HERBAL DIY CORNER
By Zaynab Raji-Ellams (The Nerdy Herbalist)
Herbal DIY projects can be both fun and practical. Let’s start with a simple project: creating your own herbal tea blend. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Gather your ingredients:
– Dried herbs: Choose a combination of herbs that you enjoy or have specific health benefits. Some popular options include chamomile, peppermint, lavender, lemon balm, and rosemary.
– Optional additions: You can add dried fruit peels, spices like cinnamon or ginger, or even edible flowers for extra flavor and aroma.
2. Prepare your equipment:
– Mixing bowl: Use a clean, dry bowl to combine your ingredients.
– Measuring spoons: Have a set of measuring spoons handy to ensure accurate proportions.
– Airtight containers: You’ll need containers to store your herbal tea blend.
3. Mix your herbs:
– Start by determining the ratio of herbs you’d like to use. For example, a common blend is 2 parts chamomile to 1 part peppermint.
– Measure out the desired amount of each herb and place them in the mixing bowl.
– Gently stir the herbs together until well combined.
4. Add optional ingredients:
– If you’d like to enhance the flavor or aroma of your herbal tea blend, this is the time to add any optional ingredients.
– For example, you could add a teaspoon of dried orange peel or a pinch of cinnamon for a citrusy or spicy twist.
5. Store your blend:
– Transfer your herbal tea blend into airtight containers, such as glass jars or resealable bags.
– Label the containers with the name of the blend and the date of creation to keep track of freshness.
6. Brewing instructions:
– To enjoy your herbal tea, bring water to a boil and pour it over 1-2 teaspoons of your herbal blend.
– Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
– Strain the tea and enjoy!
Remember, the beauty of DIY projects is that you can customize them to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations and proportions until you find the perfect blend for your taste.
Happy herbal DIY-ing!