Best Herbs for Tea

• Before making teas, be sure that the plants are edible and organically grown with no pesticides.
• Gather leaves and flowers in the morning, after the dew has evaporated.
• Spread in a single layer on paper towels or a drying screen.
• Let dry for 10 days out of direct sunlight.
• Crush leaves, seal in jars and label.
• When it’s time to make tea, crush leaves into a tea ball and pour boiling water over it. Let steep for 10 minutes before serving.
• Be creative with herbs, locally grown honey and citrus rinds like lemon and orange.

These petite, daisy-like blooms make a relaxing tea when dried, and can be used in potpourri, too. Chamomile makes a sweet addition to an herb or flower border.

Why does mint always come with the recommendation to plant in a container? Because it will take over your gardening world in the blink of an eye. Infusing the fragrant leaves in teas and adding flavor to recipes will help you use up the bounty.

To make mint tea, crush 10 peppermint leaves and place in a mug. Add nearly boiling water, steep for 8 to 10 minutes, remove leaves and enjoy. Mint teas are also delicious when served iced. If that's too much mint, you can add a fresh mint sprig to your favorite traditional tea.

Tea made from lemon balm is reputed to alleviate headaches — reason enough to give this plant a try in your herb garden. This plant is a hardy perennial herb bush that grows a couple feet high with small white flowers and lemony leaves.

The number one reason to grow bee balm is for the splendid red and pink flowers that bring pollinators like bees into the garden. Pick the lemony leaves right before flowering for a fragrant tea.

Pick lavender’s buds and flowers, dry them and use for tea. Lavender grows slowly from seed; it’s best to start with seedlings or propagate from cuttings.

Lavender's best known use is for stress relief and relaxation. To make lavender tea, boil 8 ounces of water, add 3 to 4 teaspoons of organic lavender buds to a tea ball and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes.