Making your own homemade Herbal Tea is easy and fun! Includes tea blends for enhanced sleep, brain function, and liver support. Fully customizable, these herbal tea recipes are nutritive and soothing.

Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves- slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.
Nhat Hanh
As a chef and an aspiring herbalist, I’ve been making herbal tea blends for decades, first at our vegetarian restaurant, then later for friends and family. They are part of my daily self-care routine, and they make a lovely gift for someone you know who could use a little extra love.
Why make your own herbal tea recipes?
Did you know that even the process of making tea can calm your nervous system and relax you? The ritual of preparing a cup of herbal tea starts the process of relaxation, over time your body and mind begin to release tension even before you take a sip.
It is these small practices that can help keep us grounded. Self-care is always the best place to start in making a difference in the world.
Buying herbs and tea in bulk leads to a better product. Teabags often contain dust from broken leaves lacking flavor. Many tea packets have chemical flavor additives. Making your own herbal tea blends ensures better quality and taste, tailored to your needs.

Herbal Tea Benefits
Nutritive herbs can be both gentle and effective. They work best when included in your daily routine, gradually supplying your body with vitamins and essential nutrients that can improve how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically.
There is a saying among herbalists that when you take an herb for one thing you are bound to get other positive side effects. Herbal tea can boost you in ways you did not know you needed.
Herbal tea is medicine for the body, mind, and spirit. The more intention you bring to the whole process the more benefit you will reap. As is true in most areas of our lives!

Herbal Tea Ingredients (and Their Benefits)
Always look for dried, organic herbs. Using dried herbs from your own garden is a nice practice! Here’s a great tutorial on how to dry your own herbs.
- Peppermint– promotes alertness, is great for headaches, and aids digestive disorders and body aches and pains.
- Tulsi– also known as holy basil, supports the mood, energizes and stimulates the mind, sharpens awareness, uplifts mood, and supports immune function. It is a powerful adaptogen, helping to regulate hormones and deal with stress.
- Gota Kola– balances the brain, heals connective tissue, enhances clarity of thinking, and stimulates memory.
- Ginkgo Biloba- increases microcirculation and blood flow, anti-inflammatory.
- Rosemary– improves memory and cognitive function and can decrease pain and inflammation.
- Bacopa or Brahmi- in Ayurveda balances all three doshas, enhances cognitive function, and increases mental focusing.
- Lemon balm leaves -restores the nervous system and is great for indigestion, acid reflux, and irritability. It can bring feelings of ease, happiness, and lightness and support cognitive health.
- Passionflower – takes everything down a notch. Calms mind-chatter and anxiety-driven insomnia. Improves sleep quality.
- Skullcap- helps to settle the mind chatter, eases anxiety, quells nerve irritation and muscle tension, and strengthens the nervous system over time.
- Chamomile flowers– calming and good for anxiety, stress, and jitters. It soothes indigestion, boosts immunity, and calms the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Oatstraw– anti-depressant, nutritive, and replenishes the nervous system.
- mint leaves– spearmint or peppermint, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve digestion.
- Lavender– calming, relieves stress, lifts mood, and promotes a state of ease.
- Rose– calming, soothing, relaxing, helps to lift depression.
- Valerian- strongly sedating, and relaxing, helps with nervous anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, and relaxes muscle tension.
- Licorice– soothes the digestive tract, helps the body absorb nutrients, good for sore throat and flu, and is anti-inflammatory.
- Dandelion root– strengthens and nourishes the liver, helps to break down food and digest fats, digestive aid.
- Milk Thistle -protects and nourishes the liver (it is best to obtain whole seeds and then grind them for the highest nutrient extraction).
- Schisandra – regulates the immune system, protects the liver and other organs, promotes vitality.
- Ginger root- increases circulation, promotes digestion, increases the potency of other herbs, and is anti-inflammatory.
- Cacao Nibs– can lower blood pressure, elevate mood, and support healthy cholesterol levels.
- Chicory Root- high in inulin, helps to cleanse the liver and improves digestion.
- Hibiscus– High in vitamin C.
- Raspberry Leaf- A good source of antioxidants, including ellagitannins, hydroxybenzoic acids, and anthocyanins. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect against inflammation and chronic diseases.
- Rose Hips- Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamins C, E, and B, rose hips have anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in diabetes and cancer support.
- Echinacea – Echinacea can boost immunity, help with blood sugar, anxiety, inflammation, and skin health, and may have anti-cancer benefits.
- Dried Lemon Peel or Orange Peels – Citrus peels are nutritious and rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. They are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Stevia– (natural green leaf form) 200 times sweeter than sugar! Antioxidants support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Spices: Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Fennel Seed, Turmeric,
(We recognize that every body is unique and we all have different needs. We are making no claims here, just gently suggesting exploration with herbal tea. 😊)
How to make Herbal Tea Blends
Simply mix dried herbs in a bowl and store them in a sealed jar.

