When I first began blending herbs, I was mainly focused on making the teas healthy and had no real knowledge of how to blend. If I had a cough, I would look up herbs for cough (there are several), pick 3-5, boil and drink. Y'all, those teas were nasty! Most times it only tasted like warm water and a hint of something else! I decided I needed to know what each herb tastes like individually so I could pair them better.
When it comes to blending herbal teas, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, consider the flavors and properties of the herbs you want to use. Some herbs may have a strong taste or aroma, while others may be more subtle. You may also want to consider the potential health benefits of each herb, as well as any potential interactions with medications or health conditions.
A Few of my Favorites
For ages there have been herbs used in teas to add harmony and flavor. Some of my go-to herbs for flavor include:
Floral herbs: hibiscus, chamomile and rose
Berries and Fruits: elderberry, raspberry, orange and rose hip
Mints: Peppermint and spearmint
Lemons: Lemongrass, lemon balm, lemon verbena
The above listed herbs are great for additional flavor and because they are herbs, they have healing properties creating harmony between health and flavor. Knowing how you want your tea to taste is important. Let's talk about the different tastes and how they are a tied to emotions and specific body systems.
“Did you know emotions and specific body systems are linked to taste?”
The Different Tastes
There are 5 different tastes that link emotions and specific body systems. They are:
Sweet flavors are for the spleen, muscles, stomach and mouth and are usually linked to the emotion of worry. To balance these areas, try adding ginseng, licorice, anise, or flax to your blend.
Salty flavors are for the kidneys, ears, hair, bones, and bladder and are usually linked to the emotion of fear. To combat chronic ailments in these areas, try adding bladderwrack or rosemary to your mix.
Bitter flavors are for the heart, tongue, blood vessels, and small intestine and are usually linked to the emotion of joy. Feeling tired? Try adding skullcap, lavender, or chamomile.
Sour flavors are for the eyes, tendons, liver and gallbladder and are usually linked to the emotion of anger. To boost health in these areas, try adding herbs of lemon verbena, lemon balm, wild strawberry, or lemongrass.
Pungent flavors are for the lungs, nose, skin, and large intestine and are usually linked to the emotion of grief. For a boost in these areas, try adding herbs like basil, ginger root, hyssop, and sage.
Brewing Temperatures
Once you've selected your herbs, it's time to start blending. You can use a mortar and pestle to crush the herbs and release their oils, or simply mix them together in a bowl. Be sure to taste the blend as you go, adjusting the ratios or adding additional herbs as needed.
When it comes to brewing your tea, the amount of time and temperature will vary depending on the herbs you're using. Some herbs may require a longer steeping time, while others may be more delicate. Experiment with different brewing times and temperatures to find the perfect balance of flavor and potency.
Finally, be sure to store your blended herbs in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the flavor and potency of the herbs for future use. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create your own unique blends of herbal teas that are both delicious and beneficial for your health.
Knowing how to blend herbs for herbal teas is an important skill for those interested in natural remedies and alternative medicine. Different herbs have different properties and flavors, and blending them in the right proportions can create a tea that not only tastes good but also has specific health benefits. Experimenting with different blends and finding what works best for you can be a fun and rewarding experience.