How to Make Herbal Tea at Home
A slow-living guide from the gardens of BLeaves Farms
There’s a moment every evening at the farm when the chaos fades. The animals settle, the sun dips behind the citrus grove, and the kettle begins to hum in the kitchen. That’s when we reach for jars of herbs we harvested. Mint, lemon balm, chamomile, grown, dried, and blended right here in our garden.
What began as a simple nightly ritual has become one of our favorite cottage skills to share.
It’s never rushed. Never fancy. Just a simple ritual that turns garden herbs into something comforting and beautiful.
Making herbal tea at home is one of the easiest, most rewarding cottage skills you can learn, and it might just become your favorite daily ritual too.
Why Growing Your Own Tea Feels So Special
When you grow herbs for tea, something shifts. Tea stops being a box in the pantry and becomes part of your daily rhythm.
You start noticing when chamomile blooms. You learn how mint spreads like it owns the garden. You realize lavender smells strongest just before sunset.
A cup of tea becomes a full-circle moment. Seed to plant to harvest to drying to blending to sip.
And for many homesteads, it becomes a cottage product that friends, neighbors, and customers absolutely love.
Start With Herbs That Thrive Where You Live
One of the biggest lessons we learned early on is grow what wants to grow and when it wants to grow.
In hot climates like Arizona, these herbs thrive and make incredible teas:
- Mint (peppermint & spearmint)
- Lemon balm
- Lemongrass
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Hibiscus
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Rose petals
Your local nursery, extension office, or online research are good places to discover what grows naturally in your area. When herbs are happy, your tea tastes better and your garden work becomes easier.
Safety First: Know What You’re Drinking
Before using any plant in tea, always confirm:
- The plant is correctly identified
- It is safe for consumption
- It has no contraindications for pregnancy, medications, or allergies
Never harvest roadside or sprayed plants.
If you plan to sell tea, remember, you can describe traditional uses, but never make medical claims.
Herbal Tea vs Caffeinated Tea
True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and contains caffeine.
Herbal tea (technically called a tisane) is made from herbs, flowers, fruit, and spices and is naturally caffeine-free.
This makes herbal tea perfect for evenings, kids, and anyone trying to reduce caffeine.
Harvesting Herbs Becomes a Ritual
Harvest mornings at the farm are quiet and slow. The air is still cool, the animals are curious, and the herbs smell their strongest.
To harvest herbs:
- Pick after the morning dew dries
- Choose healthy, vibrant growth
- Use clean scissors and a basket
Simple tools make harvesting easier:
How to Dry Herbs for Tea
Drying herbs preserves flavor and shelf life.
- Rinse gently and pat dry
- Hang bundles upside down or use a drying rack
- Keep in a shaded, dry place
- Wait 1 to 3 weeks until leaves are crisp
Store dried herbs in airtight jars away from direct sunlight.
Few things feel as satisfying as opening a jar of herbs you harvested weeks earlier and smelling the seasons again.
Creating Your First Tea Blends
Blending tea is where creativity comes alive.
Start simple and experiment.
Relaxing Evening Blend
Chamomile + Lavender + Lemon Balm
Refreshing Mint Blend
Peppermint + Ginger + Lemon Peel
Immune Support Blend
Elderberry + Hibiscus + Cinnamon
Keep notes. Your signature blend may become your bestseller.
Tea Tools That Make Life Easier
Loose leaf tea can be brewed several ways depending on your lifestyle.
Fillable tea bags are perfect for gifting or selling.
Reusable infusers are eco-friendly and simple.
An electric kettle with an infuser and tea set makes daily tea effortless. We love our Viante for our nightly tea ritual!
Brewing the Perfect Cup
Use 1 teaspoon dried herbs per cup of hot water. Steep 5 to 10 minutes. Add honey or a squeeze of citrus if desired.
Then slow down and enjoy the moment. Tea isn’t meant to be rushed.
Packaging Herbal Tea to Gift or Sell
Beautiful packaging turns tea into a premium handmade product.
Helpful supplies:
Other must haves include:
- Label printer
- Sticker labels
Your label should include:
- Tea name
- Ingredient list
- Net weight
- Brewing instructions
- Kitchen Cottage License required labeling, if applicable
- “Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”
Pricing Handmade Herbal Tea
Typical cottage pricing:
Small pouch: $8–12
Medium pouch: $12–18
Gift jar: $18–25
Handcrafted tea is a premium farm product. Price it with confidence.
Shipping Your Tea From Home
Shipping becomes easy once you discover Pirate Ship.
You can print postage from home and get discounted USPS rates. It’s a favorite tool for small businesses.
Herbal Tea Makes Beautiful Gifts
Tea pairs perfectly with:
- Raw, unfiltered honey or homemade whipped honey
- Handmade mugs
- Seasonal gift baskets
- Holiday gift boxes
It’s a simple product people love to give and receive.
Join Our Farm Community
We share farm life, recipes, animals, and cottage goods daily:
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
Legal Notes
Check local cottage food laws before selling. Avoid medical claims. Clearly label ingredients and allergens.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, BLeaves Farms may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we think you’ll enjoy.
