Brewing herbal teas is very simple. We recommend using the infusing method, that is pouring boiling water over the herbs and allowing them to steep for 3-5 minutes, then straining the tea and serve. Teas can be served cold or hot, according to preference.
Making the perfect tea is a personal preference, we recommend using the following guidelines starting out:
For one cup of herbal tea, use 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs, or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. For one gallon, use 6 ounces ( about 2+ cups ) of fresh herbs, or + cups dried herbs. If using fresh herbs, gently bruise or crush the leaves to help release flavor and aroma. Never let the herbs set in the tea for over a day as this may allow tannic acid to release into the tea, which can be irritating to the stomach.
Be sure to use only herbs that have not been treated with pesticides. There are many herbal teas that can be made from exotic herbs, but we have chosen to list the more common herbs that gardeners are apt to raise for other purposes as well as tea.
Where Possible we have given the common names in Spanish/español.
We offer the following seed packets for growing your own herbal tea plants:
HR101 AGRIMONY. (Agrimonia) Agrimonia eupatoria. Agrimony has long been used in place of tea in Europe. It is a hardy perennial reaching 3-5 ft. and prefers full sun to light shade in ordinary well drained soil. 10 seeds $2.00 Parts of plant to use for tea: Flowers, leaves and stems harvested when plants are in bloom. Taste: Delightful taste, with a somewhat apricot like flavor. Can be sweetened with licorice or honey.
H550 MEDICO ALFALFA. Medicago sativa. Alfalfa is very high in vitamins A, D, E, G and K, as well as 16 important minerals. It is a hardy perennial with many small flowers growing off of the stems. Grows well in full or partial sun in well drained soil. Averages 1-3 ft. in height.This strain of alfalfa can be made into a tea by placing two teaspoons of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water and soaking for 15 minutes. This tea is used to treat arthritis, boils, digestive disorders, urinary tract infections and bowel disorders. The chlorophyll in this brew will also dispatch of bad breath. Eating the sprouts in salads is also very beneficial. Small pack $2.00 (several hundred seeds)
HR301 ANGELICA. (Angélica) Angelica is a biennial plant often grown as an annual. Flowers have a sweet honey smell. An oil made from the stems and roots is used in flavoring liqueurs and stems are often candied and used in decorating cakes. Angelica will grow to a height o 4-6 ft. and prefers partial shade and a moist, slightly acidic soil. 50 seeds $2.00
HR310 ANISE. (Anîs) Pimpinella anisum. An annual plant growing to 2 ft. tall. Prefers growing in cultivated soil with compost worked in and full sun.Anise tea is one of the best herbal teas that you could ever hope to make. It has a delicious flavor, and is said to be helpful in the treatment of asthma, colic, bronchitis and nausea. It is also said to be helpful in promoting milk production in nursing mothers. A cup of Anise tea just before bedtime will help you rest better and sleep soundly. Leaves and seeds used to flavor licorice.Delicious in salads. Seeds often used in applesauce, cakes, breads, soups and stews. Seeds have also been used for ages as a mousetrap bait, it is said that mice cannot resist the aroma of the seeds. 50-100 seeds $2.00 For Picture Click Here
HR105 BALM, LEMON. (Bálsamo de Limón) Melissa officinalis. A hardy perennial growing to 2-4 ft., prefers light sandy soil and full sun to partial shade. Lemon scented leaves and sprigs used to make teas and cool drinks. It is thought to relieve asthma, migraine headaches and toothaches. Good for potpourri and the flowers attract bees. 25 seeds $2.00
HR320 BASIL, LARGE SWEET ITALIAN. (Albahaca, Italiano Grande Dulce) A fast growing annual to 2 ft. tall, can be grown in full sun to partial shade. Should be grown in rich garden type soil. Basil has long been used to relieve stomach aches, gas and constipation. The leaves are excellent for tomato sauces and salads. Adds zest to everything. Very fragrant flowers and leaves. Good potpourri addition. 50 seeds $2.00 For Picture Click Here
