How to Make a Herbal Tea

A water-based herbal preparation made by steeping herbs in hot water to draw out their flavor, aroma, and beneficial properties. Herbal teas are one of the simplest and most common ways to use herbs for enjoyment, nourishment, and traditional wellness support.

Best For

  • Making a simple water-based herbal preparation
  • Enjoying herbs for flavor, warmth, and traditional wellness support
  • Using leaves, flowers, seeds, and some tender plant parts
  • Quick, everyday herbal use
  • Drinking herbs fresh, dried, plain, or blended

Shelf Life

Herbal tea is best used right after it is made. If needed, it can be refrigerated in a sealed container and used within 24–48 hours.

Basic Tea Making Method

  1. Choose your herb or herbal blend.
  2. Measure the herb into a cup, jar, teapot, or infuser. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb, or 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh herb per 8 ounces of water.
  3. Heat fresh water until hot.
  4. Pour the hot water over the herb.
  5. Cover the container to hold in heat and aroma.
  6. Let the tea steep for the desired amount of time.
  7. Strain if needed.
  8. Drink warm, or let cool for later use.
  9. Add sweetener, lemon, or other extras if desired.

What You Need

  • Base Ingredients
  • Herb or herbal blend
  • Water
  • Optional sweetener or flavor additions
  • Tools & Equipment
  • Cup, mug, jar, or teapot
  • Tea infuser, tea ball, or strainer
  • Kettle, saucepan, or other way to heat water
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Lid, saucer, or cover for steeping
  • For Finishing & Storage
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, if needed
  • Clean jar, bottle, or pitcher for extra tea
  • Lid or cap that seals well
  • Labels or marker
  • Refrigerator space for short-term storage

Storage & Labeling

Tea is best used fresh. If extra tea is made, strain it fully, pour it into a clean, sealed container, and refrigerate it. Label with the herb or blend used and the date made. Use within 24–48 hours.