There’s nothing more comforting than an excellent cup of tea. Considering the combination of enticing aromas, the satisfaction of knowing each tasty sip is loaded with health benefits, and the excuse to carry around a mug that doubles as a hand warmer, how can you say no?
From detoxification to blemish control to anxiety relief, the medicinal potential that tea has to offer is enticing. But this season, as the weather gets chillier and you reach for your next flavor of brew, try making your own tea blends instead of buying them premade. With such a diverse range of natural benefits at your fingertips, crafting a personalized blend allows you to tailor each cup to fit your own tastes and health needs.
All you will need to get started are a few high-quality herbs, flowers, and/or tea leaves of your choice, a tea bag or infuser, and a sense of adventure. Easy, right? Just wait ’til you hear the instructions: simply mix your desired combination together to taste and get brewing!
3 Customized Tea Blends for Stress, Motivation + Mood
Below are a few medleys that I would highly recommend, but the beauty of making your own tea is that the possibilities are literally endless. And once you’ve found some of your personal favorites, why not make a few extra bags to store in your kitchen pantry? Or better yet, tie them off with a cute string and label, and gift them to a tea-loving friend as well.
Note: If you don’t want to buy these herbs and flowers in bulk, you can usually purchase them by the scoop at your local organic market.
1. Motivating Tea Blend
Give your mind an extra kick of energy and focus with this stimulating blend of rosemary, peppermint, and green tea, which helps you stay alert and centered while boosting brain function. Being productive never tasted so good. (Note: This one can get a bit strong, so begin with a shorter steeping time or use a little less of each herb.)
—1 part dried rosemary
—2 parts dried peppermint
—2 parts loose organic green tea
Scoop the herbs and tea into a small bowl and toss to combine (feel free to adjust the herb ratios to suit your personal taste). Transfer the mixture to an airtight container with a lid, or spoon it into cloth tea bags for convenient use.
2. Mood-Lifting Tea Blend
Start seeing the world a little differently with this uplifting fusion of natural antidepressants and energizers, like rose, lavender, and lemon balm. This beautiful array of colors and aromas will help you relax and lift your spirits at the same time.
—1 part dried, food-grade organic dried rose petals
—1 part organic dried lavender
—1 part organic dried lemon balm
Scoop the flowers and herbs into a small bowl and toss to combine. Transfer to an airtight container with a lid, or spoon it into cloth tea bags.
3. Relaxing Tea Blend
Of all the tea blends, this one is my personal favorite. A soothing mix of chamomile, passion flower, and lavender, you’ll feel your stress melt away—thanks to this brew’s tension-relieving properties.
Turn your tea into a soothing latte, and it’s the perfect addition to your evening routine to help you wind down for the night.
—2 parts organic dried chamomile flowers
—1 part organic dried passion flower
—1 part organic dried lavender flowers
Scoop the flowers into a small bowl and toss to combine. Transfer to an airtight container with a lid, or spoon it into cloth tea bags.
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Tea
If you’ve ever let a cup of tea steep a little too long, you’ll know that how you brew is as important as what you brew. Once you’ve chosen your blend, here’s how to use it to make a cup of tea.
Tea brewing instructions
1. Add your chosen tea blend to an infuser or tea bag, using 1–2 tablespoons of tea per cup of water.
2. Bring a kettle of fresh water to a boil.
3. Place your tea bag in a mug, and pour hot water over the tea bag.
4. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes, occasionally removing the lid and bobbing the tea bag up and down in the water.
5. When the tea has finished steeping to your desired strength, uncover and remove the bag or infuser. Enjoy!
So go ahead, grab that favorite finger-warming mug and cozy up with a cup of your own signature tea blend!
