Herbal Tea Guide

Herbal Tea Guide

Get to know the herbs we use better, their benefits and taste profile. Some blend ideas at the end and tips on how to brew the perfect cuppa and get the most from your herbs.

Ashwagandha

Energetics: Slightly warming

Benefits: Supports stress resilience, may reduce anxiety, supports sleep and energy balance (adaptogen).

Taste: Earthy, slightly bitter, root-like; can be a bit heavy on its own.

Chamomile

Energetics: Cooling

Benefits: Promotes relaxation, supports sleep, soothes digestion.

Taste: Mild, floral, slightly sweet and apple-like.

Dandelion Leaf

Energetics: Cooling and drying

Benefits: Supports digestion, liver function, and acts as a gentle diuretic.

Taste: Lightly bitter, grassy, similar to mild greens.

Lavender

Energetics: Slightly warming

Benefits: Calming, reduces stress and anxiety, supports sleep.

Taste: Strong floral, slightly sweet but can become perfumey if overused.

Lemon Balm

Energetics: Cooling

Benefits: Calming, mood-lifting, supports digestion and mild anxiety relief.

Taste: Light, lemony, fresh, gently herbal.

Liquorice Root

Energetics: Cooling and moistening

Benefits: Soothes throat and gut lining, supports adrenal function, adds natural sweetness.

Taste: Very sweet, earthy, slightly spicy.

Moringa Leaf

Energetics: Warming

Benefits: Nutrient-dense (vitamins, minerals), supports energy and overall wellness.

Taste: Mild, earthy, slightly spinach-like.

Nettle

Energetics: Neutral

Benefits: Rich in iron and minerals, supports energy, allergies, and overall vitality.

Taste: Green, similar to spinach or grass.

Passionflower

Energetics: Cooling

Benefits: Calming, helps with anxiety and insomnia.

Taste: Mild, slightly grassy, neutral.

Peppermint

Energetics: Cooling and drying

Benefits: Supports digestion, relieves bloating, refreshing and cooling.

Taste: Strong minty, cooling, crisp.

Skullcap 

Energetics: Cooling

Benefits: Nervine herb—supports relaxation, stress relief, and sleep.

Taste: Mildly bitter, earthy.

Spearmint

Energetics: Cooling

Benefits: Supports digestion, hormone balance (especially in women), gentler than peppermint.

Taste: Sweet, mild minty, less intense than peppermint.

Tulsi Rama (Holy Basil)

Energetics: Cooling and drying

Benefits: Adaptogen—supports stress, immunity, and respiratory health.

Taste: Warm, slightly spicy, clove-like with a soft sweetness.

Valerian Root

Energetics: Warming

Benefits: Strong sleep aid, promotes deep relaxation.

Taste: Very earthy, musky, pungent (often blended to mask flavor).

Tea Blend Ideas

These are balanced for both flavor and function.

Sleep & Deep Relaxation Blend

  • Chamomile
  • Skullcap
  • Passionflower
  • Valerian root (small amount)
  • Licorice root

Why it works: Strong calming synergy; licorice softens valerian’s harsh taste.

 

  • Lemon balm
  • Tulsi Rama
  • Spearmint

Taste: Fresh, slightly minty, gently uplifting.
Effect: Calm but not sleepy—great for daytime.

Mineral-Rich Daily Tonic

  • Nettle
  • Moringa leaf
  • Dandelion leaf
  • Spearmint

Taste: Green and refreshing with a hint of sweetness from mint.
Effect: Nourishing and energizing.

 Digestive Soother

  • Peppermint
  • Chamomile
  • Licorice root
  • Lemon balm

Taste: Minty-sweet with soft floral notes.
Effect: Great after meals.

Gentle Evening Wind-Down (No Valerian)

  • Chamomile
  • Lemon balm
  • Lavender
  • Passionflower

Taste: Floral, soft, slightly citrusy.
Effect: Relaxing without being too sedating.

Calm Energy Blend (Adaptogenic)

  • Tulsi Rama
  • Ashwagandha
  • Lemon balm
  • Licorice root

Taste: Warm, slightly sweet, mildly earthy.
Effect: Supports stress while maintaining focus.

Green Detox-Style Blend

  • Dandelion leaf
  • Nettle
  • Peppermint
  • Lemon balm

Taste: Fresh, slightly bitter but balanced with mint.
Effect: Light cleansing and refreshing.

Blending Tips

  • Use 1–2 dominant herbs + 1–3 supporting herbs.
  • Add licorice root to naturally sweeten blends and acts as a catalyst for the other herbs.
  • Go light on lavender and valerian—they can overpower quickly.
  • For roots (ashwagandha, valerian, licorice), consider longer steeping (10–15 min) or simmering.
  • Finished your cuppa and craving some more? Just add more hot water to the herbs for a lighter brew and get as much out of them as possible.


To purchase these herbs or create your own blend click here:

https://hekseri.co.nz/products/loose-leaf-herbs

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