These herbs can be used for herbal teas, each offering their unique blend of health benefits.
When preparing tea, it is essential to use the correct parts of each plant, as directed, to ensure safety and effectiveness.
For example, use the leaves and flowers of anise hyssop for its digestive and respiratory benefits, or the roots and seeds of Angelica for digestive support.
The contribution of each herb, from the soothing properties of chamomile flowers to the liver support of dandelion leaves, roots and flowers, enriches the diversity and healing potential of the tea garden.
Here are some herbs to consider including in your medicinal tea garden, along with the parts used and their healing benefits:
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Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Aids digestion, relieves airway congestion and has a soothing, licorice-like flavor.
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Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Part used: roots, seeds
- Benefits: Known to support digestion, can help relieve gas and bloating, and is used in traditional medicine for respiratory health.
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Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Soothes digestive problems, has antiseptic properties and can relieve cold and flu symptoms.
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Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Known for supporting the adrenal glands, it can improve mood and the leaves have a cucumber-like flavor that is beneficial in tea and salads.
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Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Part used: flowers
- Benefits: Supports skin health, promotes wound healing and has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Relieves digestive discomfort, can reduce anxiety and aid sleep, and is also known for its mild sedative effects.
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Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Part used: flowers
- Benefits: Calms the nervous system, aids digestion and is widely used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
- Part used: Leaves
- Benefits: Provides gentle digestive support, can help lower blood pressure and has a mild flavor reminiscent of anise.
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Sun hat (Echinacea spp.)
- Part used: roots, leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Strengthens the immune system, can reduce the symptoms of colds and flu and has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- Part used: leaves, roots, flowers
- Benefits: Supports liver health, aids digestion and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
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Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
- Partly used: berries, flowers
- Benefits: Immune boosting, can relieve cold and flu symptoms and is rich in antioxidants.
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Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Part used: bulb, leaves, seeds
- Benefits: Aids in digestion, can relieve gas and bloating, and is known for its licorice-like flavor.
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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: May reduce the frequency of migraines and relieve arthritis pain, with anti-inflammatory properties.
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Ginger (Zingiber official)
- Part used: carrot
- Benefits: Supports digestion, relieves nausea and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
- Part used: flowers
- Benefits: May help lower blood pressure, supports liver health and is rich in antioxidants.
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Holy basil (Tulsi) (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Reduces stress and anxiety, supports the immune system and has adaptogenic properties.
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Malrohond (Marrubium vulgare)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Traditionally used for respiratory health, can soothe sore throats and coughs.
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Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- Part used: leaves, roots
- Benefits: Supports kidney function and urinary tract health, can help with joint and muscle pain.
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Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Part used: flowers
- Benefits: Calming and relaxing, can aid with sleep and stress relief, and is also known for its skin-soothing properties.
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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Part used: Leaves
- Benefits: Relieves stress and anxiety, supports digestion and has a mild sedative effect to aid sleep.
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Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Part used: stems, leaves
- Benefits: Aids digestion, can help relieve anxiety and insomnia, and has antimicrobial properties.
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Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
- Part Used: Leaves and flowering tops
- Benefits: Soothes digestive problems, can reduce inflammation and has a refreshing lemon flavor.
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Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
- Part used: roots, leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Soothes irritated mucous membranes, supports skin health and digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
- Part used: seeds
- Benefits: Supports liver health, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can aid in detoxification.
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Mint or Peppermint (Mentha spp.)
- Part used: Leaves
- Benefits: Helps with digestion, can relieve symptoms of IBS and is known for its refreshing taste.
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Feverfew (Leonurus cardiala)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Supports heart health, can relieve stress and anxiety, and has been traditionally used for women’s health conditions.
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Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
- Part used: leaves, roots
- Benefits: Promotes digestion, can aid with dreamwork and menstrual health, and has mild sedative properties.
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Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Supports respiratory health, can soothe irritated mucous membranes and is used in traditional cough remedies.
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Oat straw (Avena sativa)
- Part used: straw (stems), seeds
- Benefits: Nourishes the nervous system, supports heart health and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
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Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Can aid with digestion and anxiety relief, and the fruity flavor is a delicious addition to tea.
- Plantain (Plantago major)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Can aid with digestion and anxiety relief, and the fruity flavor is a delicious addition to tea.
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Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
- Part used: Leaves
- Benefits: Supports women’s health, especially during pregnancy, and is known for its nutrient-rich profile.
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Rose (Rosa spp.)
- Part used: petals, hips
- Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, it supports skin health and can improve mood with its uplifting scent.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Part used: Leaves
- Benefits: Improves memory and concentration, supports digestion and has antimicrobial properties.
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Self-healing (Prunella vulgaris)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Traditionally used for inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), diarrhea, colic and stomach upset and irritation (gastroenteritis). It is also used for mouth and throat ulcers, sore throat and internal bleeding.
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Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
- Part used: Leaves
- Benefits: Natural sweetener without glucose spike, can help control blood sugar levels.
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Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Part used: leaves, roots
- Benefits: Rich in nutrients, supports joint health and can relieve allergy symptoms.
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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Part used: Leaves
- Benefits: Supports respiratory health, has antimicrobial properties and can aid in digestion.
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Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
- Part used: carrots
- Benefits: Promotes relaxation and sleep, can reduce anxiety and is known for its calming properties.
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Viola (Viola spp.)
- Partly used: flowers, leaves
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, supports respiratory health and can soothe skin conditions.
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Partly used: leaves, flowers
- Benefits: Promotes wound healing, supports digestion and can reduce fever.
Disclaimer – However, it is important to note that while these herbs are generally considered safe for consumption, individual sensitivities, allergies, and specific health conditions may affect their suitability. It’s always a good idea to do some research on each herb, especially if you have specific health concerns, and consult a doctor if you’re unsure whether you should add a new herb to your diet. Furthermore, proper identification and knowledge of each herb is crucial to avoid any adverse effects, especially with herbs like Mugwort and Valerian, which have powerful properties and should be used with care.