Herbal teas are soothing, free of caffeine and very satisfying to make, fresh from your garden. Usually,
two or three leaves are infused in boiling water for a few minutes leave longer in the cup for a stronger flavour.
If required, sweeten with honey or add a slice of lemon. Some herbs can be used together, such as green (China) tea and bergamot,
lemon verbena and cinnamon, and bergamot and lemon verbena.
- Bergamot - Monarda didyma
This is a perennial that grows to 1 m. It is a hardy plant and its scented foliage may help mask
susceptible plants from pests. The flowers attract predators. Tea used as a nightcap to induce sleep.
- English or Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile (Syn Anthemis nobilis)
Use a teaspoon of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water. Not as sweet as German Chamomile.
Useful herb lawn, strong anti-inflammatory action, relaxing properties as a herbal tea. Creeping plant to 300 mm,
leaves finely divided and aromatic.
- Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
The dried and roasted root is ground to make a substitute for coffee. The leaves are high in Vitamins A and C,
niacin and minerals.
- German Chamomile - Chamomilla recutita (Syn Matricaria recutita, M. chamomilla)
Used fresh or dried flower heads to make the tea. Good for calming nerves.
- Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis
Height 1 m. Bushy, hardy herbaceous perennial. Small clusters of yellow-white flowers. Shaded area.
Use leaves in salads or add to white sauce for poultry dishes. Make a herbal tea for treatment of
chronic bronchial, feverish colds and headaches.
- Lemon Grass - Cymbopogon citratus
A perennial grass which has dense clumps of long, tapered leaves. Leaves used in teas and cooking.
Bulb used in Thai cooking. Loves watering.
- Lemon Verbena Aloysia citriodora
A native from South America, the narrow, light green leaves give a lemon fragrance to any drink or dish.
Dried leaves can also be used in sachets and sleep pillows. After flowering, trim shrub each year to maintain bushiness.
- Peppermint Mentha piperata
Strong flavour makes a refreshing tea, either hot or cold. Also used as an inhalant.
Needs to be contained in hanging basket or pot.
- Spearmint Mentha spicata
Spreading low shrub to 50 cm. Lilac flowers in summer. Keep contained. Refreshing cool drink.
Place tea in fridge or make ice blocks.
- Thyme, Orange Thymus v Fragrantissimus
Fine, silvery low bush. Pink flowers. Lovely to add to other herb teas and can be used to flavour meat dishes.
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