From Garden to Teacup: Crafting An Herbal Tea Blend

A few years ago, when I was living in Chicago, there was a charming tea shop just around the corner from my building. I passed it almost daily, but it wasn’t until they offered free samples one day that I finally stepped inside. To my delight, I discovered floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with every kind of tea imaginable. I left that day with a bag of organic herbal tea that quickly became one of my favorites.

Sadly, the shop closed a few years later, a few months before I relocated to Iowa. With my tea stash dwindling — and no option to reorder, as they didn’t ship to the U.S. — I needed a new plan. I wasn’t willing to compromise on taste or quality. That’s when the idea struck: why not grow my own herbs and re-create my favorite herbal blend?

This week, I want to share that journey with you — how I began making my own herbal tea, and how you can find inspiration to do the same.

Choosing the Ingredients

The first step was deciding which herbs to grow. Thankfully, when we bought our property, raspberry bushes were already well-established, giving me an abundant source of raspberry leaves, which are known for their supportive properties, especially for women’s health.

In our first spring here, I also noticed mint beginning to sprout in different areas of the garden. I love mint’s refreshing flavor, and I was excited to include it in my blend, similar to my favorite blend from the tea shop.

Last year, I planted chamomile for the first time and was thrilled when it returned on its own this spring — delicate, daisy-like blossoms full of calming and soothing properties.

So, my herbal blend came together naturally: raspberry leaf, mint, and chamomile — each grown organically, without any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. 

Harvesting & Drying the Herbs

By midsummer, the raspberry bushes were full and lush, making it easy to harvest armfuls of leaves. I started by air-drying them in bunches for a few days, then finished the process in my dehydrator.

Mint and chamomile required more patience. Over the course of several weeks, I made it a near-daily ritual to walk out into the garden and gather what I could find —snipping mint leaves and gently hand-picking chamomile flowers in bloom. One of the wonderful things about chamomile is how it regenerates; the more flowers you harvest, the more the plant produces.

Once back in the kitchen, I’d lay the herbs out on mesh trays and dehydrate them at 95°F for about 3 hours — a low temperature that preserves the herb’s beneficial properties, flavor, and aroma.

The Benefits of Each Herb

All of the herbs in my blend are homegrown and organic, with no chemicals, pesticides, or artificial fertilizers. That’s the standard I have for myself, and it’s what you can expect in every tea bag you purchase from me.

Here’s a closer look at the wellness benefits of each herb in the blend:

• Chamomile – Known for its calming properties, chamomile gently supports the nervous system, making it ideal for reducing stress and promoting restful sleep. It’s also mildly anti-inflammatory and soothing to the digestive tract. The floral, slightly sweet flavor makes every sip feel like a moment of peace.
• Raspberry Leaf – Rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins, it has traditionally been used to support the female reproductive system, ease menstrual discomfort, and strengthen uterine muscles. Its slightly earthy flavor adds a nice grounding base to the tea that pairs well with the sweetness of the chamomile.
• Mint – Cooling and refreshing, mint has a long history of use in aiding digestion. It helps soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and relieve indigestion. It also supports respiratory health and brings a vibrant undertone to the tea.
  
  

Together, these herbs create a delicious, caffeine-free tea that’s both nourishing and therapeutic. I often enjoy it in the evening as I wind down before bed, and sometimes I’ll add a teaspoon of raw honey for a sweet, nutrient-rich treat.

An Offering from My Garden to You

This year, my garden gave generously — and I’m excited to share that abundance with you.

I’ve made a limited batch of my handcrafted herbal tea blend, and I’ll be offering it for sale at this Saturday’s Market Day. Every bag contains herbs that were organically grown, hand-harvested, and gently dried — made with the same care and quality I use for my personal stash.

If you’re curious about herbal teas or just looking to slow down with something nourishing this season, I invite you to browse my Market Day and discover this homegrown blend. 

Whether you're a seasoned tea drinker or just starting to explore herbal remedies, I hope this post has inspired you to consider growing and blending your own teas. It's a simple, meaningful way to connect with nature — and care for your body at the same time.

Have you ever made your own herbal tea? Or do you have a favorite blend you love? Drop a comment below — I’d love to chat herbs and tea with you!