Herbal Teas

Properties and Benefits: 

• Rich in antioxidants which can boost immune system function, have anti-inflammatory properties, and can reduce cold symptoms.  

Planting/growing tips: 

• Sow seeds in the spring (when the soil is 65℉), plant in the sun, and space seeds 18-24” apart. Germination takes 10-15 days, harvest after petals expand.  

Part of Plant Used:  

• Flowers, roots, and leaves 

Learn More: Echinacea herbal tea is derived from the dried roots, leaves, or flowers of these plants and has a history deeply rooted in Indigenous traditional medicine. Particularly the Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains, have a long history of using echinacea to address various ailments, including respiratory issues, snakebites, and infections (13). Early European colonists learned about echinacea from Indigenous communities and adopted its use for various health purposes (13). As an herbal tea echinacea is a natural remedy for boosting the immune system and preventing or alleviating the symptoms of the common cold. 

Properties and Benefits: 

• Can reduce anxiety and stress, boost mood, promote healthy sleep, improve digestive health, and reduce symptoms of menstrual cramps.  

Planting/growing tips: 

• Transplant (recommended): Sow in flats 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, as seeds require light to germinate, and mist lightly. Germination takes 7-14 days at 65℉-70℉. Transplant to individual pots when the seedlings have 4 true leaves. After the last frost, transplant out, giving the plants 12″ spacing. 

Part of Plant Used:  

• Leaves 

Learn More: Lemon balm tea has been used for centuries for its calming and soothing properties, as well as for its digestive and cognitive benefits. In ancient Greece and Rome, lemon balm was used as a medicine and a culinary herb. It was also associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite or Venus, and was believed to attract bees and promote honey production (5). In medieval Europe, lemon balm was a key ingredient in Carmelite Water, an herbal extract that was used to treat headaches, toothaches, and other ailments (5). In some cultures, drinking lemon balm can increase intuition and wisdom. Today, lemon balm is consumed around the world for its calming and soothing effects on the body and mind, and for its light and refreshing lemony flavor and aroma.  

Properties and Benefits: 

• Rich in antioxidants, and has adaptogenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. Reduces blood pressure and stress, and aids in healthy digestion.  

Planting/growing tips: 

• Direct seed (recommended): Plant seeds 1/4″ deep, 2-3 seeds per inch, in rows 18″ apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. Final spacing of 4-8″ apart produces healthy, full plants. Requires some light for germination which takes 5-10 days, so sow more shallowly than other basils. (Say the mantra “Om” before planting seeds).  

Part of Plant Used:  

• Leaves 

Learn more: Tulsi Rama has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is considered a sacred herb with a wide range of health-promoting properties in the Ayurvedic tradition. Similarly to Tulsi Krisha, Tulsi Rama is also very sacred in the Hindu religion and culture. Tulsi Rama has large green leaves with white or light purple flowers and is known for its clove-like aroma (4). It has a cooler and more mellow flavor than purple leaf tulsi (Tulsi Krishna). It’s grown across India but can also be found in China, Nepal, Bengal, and Brazil. The consumption of Tulsi Rama tea aligns with Ayurvedic wellness practices that emphasize the balance of mind, body, and spirit. It is often consumed for its potential calming effects and adaptogenic properties (4). 

Properties and Benefits: 

• Can relieve stress, increase energy levels, improve cognitive function and concentration, can boost athletic performance.  

Planting/growing tips: 

• Sow in the spring when the soil temperature is around 70 degrees. Press seeds into the soil lightly with minimal cover so seeds are exposed to the sun. Place the seed pots ideally on a windowsill in a warm, sunny area and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination can take 10-14 days and once 4 inches tall, transplant to a garden or larger pot.  

Part of Plant Used:  

• Roots 

Learn More: Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that has had a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, values ashwagandha for its adaptogenic properties, which are believed to help the body cope with stress and restore balance (11). The term “ashwagandha” is derived from the Sanskrit words “ashva” (horse) and “gandha” (smell), reflecting the herb’s traditional use and the belief that consuming it imparts the strength and vigor of a horse (11). In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been traditionally used for its rejuvenating and tonic properties. It has been recommended to enhance vitality, promote longevity, and support the nervous system (11). It has become a popular herbal supplement worldwide and consumed as a tea will increase energy levels, focus, and decrease stress.  

Properties and Benefits: 

• Can reduce the pain of a sore throat, heal mouth ulcers, and has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.  

Planting/growing tips: 

• Sow seeds 2-3 weeks after the last frost and make 2-3 successive sowings for continuous blooms from summer to next frost. Plant seeds in partly sun and partly shade, and space seeds 6-12” apart. Germination takes 7-14 days (at 70℉).  