Favorite Herbal Tea Recipes

brain booster tea
Description: Brain Booster Tea is a great afternoon tea when you start to feel sluggish or anytime you want a brain boost! Taken with regularity, over time, many herbs in this blend have shown to increase short-term memory as well as overall sharper cognitive function. This harmonious tea blend is lively, fresh and herby.
Brain Booster Ingredients:
- Peppermint leaves
- Tulsi Basil
- Gota kola
- Ginko Biloba
- Dried rosemary

calm and sleepy tea
Description: A blend of herbs to relax body and mind and prepare for sleep. This herbal tea aids in sleep but can be taken anytime your nervous system needs soothing. I make a pot of some version of this tea most evenings for my family to wind down from the days activities and get us ready for a peaceful night of rest- a sweet tradition in our household. This herbal tea blend has mellow minty undertones, hints of citrus and just enough floral.
Calm and Sleepy Herbal Tea Ingredients:
- Lemon balm
- Passionflower
- Skullcap
- Chamomile
- Spearmint
- Optional additions: valerian root, lavender, rose petals or buds, oat straw, stevia (for sweetness)
See the recipe card for precise measurements.

happy liver tea
Description: As the largest organ in our bodies, the liver is the filter for toxins and is also responsible for metabolizing carbs, fat, and proteins. Supporting our liver is becoming more and more important. We do the best we can but with so many environmental influences out of our control, we can use some herbal support. This herbal blend has a comforting, toasty, deep flavor with a touch of berry brightness. So good with a bit of honey and oat creamer.
Happy Liver Tea Ingredients
- Dandelion root
- Roasted chicory root
- Schisandra berries
- Ginger chips
- Licorice root
- Optional additions: milk thistle, cocoa nibs
Storing your Herbal Tea
Store herbal teas for up to 3 months in a sealed glass jar out of direct sunlight, preferably in a dark cupboard, away from heat and light. Dark glass jars or ceramic jars are excellent choices.
How to Brew Loose-leaf Herbal Cup of Tea
- Set a kettle of water to boil.
- Place 2-3 teaspoons of loose- herbal in a tea strainer. (You can also use a french press)
- Place the strainer in an 8-ounce mug or tea cup.
- Pour boiling water over the strainer and let steep 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the strainer and enjoy.
- Feel free to reuse the herb tea and refill with hot water.

