A Better Way to Brew Your Herbal Tea

By Andrée Noye, MA, Clinical Herbalist Reading Time: 4 minutes

Most people think they already know how to make tea. Boil water, pour, two minutes, done. That works for a supermarket tea bag, but it does not do justice to real herbs. Hand blended loose leaf teas behave differently. They need room to move, proper heat, and enough time to let the plant open. When you give herbs that space, the flavour becomes richer and the infusion feels stronger and more nourishing.

This is the way I teach my clients to prepare herbal tea. It slows you down in a good way and gives you the full value of the plants you paid for.

The Basics

Herbs need three things.

1. Heat

2. Time

3. Room to expand

If your tea looks pale after two minutes, it means the herbs never had a chance.

My Preferred Method: Loose in the Pot

A pot of herbal tea simmers gently on the stove, releasing a comforting aroma as the leaves and flowers infuse the water.

This is the way I make almost all of my teas at home.

How to do it

• Bring your water close to a boil.

• Add your herbs directly into the pot or cup.

• Cover the top to keep the aromatics in.

• Steep for the full recommended time.

• Strain with a small mesh strainer when ready.

Leaving herbs loose allows them to fully open. You get better flavour, better colour, and better extraction of the plant’s natural properties.

If you have only ever used a metal tea ball, try this method once. The difference is obvious.

The French Press Method

A French press filled with a rich blend of herbal tea, steeping to perfection on an intricately designed surface.

This one is extremely convenient and perfect for people who want zero mess. It is also my favorite method to use when I'm at work...

How to do it

• Add herbs to the bottom of a clean French press.

• Pour hot water over top.

• Cover with the lid and let steep.

• Press down slowly.

• Pour and enjoy.

You can place the "Bodum" directly in the fridge to reuse the herbs the next day! French presses are excellent for nutritive blends like Relax, Tonic, and Joy because they hold heat well and give the herbs lots of room.

The Stovetop Simmer

A copper pot gently simmers on the stove, infusing the air with the warm, earthy aroma of root and berry tea.

This is ideal for roots, barks, and blends that benefit from a deeper extraction.

How to do it

• Place herbs in a small saucepan.

• Add water.

• Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Strain into your cup.

This works beautifully for Digest, Revive, Detox, and any tea with robust roots.

The Covered Mug Method

Adorable animal-themed cups with matching lids add a playful touch to your beverage experience.

Good when you want the simplicity of a cup without losing the aromatic oils.

How to do it

• Add herbs to your mug.

• Pour hot water.

• Cover with a small plate.

• Steep for the full time.

• Strain before drinking.

Covering the cup makes a surprising difference. The scent and flavour become rounder and warmer.

The Thermos Infusion

A cozy moment on the road: Enjoying a warm cup of tea from a thermos while working in a camper with scenic views outside.

A perfect all day method.

How to do it

• Add herbs to a thermos.

• Fill with hot water.

• Close and let steep while you work or travel.

• Strain when you pour.

This is great for Tonic, Relax, Joy, and any blend you sip slowly through the day.

Reusing the Herbs

Most herbal blends can be reused once.

How to do it safely

• Let the herbs cool.

• Store in the fridge.

• Use within 24 hours.

• Add fresh hot water and steep again.

Rebrewed herbs taste softer but still lovely. One important note. Do not reuse herbs that have been simmered in milk, like Masala Chai. Milk changes the safety window and increases the chance of bacteria.

A Note on Tea Balls/Bags

Freshly steeped herbal tea being strained into a mug, capturing a moment of calm and warmth.

Metal tea balls or loose leaf bags are the least effective method. They squeeze the herbs into a tight space and prevent proper movement. If that is all you have, use less herb so it can at least shift around inside the ball/bag. Even better, retire them altogether

and switch to a small strainer.

Your herbs deserve room to breathe. So do you.

Final Pour

Brewing herbal tea is not complicated, but it asks you to slow down. A few extra minutes makes a big difference. Let the herbs open. Let the scent rise. Give yourself that pause in the day. The result is a cup that feels better, tastes better, and honours the work that went into every small batch.