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Turn Backyard Weeds into Healthy Herbal Tea
I have never been a coffee drinker.
My choice of drink is tea.
I love tea.
I will drink it hot or cold, just pour me some tea.
I really like to go into my backyard and harvest things to make my own healthy herbal tea recipes.
Here are a few plants and herbs I like to use when making my homemade decongestant tea.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or in the medical field at all. I am also not an herbalist. This is not medical information. This information is not telling you that you should try this yourself. It is just what I like to do personally. Always check to make sure you are not allergic to any of the herbs before consuming them. Make sure that you are able to properly identify anything before consuming.
Dandelion:
I love dandelions.
I know that many people consider them to be an annoying weed, but there are way too many benefits for me to consider them a nuisance.
Harvest the dandelion leaves all season.
Dandelion Uses and Benefits:
Dandelion has a lot of uses and benefits.
Every part of the dandelion plant is edible, including leaves, flowers, stems, and roots.
Uses and benefits include:
- mild diuretic
- appetite stimulant
- digestive bitter
- mild laxative
- lymphatic cleansing
- supports liver function
- reduces eczema
- regulates intestinal flora
- detoxifies
- blood purifier
- decongestant
- stimulates bile which in turn breaks down cholesterol and fat
- a good source of potassium
- iron
- calcium
- inulin
- sesquiterpenes
- carotenoids
- vitamin A
- vitamin B
- vitamin C
- vitamin D
- iron
- trace minerals
- the milky latex found in the flowers and stalks can help get rid of warts
How to Prepare Dandelions for Tea:
Even though every part of the dandelion plant is edible, I only use the leaves for my tea.
I go into my backyard to pick my dandelion leaves.
I don’t pick every leaf off from the plants. I like to leave a few so the plant can keep growing and producing.
Dandelion leaves can be quite sandy, so I wash them two or three times in cool water.
Next, I just put them onto my Excalibur dehydrator and set the heat as low as it can go.
It doesn’t take too long for them to completely dry out.
I watch them closely and once they are dry enough to be crumbly, I take them off from the dehydrator.
Once they cool down totally, I make sure they are thoroughly dry, then store them in a Mason jar.
Nettles:
Most people have a shocked response when I tell them that I ingest nettles.
You put itch weed in your tea!
Umm, yup!
Stinging nettles makes a wonderful healthy herbal tea.
Nettles Uses and Benefits:
Nettles, also known as itch weed, are considered one of the most nutritious plants on earth.
Nettles are loaded with Vitamin C and are one of the only plants that is a good source of protein.
Uses and benefits include:
- astringent
- diuretic
- stops bleeding
- detoxifies
- soothes urinary tract
- soothes asthma
- relieves growing pains in children
- relief for achy bones and joints
- remedy for allergies and hay fever
- excellent tonic for the reporductive system of both men and women
- PMS and menstrual difficulties relief
- fertility issues
- preventative and curative for prostate issues
- remedy for gout
- helps with rheumatism
- calcium
- iron – helps with anemia
- protein
- potassium
- formic acid
- acetylcholine
- sulfur
- betacarotene
- vitamin K
- flavonoids
- helps relieve exhaustion
- relieves skin problems
How to Prepare Nettles for Tea:
You can consume the leaves, stems and roots of stinging nettles. Young leaves are preferable, but you can eat them at any time.
Never eat Stinging Nettles raw!
You will need to completely dehydrate, steam, or cook stinging nettles in order to deactivate the stinging hairs found on them.
Nettle tea can be made from the root to help with urinary ailments.
Tea made from the leaves is rich in iron and can aid coagulation and the formation of hemoglobin.
I use the leaves in my homemade tea recipes.
I use gloves and scissors to collect the stinging nettles.
I continue using the gloves and scissors to remove the leaves and wash them in cool water.
I carefully place the nettle leaves onto trays and put them into my Excalibur dehydrator.
I keep a close eye on them and remove them once they are completely dried.
After they have cooled down, I crumble them and store them in Mason jars.
Common Mullein:
Common mullein stands tall in fields all over. It has little yellow individual flowers that grow up and down the stalk.
The leaves are soft, which is why it has the nickname, Nature’s Toilet Paper.
It is a beautiful herb for pulling mucus out of the lungs.
