Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know they are just
a little bit pricey. However, growing your own herbs is
easy and so much fun!

Here are just a few of the herbs you might want to
consider for a tea garden:

Chamomile: Remember the favorite tea of Peter Rabbit?
Only the flowers of this fragrant herb are used when
making tea. Chamomile tea can be enjoyed by itself or
you might enjoy adding mint or lemon verbena.

Lemon Balm: This herb is lemony with a touch of mint
and makes a soothing cup of tea.
It's easy to grow (almost too easy) so remember to
keep it clipped back.

Lemon Verbena: An excellent herb to grow in a sunny
spot, it makes a delicious tea. You might try combining
it with orange mint or spearmint.

Mints: There are many mints available. Generally, they
are aromatic plants and they are aggressive. It may be a
good idea to plant mint in a pot and then put the pot in
the ground so it doesn't take over your herb garden.
Spearmint, peppermint, orange mint all make wonderful
teas, alone or along with chamomile or any of the lemon
herbs.

Herb teas can be made with fresh or dried herbs and can
be enjoyed either hot or cold.

For one cup of hot tea, use one teaspoon of dry herbs or
up to 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs. Bruising the leaves
of fresh herbs will help release the flavor. Pour boiling
water over the herbs in a glass or china pot. Metal pots
can sometimes leave a metallic taste. Let steep for 5 or
so minutes. Strain and enjoy with a little honey to
sweeten.

Sun tea can be made simply by filling a jar with water,
throw in a handful of crushed fresh herbs, and set in the
sun for 3 or 4 hours. Stir in a little honey to sweeten,
pour over ice and enjoy.

Trying different combinations of herbs is fun. Remember
you can also add spices you have on hand, such as cinnamon,
cloves, etc.

There are many benefits to growing and making your own
herbal teas. Gardening itself is very relaxing and
rewarding. With herbs from your garden you can soothe
away your troubles with a cup of chamomile tea or make
yourself a refreshing cup of peppermint tea after a
hard day at work.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Look in the perfumes of flowers and nature for peace of
mind and joy of life.
--Wang Wei