We all drink tea, either in the morning or evening. Tea does not necessarily be the usual black or green tea; you can make teas using many herbs. There are many herbal teas available in the market but nothing beats having tea made using herbs from your own garden! You can use the herbs fresh of dry them in the sun, store and use as and when you want. Here are the best herbal teas you can grow in your garden:
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile is a tea great for insomnia. It helps calm down the senses and relax you. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that treats inflammation in the body, relieves headaches, makes you feel better if you have fever etc.
To grow: Raise it from seeds in spring and plant them in a partially shady spot. Once you do this, you don’t even need to pay extra attention to it since it grown very well in less water.
Make tea: Either dry the flowers or use them fresh, however you like. Steep it in hot water for 15 minutes and strain. Add honey and lemon to enhance its taste and benefits.
PEPPERMINT TEA
Peppermint tea is a great herbal tea and has tremendous health benefits. It helps keep your body cool in summers and help with digestion.
To grow: Peppermint is a herb that can grow almost anywhere and everywhere. You just need some soil and water. Plant it in a pot or the herb will take over your yard!
Make tea: Dried peppermint leaves are the best to be used for making tea. Add a tablespoon of dried peppermint in hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Add some honey or lemon to it or have it as it is whatever you prefer.
ROSE HIP
Rose hip is the bulb on the lower side of rose. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and the vitamin C content in it 50% more than that of oranges.
To grow: Growing rose hips do need some care if you want them to come up year after year. Water them nicely. Care for the roses and you will care for the rose hips hand in hand. Make sure you do not snip off the roses.
Make tea: Either chop or crush dried or fresh rose hips and steep them in hot water. Make sure you strain the tea properly since rosehips contain tiny grainy seeds and hair.
LEMON BALM
Lemon balm tea contains zero calories and is also believed to calm anxiety and insomnia. If you feel stressed or depressed, lemon balm tea can be a perfect anti-dote.
To grow: Lemon balm is perennial just like mint plant. Once you plant it in soil, you will get a supply of it all year round. If you don’t want it to grow and spread like money plant and invade all the other things in your garden, plant them in a pot.
Make tea: Dried leaves work better than fresh leaves, but you can any time use fresh leaves too. Steep the leaves- dry or fresh into the hot water for 5-10 minutes and strain. You can also add ginger while simmering the water for that extra taste and benefits. Add honey or lemon and your lemon balm tea is ready.
BASIL TEA
Basil is great for increasing your immunity and to prevent a wide range of infections and diseases. It also helps treat respiratory infections and speeds up metabolism.
To grow: Basil is easiest to grow and is a low maintenance plant. Plant it in pots in shade and water then once every day or once every 2 days to keep them alive and refreshed.
Make tea: Add fresh or dried basil leaves and steep them in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink as it is. You can add honey or lemon to it but I feel it tastes better alone. More on: Steeping times for teas.
PLANTING TIPS:
- Sow seeds just below the soil and make sure you make a wide hole to allow it to sprout and make space for roots.
- When you water the seeds, pour water on the soil near the seed and not on the seed.
- Flowers take energy away from the leaves so remove them routinely to encourage leaf growth.
- Always harvest the leaves using a pair of scissors and simply break or tear-off the leaves.