There’s something special about a cup of tea. It’s that little moment of comfort that can make a hectic day feel a bit less crazy. But not all cups of tea are created equal. If you want to get every ounce of goodness out of those herbs, it's not just about tossing a tea bag into hot water and hoping for the best. There's a bit of an art to it! Whether you’re brewing a calming blend to help you wind down or something to kickstart your morning, knowing how to make tea the right way can make all the difference.
Getting the Most Out of Your Herbs
Herbs have different brewing requirements to bring out their best flavor and benefits. Some need just a quick steep to release their properties, while others require a bit more time to extract their full potential. For example, delicate herbs like chamomile and peppermint only need a short steep to keep their flavors light and refreshing. On the other hand, roots and barks like ginger or licorice benefit from a longer simmer to draw out their rich qualities. Understanding these differences can help you make a cup of tea that is beneficial and tastes amazing!
How to Make Tea: 4 Techniques for the Perfect Brew
How you brew your tea can really change both its flavor and effectiveness. Depending on the herbs you choose, some techniques work better than others to extract their benefits. Here’s a look at four methods to help you get the most out of your tea.
1. Hot Infusion
This is the go-to method for most herbal teas, especially when you’re using leaves and flowers. To get the most out of these delicate herbs, just pour hot water over them and cover your cup or teapot with a lid or saucer. This traps the steam and those important volatile oils. Let it steep for about 5–10 minutes, depending on the herb, and you’ll have a fragrant, flavorful cup.
2. Decoction
If you’re working with tougher plant parts like roots, seeds, or barks, a decoction is the way to go. Unlike leaves and flowers, these need a bit more time to release all their goodness. Simmer them in water for about 15–30 minutes to break down their tough exterior and draw out the beneficial compounds. This method works great for herbs like ginger, cinnamon, or licorice root, giving you a richer tea.
3. Cold Infusion
Cold infusion works best for mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow, because the main beneficial ingredient, called “mucilage” is best extracted in cold water. Just place the herbs in cold water and let them steep for a few hours or overnight. This slow extraction draws out the mucilage, resulting in a tea that’s smooth, mild, and especially calming for the digestive tract and mucous membranes.
4. Overnight Infusion
If you’re looking for a more concentrated brew, give an overnight infusion a try. Start with a hot infusion, letting the herbs steep in hot water for about 10–15 minutes. Then, just leave it to sit overnight. The extended steeping time allows the water to draw out even more of the herbs' properties. The result is a deeply potent tea that's packed with benefits, which is perfect for when you really want to make the most of your herbs.
Discover Our Teas
If you’re ready to put these brewing techniques to the test and learn how to make tea hands-on, we’ve got you covered. At BodyLove by Tal, we offer a range of herbal teas designed to support your well-being. Whether you're after something calming, energizing, or just a tasty daily brew, we have a blend for you.
Our teas are made with high-quality, organic herbs, so you can enjoy a cup that’s not just delicious but also packed with benefits. Some of our best sellers include:
GoddessGlow Tea
Our GoddessGlow tea supports women through different reproductive phases and hormonal shifts by helping soothe inflammation and support circulation to the womb, promoting natural healing and detoxification.
“It tastes so refreshing. There was definitely time and care put into creating the taste, but more, importantly, I love that it works! My cramping and bloating were 1/2 as bad as usual. I was shocked! Thank you for this amazing tea.” - Olympia W.
Learn more about GoddessGlow here.
EternalGlow Tea
Give your immune system a daily boost with EternalGlow, our blend of organic herbs packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to support overall well-being. Enjoy it hot or cold.
"Now this tea is going to have you feeling good and looking good skin-wise. It’s just refreshing and very good, too. It doesn't need sugar or honey. Very tasty and healthy." - Tammy C.
Learn more about EternalGlow Tea Here.
SkinGlow Tea
SkinGlow is crafted with a blend of regenerative herbs that cleanse the liver and help detoxify the body of harmful chemicals and toxins, supporting the natural healing of skin issues and promoting radiant, healthy skin.
"Been drinking this tea regularly for a few months now and it has really made a difference in my skin. My skin is more glowy, I have seen a notable reduction in dryness, irritation, acne and inflammation. This will remain a part of my skin care regimen as long as you keep making it." - Hope T.
Learn more about SkinGlow tea here.
RelaxGlow Tea
RelaxGlow is a blend of organic herbs that brings a sense of calm and relaxation by helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Set your intentions, take a deep breath, and enjoy.
“I truly love how this tea makes me so relaxed. Just one cup a night and I'm ready to sleep.” - Monika S.
Learn more about RelaxGlow Tea here.
Happy Sipping!
Brewing the perfect cup of tea is as much an art as it is a practice. It’s all about finding what works best for you and the herbs you love. The fun part? Experimenting! Now that you know how to make tea with four different methods, try to mix and match herbs, and discover new flavors and benefits. With so many herbs available in our online apothecary, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to get creative, brew up something special, and let your cup of tea be a little daily moment of joy and nourishment.
This article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