How to Serve Herbal Tea
Serve with your choice of sweetener (honey is nice) if desired, and optional lemon juice.
Where to source Quality Herbs & jars
- The bulk section of your local upscale grocery store or Co-op
- Mountain Rose Herbs – offers high-quality organic herbs
- Amazon: Chamomile, Gingko Biloba, etc.
- We like these Sealable jars and Labels
More Favorite Tea recipes
More DIY remedies and tonics you may enjoy
- 20+ DIY Gift Ideas
- Sage Oxymel (a respiratory tonic)
- Elderberry Syrup
- Ayurvedic Detox Turmeric Tea (a daily drink)
- Celery Juice Recipe & Top 10 Celery Benefits
- Wonder Balm! (Shea Butter Body Balm)
- Fresh Nettle Super Tonic
- Turmeric Tonic!
- Moroccan Sore Throat Tea
I hope these herbal tea recipes bring you inspiration and vitality!
Print
Herbal Tea Recipes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 cups per blend
- Category: Herbal Tea, drinks
- Method: mixed
- Cuisine: american
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Making your own homemade Herbal Tea is easy and fun! Includes tea blends for enhanced sleep, brain function, and liver support. Fully customizable, these herbal tea recipes are nutritive and soothing. Here are three recipes!
Ingredients
Brain Boost
- 1 cup peppermint
- 1/2 cup tulsi
- 1/2 cup gota kola
- 1/2 cup Ginko Biloba
- 1/4 cup dried rosemary
Optional addition: 1/2 cup Brahmi, 1 teaspoon stevia (for sweetness)
Calm and Sleepy
- 1 cup lemon balm
- 1/2 cup passionflower
- 1/2 cup skullcap
- 1/2 cup chamomile
- 1/4 cup spearmint
optional additions: 1/4 cup valerian root, 1 tablespoon lavender, 1 tablespoon rose petals or buds, 1/2 cup oat straw, 1 teaspoon stevia (for sweetness)
Happy Liver
- 1 cup roasted dandelion root
- 1/4 cup roasted chicory root
- 1/4 cup Schisandra berries
- 2 tablespoons ginger chips
- 1 tablespoon licorice root
optional additions: 1/4 cup milk thistle, 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
Instructions
- Mix dried herbs (not powdered) together in a bowl.
- Store in sealed glass jars.
- Bring water to a boil. Use 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per cup of boiling water.
- Brew covered at least 5 minutes and up to 20. Pour into cups and enjoy!
*The Happy Liver blend simmer 10-15 minutes for maximum nutrient extraction.
Notes
Teas will keep up to 3-6 months in a sealed container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 0.8 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
How do you measure each herb for your tea blends? I’m stomped on trying to figure out the correct dosage of each herb for my tea blends. Is there any advice you can give me?
Hi Kandi, it completely depends on the flavor and quality of the herbs you are using. Stronger more potent herbs you would use less and more mild herbs you can use more. I like to taste, smell and then do a little research. Hope that is helpful.
what is ginger chips
Ginger chips are just dried ginger (not powdered).
any caffeine in those 3 blends ?
Nope, no caffeine!
Question – So that I can save time by not having to look up everything in the list of herbs… Are all of these caffeine-free? Or is there a source you can recommend to just find all of these easily? Thanks for all this info!
Yes caffeine free. I like Mountain Rose Herbs- https://mountainroseherbs.com
Happy creating!
Good
Great article! Remember, when using for medicinal purposes, never use metal. The metal reacts to and can change the properties of the medicinal values. Try to use glass or porcelain. Again, great information!
Thanks for this Shanen!
Were can I buy ingredients from to make calm sleep. Or grow myself. I live in hot climates. We are in summertime very hot now
Calm and Sleepy
1 cup lemon balm
½ cup passionflower
½ cup skullcap
1/2 cup chamomile
¼ cup spearmint
optional additions: 1/4 cup valerian root, 1 tablespoon lavender, 1 tablespoon rose petals or buds, 1/2 cup oat straw, 1 teaspoon stevia (for sweetness)
Hi Kerry Ann, Is there a natural foods market where you live? Often herbs are stocked in bulk and you can just buy the portions you need. In the post above the recipe card we list a few online resources. Happy creating!
Use culinary herbs in tea for different flavor Rosemary, basil, lemon, with black tea.
I grow my own to mix in tea Catnip, valerian, lemongrass, for help with insomnia and Anise hissop, echinacea, Mullins, horshound for colds
Add powdered dehydrated orange, lemon, tangerine rind for vitamins and flavor .
How wonderful to have those all in your garden! Love all the suggestions.
Excellent recipes
Please and thank u, were can I fine these differences herbs for the recipes. Looking for recipe for the lungs again thank u..
Hi Dianne- we have linked some sources on Amazon, but if you have a local Natural Foods store they will probably stock some too!
Thank you for sharing your happy liver recipe ☺️
Thanks Yolie!
Amazing read & Great recipes!!
I have these teas in the powdered form tho, can it be used for these recipes too ???
Thanks! I think that would work. You could then filter with a fine coffee filter.
Hi,
My wife suffers from migranes, her doctor has prescrubed tablets , we would like a more natural solution. Her blood tests show she is low in magnesium. Which I am trying to boost by diet.
She also suffers from constipation ( since she was a young girl, her mother & grandmother also suffered ) and fatigue.She likes teas, So far I’m trying :
ginger, nettle , turmeric, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, all spice, cumin seed, butter bur and fever few ( we have our own plants )
Thanks.
Hi Jeff, I love that you are trying natural remedies for this and that you growing your own plants. Let us know how it goes!
It’s an interesting read. I was impressed by your recipe. I’m sharing your blog for additional exposure.
thanks so much!
Awesome 👍.
I will give it a try immediately.
thank you.
It is so interesting i was searching for this topic from a long time. I read this article very carefully and now I got all my best information for writing blog on natural plant extracts . I am so glad that i finally find blog resemblance to my topic. Thanks for this.
this is great! just wanted to include some blends that would also work:
rose, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, valerian (nice for sleep and reading)
Oatstraw,dandelion root, sage, mint, jasmine (soft, soothing and delicious)
Please print any Ayurvedic herbals treatment for type two suger patients in tea form. Thank you in advance.( I am suger patient. If you have any receipts please send in my box. )
Do you mean you have Diabetes? Sorry not an expert in this area. 🙂
Milk thistle is not prepared as a tea unless it is ground first. Otherwise great article
Never thought of making my own tea! Can’t wait to try it and it also looks beautiful on an open shelf in the kitchen. Just curious, do you sip it with all the loose tea floating around or do you strain it or contain it in some sort of package?
I use a French press solely just for tea (no coffee). You can also use a strainer or a mesh tea ball that contains the tea.😊
steep it in a tea bag!
All three are fantastic, both medicinal and delicious. Please post more if you could.
I’ve been looking for some good tea blends to make myself. Thank you !
Wonderful summary of ingredients and their properties. Thanks for the suggestions for a cozy cup of tea. I also like using nettles for liver support and appreciated that you gave me more options to explore.
Well wasn’t that just lovely!
Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this tea blend! Please share more tea blend ideas if you have them 🙂
I love to get detox tea daily!