These are some favorite tea herbs that are easily grown in the home garden and the reasons why to consider growing them. When planning what you will grow this year, why not include some herbal tea?
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Brew the leaves into an aromatic, medicinal tea that tastes like mint but milder. It is purported to combat colds and flu, and the tea is soothing on a sore throat.
Calendula
Calendula’s natural anti-inflammatory properties make it wonderful for curing a sore throat and it can also help to heal urinary tract infections.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip leaves and flowers can be brewed into a tea that is purported to help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Catnip tea tastes like mint but earthier and with slight citrusy notes.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile is a good go-to tea just before bedtime because it is purported to promote sleep and treat insomnia. It may also reduce anxiety and soothe an upset tummy.
Dandelion (Taraxacum)
Dandelions aren’t just annual weeds. They are rich in potassium as well as Vitamins A, C, and K, and dandelion tea is often used to help treat digestive problems.
Echinacea
Echinacea tea can help to boost your immunity and fight off colds and flu. Echinacea tea has a strong floral taste which many people like to pair with a sweetener like honey or stevia.
Hibiscus
Be sure to choose an edible variety of hibiscus for making tea, as some are bred just to be ornamental. Hibiscus tea tastes fruity and tart. Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C, aids digestion, and may help to lower blood pressure.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm has a citrusy, slightly minty taste that makes for a delicious tea. It is also thought to have stress-reducing properties, so sip this when you need to calm your mind.
Mint (Mentha)
This herb is one of the most popular for tea, and it’s no wonder why. The comforting flavor of mint tea is perfect for a hot drink on a cold day. It can help soothe a sore throat and is thought to improve sleep. You can brew all kinds of tasty teas like chocolate mint, pineapple mint, and lots more!
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Pineapple sage makes a lovely tea because it has the sweet taste of pineapple combined with the earthy flavor of sage. It also contains antioxidants, so this is a sweet treat you can feel good about putting into your body.
Rose (Rosa)
You can use rose petals and rosehips to make tea. Rose petal tea is full of Vitamin C to boost immunity and can help ease the pain of menstrual cramps, plus it has a lovely floral flavor. Rosehip tea has a tart, fruity flavor and is packed full of nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, and zinc.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officialis)
Rosemary has a ton of health benefits, including helping to boost memory and mood and decrease inflammation. Rosemary tea is quite strong tasting on its own and is delicious blended with other herbs such as thyme or mint.
