Anyone make tea?

[Shayanna]

I have a lemon thyme plant that smells so delicious I want to drink it. But I don't know where to begin.

[gweny]

I cut mine in the morning when the dew is still on them ;(is supposed to be stronger then). Then I hang them in the garage in a brown paper lunch bag... Rubber banded at the top so the band holds the herbs hanging upside down. I wait a couple-few weeks than I take them down. The leaves at this point are dry so I crumble them and discard stems... Then I just store in a jar to use for spices or tea. My favorite tea to grow is chamomile. That one I save the flower heads though, not the leaves. I hope that answers your question?

[CajunSunshine]

To make herb tea: Boil the water, remove from heat. For every cup of water, drop in a teaspoon or two of dried herb (more or less, to taste), cover and let sit for 5 - 10 minutes (longer if desired for stronger flavor).

If you are using fresh herbs, measure out 1 or 2 tablespoons herbs per cup of water.

Rule of thumb: 1 teaspoon dried herb is equivalent to 1 tablespoon fresh.

Just remember: never boil delicates such as leaves and flowers. As a general rule, most roots and bark can be boiled.

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[Shayanna]

Thank you! So... I don't have to dry out the leaves? I can use fresh?

[chickenista]

Yes. You can use fresh.
And it is also best to cover the tea while it steeps.
Just place a saucer over it or something (or make it in a canning jar)
Covering it keeps the volatile oils in the tea.

[Use Less]

Some things that smell great don't make good teas. You will need to experiment with how many leaves, and how long you steep.

[Shayanna]

Thank you use less for the warning. Sometimes I swear I have pika. I always am so tempted to eat things/drink things that smell good. (I usually don't.) I really would like to find some sassafras trees but I just can't. Also I was reading about raspberry leaf tea. I think I might try that one.

[chickenista]

Thyme tea is pretty good and very good for you.
Give it a try and let us know if you liked it.

[Shayanna]

Not strong enough. I will try drying a larger amount. I just added a couple sprigs to my Lipton and it was pretty good but a little too subtle