HR370 BORAGE. (Borraja) Borage officinalis. The ancient Greeks believed that this herb imparted courage and was often added to wine. Has been used to treat fevers and as an antidote against poisons. It is an annual plant growing to 3 ft. tall. Does well even in poor soils and can grow in full sun to partial shade. Cucumber flavored leaves used in salads and summer drinks. Good bee plant. 50 seeds $2.00 For Picture Click Here
HR109 BURNET. (Sanguisorba) Sanguisorba minor. A very hardy perennial that grows 1-2 ft. tall and likes well drained sandy soil. Has long been used to treat wounds and stop bleeding. Leaves used to flavor cold drinks and herb vinegars. Tender, young leaves add a hint of cucumber to soups, casseroles and salads. 50 seeds $2.00
HR400 CARAWAY SEEDS. (Alcaravea, Carvi) Carum carvi. A biennial often grown as an annual in most types of soil. Needs full sun. Caraway tea is often used to stimulate appetite and digestion and to relieve cramps and flatulence. Flavorful seeds used in breads, cheese sauces and sauerkraut. 100 seeds $2.00 For Picture Click Here
HR123 CATNIP. (Hierba Gatera) Nepata cataria. Often grown by cat owners as cats love to find this plant, proceed to destroy it and roll around on top of it. It is a hardy perennial with attractive heart shaped foliage. Grows 2-3 ft. tall in moist rich soil. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Catnip tea has been used to relieve upset stomachs, hysteria, nervousness and headaches. 100 seeds $2.00
H741 ROMAN CHAMOMILE. (Manzanilla Romana) Anthemis nobilis. Grows only 3-12 inches tall and releases a delightful apple like odor when bruised or walked on. Will grow in sun or partial shade, but requires moist, well drained soil. A strongly aromatic perennial plant that has many medicinal uses. An infusion made from one ounce of flowers to one pint of water makes a soothing tonic that is said to calm hysterical and nervous affections in women. It will cut short an attack of delirium tremors in the early stage. Also effective against diarrhea. 100 seeds. $2.00 For picture Click Here
H725 RED CLOVER. (Trébol Rojo) Trifolium pratense. A perennial that is usually grown as an annual. Grows in most soils and needs full sun. Red Clover has long had a reputation as a cancer fighter. The plant contains large amounts of tocopherol, a potent antioxidant form of vitamin E that has been shown to prevent tumor formation in animal studies. It may also provide effective relief for menopausal symptoms as elements of the plant behave like estrogen. A tea can be made by boiling three teaspoons of dried flower tops per cup of water and steeping 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day. Small Pack $2.00 For Picture Click Here
HR191 RUSSIAN COMFREY. (Consuelda Ruso, Sínfito) Simphistum uplandicum. A hardy perennial to 2-3 ft. tall. Needs moist soil and partial sun to grow. A mysterious herb reputedly assisting in the healing of wounds. A very attractive plant with indigo blue or shell pink flowers. Unused plants should be worked back into the soil in fall as they are very rich in potash. Tea made from this plant makes a good gargle for sore throats and is beneficial for digestive and stomach problems. 5 seeds $2.00
G040 DILL. (Eneldo) Anethum graveolens. A hardy annual that grows in most soils in full sun. It has been said that nibbling dill seeds will stop hunger pains. Dill tea is a popular remedy for stimulating the appetite and relieving stomach aches due to a full stomach. Dill is very easy to grow and is used to flavor pickles, salads, soups and more. To harvest Dill, cut flowering stems when in full bloom. Spread out to dry on trays. When dry, rub off flowers and stems and discard the stems. Store the flowers and stems in an airtight container until ready to use. 100 seeds $1.75 For Picture Click Here
