herbs and teas mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using herbs. This article is for educational purposes only.
— Monique Nicholas, Owner