Why do people drink herbal tea? What’s the point if there’s no caffeine? Death before decaf right? Well, not always. Herbal tea is a popular beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. It can be a great alternative to traditional tea and coffee, when you need some extra help winding down, aiding a headache, or numerous other things. Plus, making your own herbal tea can add a touch of self care to your daily routine.

The first step in making herbal tea is to choose your herbs. It can be hard to choose since there are so many lovely herbs and spices that you can use to make tea. Each herb has its own unique flavor and wellness benefits, so it's important to choose the ones that appeal to you. Some herbs are great for relaxation and stress relief, while others can help with digestion, inflammation, or even immune system support.

Once you've chosen your herbs, it's time to measure them out. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs or 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs per 8-ounce cup of water. However, you can always adjust the amount of herbs to suit your taste. If you're using fresh herbs, you may need to use a bit more to get the same flavor as dried herbs.

The next step is to get your water ready. Bring some water to a boil in a kettle or pot and if you're using delicate herbs like chamomile or green tea, let the water cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the herbs.

Now it's time to steep your tea blend. Put the herbs in a tea infuser or directly into a teapot or mug and pour the hot water over the herbs. Generally, you can steep for around 5-10 minutes for optimal flavor and function, but again this can vary depending on your personal taste.

Once the tea has steeped, remove the herbs or tea infuser from the water. If you're using loose herbs, you can strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove any bits of herbs. Pour the tea into a mug and enjoy! You can drink your tea hot or cold, depending on your preference.

There are also many different ways to personalize your herbal tea. You can add honey or lemon for additional flavor and sweetness, and some people like to add milk or cream to their tea. The possibilities are endless and so much fun to play with!

Making herbal tea has become a sacred part of my daily routine. It's a wonderful way to slow down, relax, and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet with myself. Depending on the time of day, I make different blends with different functions, but they all have the same quality in common; helping me connect with myself. In the morning, it can help me find my intention before starting my day, and in the evening it can help me wind down and come back into my body after a day of rushing around. I love the versatility that herbal blends have to offer!

Juniper Culinary Apothecary teas, spice blends and other food products are not and shall not be considered food supplements in any circumstances. They do not ensure or supplement the daily vitamin intake and do not substitute a healthy diet.