CM284 FENNEL. (Hinojo, Cáñamo) Foeniculum vulgare. A perennial usually grown as a garden annual. Grows to 5 ft. tall in most garden soils and likes full sun. Fennel tea has long been used as a remedy for stomach and digestive problems. It is believed to stimulate the appetite, relieve cramps and spasms, ease flatulence and expel mucous. The seeds of the plant make a tea that is used to aid digestion and as a tonic for the spleen, kidney and reproductive glands. Plant produces good greens for salads, cole slaws and dressings. The roots can be used in cooking. 50 seeds $2.00 For Picture Click Here
H264 FENUGREEK. (Fenugreco, Alholva) Trigonella foenum. An annual plant that is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. Needs sandy soil and direct sunlight. A decoction made from the seeds is give to strengthen those suffering from tuberculosis or recovering from an illness. Also used as an aphrodisiac. As a poultice, it has many uses. 20 seeds $2.00
HR141 HOREHOUND. (Marrubio) Marrubium vulgare. A hardy perennial that likes sandy soils and full sun. Used since ancient times as an antidote for poisons and for bronchitis, coughs and colds. Leaves are used for flavoring juices and teas. Juice used for medicinal candies. 50 seeds $2.00
HR145 HYSSOP. Hyssopus officinalis. A hardy perennial growing 1-2 ft. tall that needs light, well drained soil and partial shade. A popular remedy for coughs, asthma and lung disorders. Similar to mint flavor, use small amount in salads and other dishes. 50 or more seeds $2.00 For Picture Click Here
HR163 LAVENDER VERA. (Alhucema) Lavendula vera. A hardy perennial growing to 3 ft. tall , prefers dry, well drained soil in full sun. Used to treat nervousness heart palpitations, fainting and dizziness. Also called English Lavender, the dried flowers of this beautiful plant have long been used to perfume linens. 20 seeds $2.00
HR180 PENNYROYAL. (Poleo) Mentha pulegium. A hardy perennial growing 12 inches tall. Likes clay heavy, moist soil and partial sun. It has been used to stimulate digestion and relieve flatulence. A strong but pleasantly scented plant used to repel insects and protect linens. Makes a beautiful ground cover . 50 seeds $2.00
HR183 ROSEMARY. (Romero) Rosmarinus officinalis. A tender perennial often grown as an annual. Likes well drained soil treated with lime and partial sun. Often used to ease nervousness and induce sleep. Aromatic leaves and stems used to flavor meats and sauces. Excellent for potpourri. 50 seeds $2.00
HR229 THYME, ENGLISH. (Tomillo) Thymus vulgaris. A hardy perennial growing only about 12 inches tall. Prefers dry soil treated with lime and full sun. Thyme tea relieves indigestion and calms the nerves. Also used as an antiseptic. Seasoning for poultry chowders, stews, sauces and pickles. Good honey plant for bees. 50-75 seeds $2.00
Note about seed germination: Most species of seeds have hard casings to protect the seed "embryo". For most of these "hard" seeds, the outer shell must be scarred, scratched or softened in some way. Some species take up to a year to germinate and will need help in the beginning to get the shell softened. Most varieties of slow germinating seeds will turn black and rot if there is not sufficient heat in the soil (75 to 90 degrees F. for most species) or if the soil dries out or is allowed to remain too wet, which will encourage the growth of one or another of the varieties of fungus or mold. It is important to speed up germination and to get the plants growing as soon as possible in order to avoid potential problems. Anyone who has soaked dried beans before cooking is familiar with the process of softening up the shell. When the outer shell is softened it allows the contents to expand. Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter) can help in softening up these outer shells. It is available in many drug stores, but for those who have difficulty obtaining a small amount, we offer 1 teaspoon packets for $1.00. Soak the seeds in a solution of one teaspoon of the Saltpeter to one quart of warm water for at least 24 hours. Do not allow the seeds to dry out but sow them immediately using the remaining solution to water the soil or other growing medium. Soak several species of seeds at once in smaller containers of the same solution and have the containers of growing medium or soil ready for planting as soon as the soaking period is complete. SS100 Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter) one teaspoon packet $1.00