10 Best Herbs To Brew A Tea With

Brewing a tea is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the taste and effects of many herbs. Nature offers a rich bounty of interesting herbs and plants. Some still the waters of the mind and promote tranquillity; others increase focus and energy levels. Some species even ramp up libido! With plenty of different effects for each herb, there will be a suitable option for everyone and for every occasion.

You can brew a tea from the leafs, flowers, or roots of a plant. All the herbs mentioned below are available in our Smartshop under the category Vape Herbs. They can be vaped or used as a tobacco alternative but are also perfectly suitable for brewing a tasty cup of tea. For some herbs you also have the option to grow them yourself (although this will take some more time) by using a Companion Planting buddypack.

If you decide to brew one of these herbs into a tea, simply load up a tea and herb infuser with your chosen blend and place it into a mug of hot water. We have added guidelines for the amount of herb you need, but keep in mind that these are averages. Some people like their cup of tea stronger or weaker. One last note before we finally get to the top ten herbs: don’t be afraid to mix them.

TOP 10 HERBS TO BREW A TEA WITH

Let’s take a look at the top ten herbs to make a tea with below!

1. LEMON BALM

A mug or two of lemon balm tea can help calm down the mind after a busy day, and even help lull the brain to sleep. Also known as Melissa officinalis, humans have used lemon balm for its calming qualities since at least 300 BCE—according to the ancient botanical text Historia Plantarum. The aromatic herb will cast a quilt of relaxation over your being.

As well as helping the mind chill out, the relaxing effects of lemon balm could help boost alertness as well. Brew up some lemon balm tea before studying or reading to put the mind at ease and boost your brainpower while you learn.

To make a tea, steep approximately 600mg of lemon balm in some water. Add honey to taste and enjoy the meditative sensations.

2. CATNIP

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has gained notoriety as a drug for felines. Cats find the herb irresistible. They roll around in it, eat it, and—after the effects kick in—experience a temporary hyperactive state. Although the herb seems to have an energising effect on our feline companions, it works quite the opposite in humans.

Catnip produces a relaxing effect that calms the nerves, helps us unwind, and assists us in falling asleep. Load up your herbal infuser and make a catnip tea before bed to still the mind and plunge your body into a state of relaxation.

Add two teaspoons into your infuser and place it into a cup of hot water. Add some honey to taste and let it infuse for up to 15 minutes.

3. VALERIAN

Native to Europe and Asia, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) boasts a long history of use. This timeless herb offers a calming solution to the daily stress of the modern world. Work, deadlines, and population density often keep our fight or flight system online. Fortunately, valerian contains a cocktail of constituents that help to promote a state of inner peace.

If you’re looking for a solid night’s sleep or some stress relief, add around 2–3 grams of valerian into your herbal infuser. Place the preparation into a cup of hot water and let it infuse for up to 15 minutes. Because the taste of valerian is known to be a bit off-putting, feel free to add honey or agave nectar to taste.

4. CHAMOMILE

Chamomile smells wonderful and tastes better. These small, aromatic flowers help to tame stress by relaxing both the mind and body. At first glance, it might be hard to tell that these blossoms are one of the most ancient herbs used by humans.

Drink a cup of chamomile tea in the evenings to pull your mind into the present moment and warm your soul. Feeling sore after a workout? Chamomile might be just the ticket. Make a fresh pot of chamomile tea and get back to the gym tomorrow.

To make chamomile tea, load up your infuser with these aromatic flowers. Alternatively, simply add four tablespoons into a mug for a stronger tea. Pour hot water over the herb and steep for five minutes.

5. PASSIONFLOWER

Yet another herbal ally that promotes sleep, passionflower produces one of the most beautiful blossoms in all of the plant kingdom. These stunning flowers are native to Mexico and Central and South America. Here, the berries, roots, and leaves have been used by native peoples for hundreds of years.

If you’re feeling stressed, down, or are struggling to sleep, boil the kettle and prepare some tea. Even small doses of passionflower can help you get a good night’s rest.

When making a passionflower blend, place one teaspoon of the herb into an infuser and steep in boiled water for 5–10 minutes. Passionflower is known to feature a mild, earthy taste that many users consider to be quite enjoyable. Steep this tea a bit longer for a more pronounced flavour.

6. GUNPOWDER GREEN TEA

Gunpowder green tea provides drinkers with a clear-headed and energising effect. Sip a cup in the morning to get the day started and to add a spring to your step. The tea variety originates from the Zhejiang Province of China. It stems from the tea plant—Camellia sinensis—but undergoes a different method of preparation. The leaves are withered, steamed, rolled into small pellets, then dried. They are cured for a long period to enhance their taste and smell.

Drink gunpowder green tea throughout the day when you need to keep your mind running smoothly. The added kick from the caffeine will enhance your focus and productivity. Each cup contains around 40mg of caffeine, compared to the 95mg found in a cup of coffee. Gunpowder green tea offers stimulation without the crash.

To make a cup, place one teaspoon of pellets into the bottom of a cup. Pour hot water over them and leave to steep for 2–3 minutes.

7. GINKGO BILOBA

Native to China, Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree species that has been utilised by humans for hundreds of years. Interestingly, the species is commonly selected for the Japanese art of bonsai. In tea form, the plant can help to increase energy and elevate the mood.

Moreover, Ginkgo biloba can be used as a strategic herbal brew before studying, reading, writing, or entering an exam.

To make a tea, bring two cups of water to boil. Remove from the stove and add around 30g of ginkgo leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and serve.

8. DAMIANA

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) can be smoked or vaped to induce a euphoric effect not dissimilar to cannabis, only milder. Drinking the herb can also produce a relaxing effect, and it might even help enhance your sex life!

The herb belongs to the same family as passionflower. The yellow flowering shrub can be found growing in its native range from southern Texas all the way down to the Caribbean and Central America. Damiana has quite the history. Folklore states it played a role in the original margarita recipe, and that it can successfully raise libido through the roof.

To make a, let’s say... “pre-tea”, add 2–4 grams of dried herb to an infuser and steep in hot water.

9. LAVENDER

Almost everyone will be familiar with the comforting and nostalgic aroma of lavender. Perhaps it grew in your childhood garden; maybe it contributes to the smell of your favourite cosmetic product.

But why does the smell of these brilliant purple flowers make us feel so at home? Traditionally, lavender was used to help people doze off to sleep. The relaxing herb's array of terpenes probably played a major role here.

Whether you’re looking to reduce nervousness or dive into a good night’s sleep, brew a cup of lavender tea. Place four teaspoons of dried lavender into an infuser and steep for ten minutes.

10. YERBA MATÉ

Yerba maté—a traditional South American brew—delivers around 85mg of caffeine per cup. After drinking an infusion, you’ll feel a strong yet stable jolt of energy course through your body.

Yerba maté contains slightly less caffeine than coffee but rivals the popular beverage as an energising drink. Drinking yerba mate provides stimulation but doesn’t result in jitters or an inevitable crash. Yerba maté is a superb coffee alternative when looking for consistent energy during the day. Knock back some tea when you require increased alertness.

Fill your infuser with dried yerba maté, or place two tablespoons into a french press. Add hot water, steep for around six minutes, and enjoy.

Miguel Antonio Ordoñez

With an AB Mass Media and Communications degree, Miguel Ordoñez is a veteran writer of 13 years and counting and has been covering cannabis-related content since 2017. Continuous, meticulous research along with personal experience has helped him build a deep well of knowledge on the subject.

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