GardenScent herbal teas and spices are carefully selected and sourced from reputable suppliers all over the world.  If organic herbs, teas, and spices are not available, we use those that are sustainably wild-harvested or cultivated without chemicals.

Our herbal blends combine various herbs to provide both great taste and health benefits. The herbal infusions are caffeine-free, delicious, and beneficial. Herbal infusions or tisanes, also known as “herbal teas,” are made from plants like chamomile, ginger root, dandelion root, lemongrass, peppermint, and elder flower. Only the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are appropriately referred to as “tea.”

The larger the herb pieces, the less likely oxidation will occur, and the herbs will retain their value better. Smaller pieces and powdered herbs are more unstable, with less potency and freshness than loose-leaf herbs. The convenience of tea bags is obvious; however, because the teas must be milled or cut small enough to fit into the bags, the quality of tea from tea bags is unavoidably reduced. This can be overcome by using pyramid tea bags, which have more room to contain the bigger loose-herbs and allow them to expand and release their properties into the cup.

Method of Brewing

Herbal Infusion

Herbal infusion made from leaves, flowers and light material. Use approximately 1 heaping teaspoon of dried herbs to 240ml of water. Place dried herbs into a mug or teapot, add hot water, cover and steep according to the type of herbs. Strain and serve.

Steeping Time:

Flowers
5 to 6 minutes is safe for most flowers like chamomile, calendula, lavender, or rose. It is not recommended to steep flowers for an extended period of time because they can develop a pungent or bitter taste if over-steeped.

Leaves
Herbal teas made from leaves keep their flavor and profile even after steeping for a few minutes longer. In general, 6 to 8 minutes will produce a good brew of herbal tea.

Stalks, Stems & Leaves
Herbal teas with a combination of stalks, stems, and leaves require a longer steep time of 8 to 10 minutes. Steep for 15 to 30 minutes for a more “medicinal effect.”

Most herbs can be infused multiple times. Experiment with the herb-to-water ratio and steeping time for subsequent infusions to find the right flavor for you. If you believe your herb is lacking in the robust flavor that most herbs provide, steep it for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Decoction

The decoction method is most commonly used to extract botanicals and minerals from hard roots, dried berries, barks, and seeds. 1 heaping teaspoon dried herbs per 450ml cold water. Fill a stainless steel, glass, or enamel pot with herbs and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low heat and leave to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how ‘medicinal’ you want it. Drink after straining. Most decoctions can also be brewed in a single cup using a standard infusion method and steeped for 15 to 20 minutes, but without the strength.

Cold Infusion

For cold infusion, steep herbs in room temperature water in a covered jar, leave it in the fridge for a minimum 8 hours or overnight. Strain and serve.

Tips:
Herb blending and brewing is all about the experience, as well as personal taste and enjoyment. Experiment until you find the right blend and flavor for your palate.