🍃 Savour the season: 7 Simple Herbal Tea Blends from my Garden

I have had a small vegetable garden for six years now. Every year, I try to expand my horizons by planing something new: this year was lemon balm and it FLOURISHED! I did some research on how to best utilize it, and of course tea was the number one suggestion (as well as some home cleaners and air fresheners, which I will try out next). You may be wondering “why did she plant something without having a purpose for it?”… but my friend, that is my nature. Jump in with two feet and see what happens!

So I steeped a few leaves and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and lemony it was! I enjoyed my first mug on a lovely summer evening out on our deck watching the sunset, and thought about what other kinds of teas I could make with the herbs in my garden. Some herbs are an obvious yes, like mint, and others an obvious no, like chives and dill. Still, others showed promise: basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano.

I’ve been sampling different blends for a few weeks and basically like them all. Below are 7 simple tea ideas - each one using a different herb as the star. Most can be enjoyed hot or iced. Whether you’re looking for calm, focus, or just a cozy moment, these garden-fresh herbal blends are easy, beautiful, and wonderfully aromatic. Play around with the blends and find your favourites!

1. Lemon Balm Calm

Relaxing • Gentle • Lightly citrusy

• 2 tsp fresh lemon balm leaves

• Optional: 1 tsp mint or a few lavender buds for added calm

  Steep in hot water (not boiling) for 5–7 minutes. A lovely before-bed tea that’s mellow and grounding.

2. Mint Cooler

Refreshing • Uplifting • Great iced

• 2 tsp fresh mint

• 1 tsp lemon balm or basil

  Steep for 5 minutes. Add ice, a lemon slice, or a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink.

3. Basil Bright

Invigorating • Fresh • Uplifting

• 2 tsp fresh basil

• Optional: ½ tsp rosemary for mental clarity

  Steep in hot water for about 5 minutes. This one’s especially nice in the morning or early afternoon.

4. Sage & Honey Soothe

Comforting • Warming • Cozy

• 1½ tsp sage

• 1 tsp thyme

• Optional: A touch of honey or maple syrup

  Sage is bold, so steep for 4–5 minutes only. Great for sore throats and chilly days.

5. Thyme & Lemon Lift

Herbal • Light • Good for respiratory support

• 1½ tsp thyme

• A squeeze of lemon juice

• Optional: honey or a mint leaf

  Wonderful for seasonal sniffles or just a fragrant, bright afternoon sip.

6. Rosemary Clarity

Energizing • Piney • Brain-boosting

• 1½ tsp rosemary (fresh or dried)

• Optional: a small piece of orange peel or mint

  Great for focus and memory. Keep steep time under 5 minutes to avoid bitterness.

7. Oregano Zest

Earthy • Strong • Good for immunity

• 1 tsp fresh oregano (it’s potent!)

• 1 tsp lemon balm or mint to mellow it out

  Steep 3–4 minutes. This is your go-to wellness tea during the colder months.

🍯 Sweeten the Moment

All of these blends are naturally flavorful, but if you want to sweeten them without honey, try:

• Maple syrup (just a touch)

• Simple syrups like lavender, lemon, or vanilla

• A dried apple slice or a bit of licorice root added to the steep

🌿 Brewing Tips

• Use about 1–2 tsp fresh herbs per cup (less for stronger herbs like rosemary or oregano)

• Pour just boiled water (about 90–95°C) over your herbs

• Cover your mug while steeping to trap the goodness

• Steep 5–7 minutes, then strain (shorter for soft herbs like basil, longer for woody herbs like rosemary)

• Enjoy immediately or chill for later

Want a free printable Tea Guide? I’ve created a beautiful illustrated tea chart featuring all 7 blends—perfect for hanging in the kitchen or tucking into your garden journal.

And if you’re already a subscriber, thank you! Your support keeps the kettle going and the paints flowing!