Part of Plant Used:  

• Flowers 

Learn More: The use of calendula herbal tea dates back centuries, and the plant has been valued for its various properties. Calendula has historical roots in ancient Mediterranean, Arabic, and Indian cultures where it was highly regarded for both its medicinal and culinary uses (10). During the medieval and Renaissance periods, calendula gained popularity in Europe, and it was commonly used in culinary dishes. Calendula has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It was employed for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and wound-healing properties (10). Calendula infusions, including herbal teas, were used internally and externally to address various health concerns. Some properties include reducing a sore throat, inflammation, ulcers, and can be great for the immune system, and digestion (10).  

Properties and Benefits: 

• Shown to relieve congestion in the throat and lungs, reduce coughs, and improve metabolic function. 

Planting/growing tips: 

• Transplant (recommended): Press seeds into the soil mix or just barely cover with soil. Prefers sun and germination takes 7-16 days. Anise hyssop will transplant easily at any age. When transplanting, place seedlings 6-12″ apart in rows 24-36″ apart. 

Part of Plant Used:  

• Leaves 

Learn More: Anise hyssop is an herb native to North America and has a history of use by Indigenous peoples for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Indigenous communities used the plant for its potential medicinal properties, including its use as a remedy for respiratory issues, and digestive complaints, and as a mild sedative. An infusion of the herb was used for chest pains, and the roots were used for coughs (12). Anise hyssop is used in Chinese prescriptions for heatstroke, headache, and fever. (12). The tea, often made from dried leaves and flowers, is known for its pleasant taste, reminiscent of licorice, and is sometimes blended with other herbs. 

Properties and Benefits: 

• Rich in antioxidant and adaptogenic properties (vitamin C and zinc), and has antibacterial and antiviral properties which can help fight respiratory infections, colds, and fevers. Reduces inflammation, and can be great for the detoxification of the liver and kidneys.  

Planting/growing tips: 

• Direct seed (recommended): Plant seeds 1/4″ deep, 2-3 seeds per inch, in rows 18″ apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. Final spacing of 4-8″ apart produces healthy, full plants. Requires some light for germination which takes 5-10 days, so sow more shallowly than other basils. (Say the mantra “Om” before planting seeds).  

Part of Plant Used:  

• Leaves  

Learn More: Tulsi Krishna is a very sacred herb also known as “Holy Basil”. Tulsi is a sacred plant that Hindus regard as the earthly manifestation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and principal consort of the Hindu god Vishnu (3). The plant can be found growing in many Hindu households, traditionally planted in a home’s central courtyard. Known as purple leaf Tulsi for its most marked characteristic of purple leaves and blossoms, Tulsi Krishna has the spicy aroma of cloves and its leaves mimic the sharp, crisp flavors of pepper (3). In Ayurveda, Tulsi is valued for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it is believed to help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. It is used to address a variety of health concerns, including respiratory issues, and digestive problems, and as a general tonic (3). 

Properties and Benefits: 

• May help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, energize the body, and improve digestion. Spilanthes flowers have been used traditionally to treat issues and pain in the mouth such as toothaches. 

Planting/growing tips: 

• Transplant (recommended): Start seeds in flats about 6 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/4″ deep, and transplant to individual containers when the seedlings are large enough to handle. Transplant outside in the spring after the last frost.  

Part of Plant Used:  

• Leaves and flowers  

Learn More: Spilanthes is a powerful herb that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. Different species are found in various parts of the world and have various medicinal uses. Indigenous communities in Africa and South America, in particular, have traditionally used different parts of the plant to treat various ailments, including toothaches, and gum issues, and as a general pain reliever (7). As an herbal tea, spilnathes is known for its distinctive flavor that creates a numbing/tingling sensation in the mouth (that also happens when chewing the leaves or flowers of the plant). Drinking spilnathes tea can be immune boosting, reduce inflammation, help oral health, and contain antimicrobial properties (7).  

Properties and Benefits: 

• Can soothe the stomach, help with indigestion and diarrhea, and ease menstrual cramps.  

Planting/growing tips: 

• Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds 1/8″ deep in soil mix 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Germination takes 5-15 days and the plant prefers sun. When the seedlings are several inches tall, pinch back tips to promote branching and to prevent plant lodging, or falling over in the wind. Repeat pinching after two weeks.  

Part of Plant Used:  

• Flowers and leaves 

Learn More: Mexican mint marigold is an herb native to Mexico and Central America. Mexican mint marigold has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in Mexico. The Aztecs are known to have valued the plant for both culinary and medicinal purposes (8). Mexican mint marigold has been used as a digestive aid and can help with stomach ailments like cramps and diarrhea. It also has a distinctive, sweet taste comparable to licorice and is very calming to drink.