Article by Mary Thompson
On a cold winter morning nothing is better than having a cup of tea to start the day. For a variety in your experience with tea, try herbal tea which has some added health benefits. Even though the concept of herbal tea has been around for more than a 1000 years, it is only recently that it was introduced to the western world. Herbal tea has its origin in the eastern countries like Japan, China, and India.
Herbal tea is not actually made from the usual tea leaves, they can be made many of the garden plants, and not only the leaves but all parts of a plant can be used to make tea. Herbal tea plants serve as holistic medicine for the support of our health. These amazing plants can be added to our garden as enchanted botanicals.
Herbs are small plants requiring lesser space for cultivation and they can be grown year round. They can be grown outdoors or indoors. It depends on the amount of light required by the particular herb. Most of the herbs require less amount of light. Bulk herbs can be grown together but we must keep in mind that each herb requires its own space to grow. If they are grown in crowded area, the flavor of the tea will be affected.
List of some herbal tea plants
1. Mint is a very aromatic plant with many health benefits. The tea made from mint plant has a soothing and cooling effect. Hybrid varieties of mint plants like citrus mint and chocolate mint are available in the market. The mint leaves are to be picked in the morning. After picking, the leaves are to be crushed before steeping it in hot water. Mint can be grown in outdoor and indoor.
2. Chamomile is another option for you herbal tea garden. This plant can be grown inside the house as it needs only a little amount of light. The small yellow flowers add to the beauty of your garden. These are annual plants so you will have to cultivate it year round.
3. Jasmine with its exotic and fruity flavor is another favorite for an indoor arrangement. They cannot tolerate the harsh winter cold; therefore, a permanent indoor arrangement would be the best. Being a creeper they may need some stilts to climb upon.
4. Lavender with is beautiful small flowers is not just an ornamentation for you herbal tea garden they also keep moths and insects away. Lavender tea is made from the buds of the lavender plant.
Growing these plants in your garden will yield healthy and tasty tea right from you backyard.