A well-made herbal tea is a small ritual in itself: fragrant, warming and full of the character of the plants in your cup. Unlike delicate green tea, many herbal infusions welcome freshly boiled water and a longer steep, allowing their flavour and aroma to develop fully.
What is herbal tea?
Herbal tea, also called a herbal infusion or tisane, is made by steeping herbs, flowers, fruit, spices or roots in hot water. It is not made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, and many herbal blends are naturally caffeine-free, depending on their ingredients. Explore the Sisan Botanicals Herbal Infusions collection to discover an aromatic blend for your daily ritual.
What you’ll need
- Loose-leaf herbs or a herbal tea blend
- Fresh, filtered water
- A kettle
- A teapot, infuser or fine tea strainer
- A cup with enough room for the herbs to move freely
How to brew herbal tea
Use 1 teaspoon of loose herbal blend for every 250 ml of water. Bring fresh water to 100°C, then pour it over the herbs.
- Warm your teapot or cup. Rinse it with hot water, then discard the water.
- Measure the herbs. Start with 1 teaspoon per 250 ml. Larger leaves and flowers may need a little more room to open.
- Pour over freshly boiled water. Make sure the herbs are fully covered.
- Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes. Covering the cup helps retain the delicate aromatic oils released during brewing.
- Strain and enjoy. Taste the infusion before adding honey, lemon or milk.
How long should herbal tea steep?
Five minutes is a useful starting point for most herbal blends. Steep for up to 7 minutes when you prefer a fuller, more concentrated flavour. Flowers and delicate leaves may be ready sooner, while roots, bark and dense spices can benefit from extra time. Taste as you go and adjust the next cup to suit your preference.
Should you cover herbal tea while it steeps?
Yes. Covering your cup or teapot while the herbs steep helps keep the heat in and preserves the blend’s aroma. It is a simple step that makes a noticeable difference, especially with floral or highly fragrant infusions.
Common herbal tea brewing mistakes
- Using water that is not hot enough: Most herbal infusions benefit from freshly boiled water.
- Steeping uncovered: A lid helps retain aroma while the blend develops.
- Using a cramped infuser: Herbs need space to expand and circulate for an even infusion.
- Adding sweetener too soon: Taste the blend first so you can appreciate its natural flavour.
Can herbal tea be steeped again?
Some herbal blends can be infused a second time, although the later cup is usually lighter. Try a second steep with freshly boiled water and add a little extra time. Dense ingredients such as roots and spices may hold their flavour better than delicate flowers.
Herbal tea for different moments
Choose a bright, fragrant blend for a gentle morning start, a floral infusion for an afternoon pause or a warming combination of herbs and spices for an evening ritual. If you are selecting a gift or building a more considered tea setup, explore the Tea Essentials collection.
A note on herbal wellness
Herbal ingredients have long been enjoyed in traditional food and beverage practices. Their effects can vary by person and ingredient. If you are pregnant, taking medication or managing a health condition, check with a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs for therapeutic purposes.
Ready to steep?
Start with fresh water, a generous teaspoon and a covered cup. Explore the Herbal Infusions collection and make space for a slower, more fragrant tea ritual with Sisan Botanicals.