Herbs For a Herbal Tea Garden
Tea time is a time to take a break, chat with friends or maybe relax alone. Hence it is like a ritual and should be performed as such. Tea is one of the many simple pleasures of life that even a common man can afford. It is an affordable luxury, and if you can grow your own tea herbs, nothing can beat the flavour and taste of the herbal tea – not even a tea that is brewed in a luxury 5-star hotel. While many herbs have health benefits, many of them are added for flavour and refreshments. In addition, home grown tea herbs in a kitchen garden are free from pesticides, chemicals if natural compost and organic fertilizers are used.
The herbs can be added individually or experimented with two or three herbs or more to obtain a distinct flavour. Add one or tea spoon of dried or fresh herbs to boiling water, let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes for one cup of tea. Adjust the quantity for more cups of tea. The tea herbs chosen here are simple to grow -
Mint
Mint is very good for hot summer because it makes the most delightfully cool Iced Teas, Mint Juleps, and Mojitos. It has large heart-shaped leaves and can be used fresh or dried, either by itself or in combination with other mints. Mints require lot of sun and water and spread liberally, thus pruning becomes a necessity. Hence, mint is preferred in container gardening
Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is a tall, non-invasive, clumping grass that likes warm sun-light, moderate water and plenty of space. Lemon Grass blades grow to three or more feet in length and can be used both fresh and dried. It is famous for a spicy lemony taste and makes and very refreshing and aromatic tea. Lemon Grass Sun Tea over ice makes hot summer afternoons, cool and bearable.
Cardamom
Cardamom grows comfortably in a container and is known for its aroma. The leaves are most flavourful when fresh but do retain the fragrance when dried. They should be allowed to seep in the tea for around 15 minutes for good flavour.
Stevia
Stevia is a small plant that prefers full sun and plenty of water. It takes a fair amount of fresh leaves to flavor tea. Dried leaves are more concentrated and can be used at about half the fresh amount.
Angelica
This herb boasts of antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Dry the leaves to make an herbal tea used to increase energy, reduce flatulence, and stimulate blood circulation.
Sweet Basil
Steep the basil leaves in water to make an herbal tea that is used as an herbal remedy for indigestion. Basil is used in a variety of recipes.
Catnip
Catnip is renowned for its mild sedative properties. The herb tea is taken as a natural cold remedy, during fever, headache and stomach upsets.
You can create delicious infusions and decoctions by just adding your fresh herbs to boiling water either individually or mixing with two or more herbs.
