Making your own homemade Herbal Tea

Making your own homemade Herbal Tea is easy and fun! Includes tea blends for enhanced sleep, brain function, and liver support. Fully customizable, these herbal tea recipes are nutritive and soothing. 

WHY MAKE YOUR OWN HERBAL TEA RECIPES?

Did you know that even the process of making tea can calm your nervous system and relax you?  The ritual of preparing a cup of herbal tea starts the process of relaxation, over time your body and mind begin to release tension even before you take a sip.

It is these small practices that can help keep us grounded.  Self-care is always the best place to start in making a difference in the world.

Buying herbs and tea in bulk leads to a better product. Teabags often contain dust from broken leaves lacking flavor. Many tea packets have chemical flavor additives. Making your own herbal tea blends ensures better quality and taste, tailored to your needs.

HERBAL TEA INGREDIENTS (AND THEIR BENEFITS)

Always look for dried, organic herbs. Using dried herbs from your own garden is a nice practice! Here’s a great tutorial on how to dry your own herbs.

  • Peppermint– promotes alertness, is great for headaches, and aids digestive disorders and body aches and pains.

  • Tulsi– also known as holy basil, supports the mood, energizes and stimulates the mind, sharpens awareness, uplifts mood, and supports immune function. It is a powerful adaptogen, helping to regulate hormones and deal with stress.

  • Gota Kola– balances the brain, heals connective tissue, enhances clarity of thinking, and stimulates memory.

  • Ginkgo Biloba- increases microcirculation and blood flow, anti-inflammatory.

  • Rosemary– improves memory and cognitive function and can decrease pain and inflammation.

  • Bacopa or Brahmi- in Ayurveda balances all three doshas, enhances cognitive function, and increases mental focusing.

  • Lemon balm leaves -restores the nervous system and is great for indigestion, acid reflux, and irritability.  It can bring feelings of ease, happiness, and lightness and support cognitive health.

  • Passionflower – takes everything down a notch.  Calms mind-chatter and anxiety-driven insomnia.  Improves sleep quality.

  • Skullcap- helps to settle the mind chatter, eases anxiety, quells nerve irritation and muscle tension, and strengthens the nervous system over time.

  • Chamomile flowers– calming and good for anxiety, stress, and jitters.  It soothes indigestion, boosts immunity, and calms the parasympathetic nervous system.

  • Oatstraw– anti-depressant, nutritive, and replenishes the nervous system.

  • mint leaves– spearmint or peppermint, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve digestion.

  • Lavender– calming, relieves stress, lifts mood, and promotes a state of ease.

  • Rose– calming, soothing, relaxing, helps to lift depression.

  • Valerian-  strongly sedating, and relaxing, helps with nervous anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, and relaxes muscle tension.

  • Licorice– soothes the digestive tract, helps the body absorb nutrients, good for sore throat and flu, and is anti-inflammatory.

  • Dandelion root– strengthens and nourishes the liver, helps to break down food and digest fats, digestive aid.

  • Milk Thistle -protects and nourishes the liver (it is best to obtain whole seeds and then grind them for the highest nutrient extraction).

  • Schisandra – regulates the immune system, protects the liver and other organs, promotes vitality.

  • Ginger root- increases circulation, promotes digestion, increases the potency of other herbs, and is anti-inflammatory.

  • Cacao Nibs– can lower blood pressure, elevate mood, and support healthy cholesterol levels.

  • Chicory Root- high in inulin, helps to cleanse the liver and improves digestion.

  • Hibiscus– High in vitamin C.

  • Raspberry Leaf- A good source of antioxidants, including ellagitannins, hydroxybenzoic acids, and anthocyanins. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect against inflammation and chronic diseases.

  • Rose Hips- Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamins C, E, and B, rose hips have anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in diabetes and cancer support.

  • Echinacea – Echinacea can boost immunity, help with blood sugar, anxiety, inflammation, and skin health, and may have anti-cancer benefits.

  • Dried Lemon Peel or Orange Peels – Citrus peels are nutritious and rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. They are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

  • Stevia– (natural green leaf form) 200 times sweeter than sugar!  Antioxidants support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

  • Spices: Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Fennel Seed, Turmeric,

BRAIN BOOSTER TEA

Description: Brain Booster Tea is a great afternoon tea when you start to feel sluggish or anytime you want a brain boost!  Taken with regularity, over time, many herbs in this blend have shown to increase short-term memory as well as overall sharper cognitive function.  This harmonious tea blend is lively, fresh and herby.

  • Peppermint leaves

  • Tulsi Basil

  • Gota kola

  • Ginko Biloba

  • Dried rosemary

CALM AND SLEEPY TEA 

Description: A blend of herbs to relax body and mind and prepare for sleep.  This herbal tea aids in sleep but can be taken anytime your nervous system needs soothing.  I make a pot of some version of this tea most evenings for my family to wind down from the days activities and get us ready for a peaceful night of rest- a sweet tradition in our household.  This herbal tea blend has mellow minty undertones, hints of citrus and just enough floral.

  • Lemon balm

  • Passionflower

  • Skullcap

  • Chamomile

  • Spearmint

  • Optional additions: valerian root, lavender, rose petals or buds, oat straw, stevia (for sweetness)

HAPPY LIVER TEA

Description: As the largest organ in our bodies, the liver is the filter for toxins and is also responsible for metabolizing carbs, fat, and proteins.  Supporting our liver is becoming more and more important.  We do the best we can but with so many environmental influences out of our control, we can use some herbal support.  This herbal blend has a comforting, toasty, deep flavor with a touch of berry brightness.  So good with a bit of honey and oat creamer.

Happy Liver Tea Ingredients