Common Mullein Uses and Benefits:
Uses and benefits include:
- sedative
- diuretic
- expectorant
- astringent
- anti-inflammatory
- softens skin
- aids in upper respiratory relief
- antispasmodic
- spastic coughs
- bronchial congestion
- chest colds
- allergies
- polysaccharides
- flavonoids
- sterols
- mucilage
- saponins
How to Prepare Common Mullein for Tea:
I have multiple mullein plants growing around my property.
I make sure to not pick every leaf off from a plant.
I leave enough for the plant to continue to grow and produce.
The stems do not dehydrate well, so I split the leaves right up the middle and remove the stems.
I wash the leaves in cool water, then place them onto my Excalibur dehydrator.
I remove them when they are thoroughly dried, then store them in an airtight container.
Elderberries:
I have yet to harvest my own elderberries.
My daughter, Sarah, found an elderberry bush growing out back on our land just last year.
I am hoping to harvest a lot of them this year.
If you don’t have any elderberry available for picking, you can find them at your local health store, or purchase them on Amazon.
Elder Uses and Benefits:
Uses and benefits include:
supports immune health
- treats flu and common cold
- stimulant
- relieves digestive issues
- induces perspiration to bring down fevers
- fights flus, herpes, and shingles
- treats upper respiratory infections
- antiviral
- vitamin C
- vitamin A
- bioflavonoids
- flavonoids
- phenolic compounds
- betacarotene
- iron
- potassium
- phytosterols
How to Prepare Elderberries for Tea:
I buy my elderberries already dried, so they come ready for tea.
Oregano:
I grow a lot of oregano in my garden.
It’s a perennial so it comes back year after year on its own.
Right now, I only grow Greek oregano, but I hope to add golden oregano to the garden soon.
This recipe uses Greek oregano.
Oregano Uses and Benefits:
- antibacterial
- antiseptic
- aching muscles
- bug bites
- detoxifying
- toothache
- respiratory
- antibiotic
- expectorant
- regulates menstrual cycle
- reduces colic
- relieves nervousness
- relieves irritablility
- helps with insomnia
- used effectively to fight bacterial and viral infections
How to Prepare Oregano for Tea:
I cut my oregano out of my front garden, wash it, then put it directly onto my Excalibur dehydrator.
Once it has thoroughly dried, I rub it between my hands and remove the stems.
I use these dried leaves in my teas.
Basil:
Just the smell of basil is uplifting.
I always grab a leaf or two, roll them between my fingers, and smell them as I walk through the garden.
I really enjoy the smell of basil.
Basil Uses and Benefits:
Uses and benefits include:
- rich in antioxidants
- mood enhancer
- anti-inflammatory
- antidepressant
- headache aid
- digestive issues
- regulates gut flora
- supports immune system
How to Prepare Basil for Tea:
Basil leaves are cut, washed, and dehydrated.
I crush the dried leaves and use them in my teas.
Thyme:
I also love the smell of thyme.
I will often grab a sprig or two of thyme to smell while walking through the garden.
I enjoy drinking thyme tea all by itself too.
Thyme Uses and Benefits:
Uses and benefits include:
- vermifuge (parasites)
- antibacterial
- antiseptic
- antispasmodic
- relieves cough
- expectorant
- regulates gut flora
- relieves upper respiratory infection
- increases DHA (omega-3 fatty acid) in the brain and heart
How to Prepare Thyme for Tea:
I cut the thyme in my garden, wash it, then put it onto the Excalibur dehydrator.
Once dried, I rub it between my hands and remove the stems.
I use the leaves for tea.
Oregon Grape Root:
Despite its name, Oregon grape does not produce grapes.
Oregon Grape Root Uses and Benefits:
Oregon Grape Root has been used by herbalist for remedies in illnesses, like colds, flu, herpes, hepatitis, syphilis, stomach upset, cancer, skin disorders, yeast infections, and more. Herbalists have touted the use of Oregon grape, claiming that it is effective in stimulating liver function, treating infections, and supporting digestive health.
How to Prepare Oregon Grape Root for Tea:
The Oregon Grape Root comes already dried and prepared for use.
I simply add it into my tea.
Green Tea:
Yes, I admit, I didn’t pick any green tea in my backyard or from my garden, but I just truly enjoy a good cup of green tea.
I like to add green tea to my herbal tea simply because I enjoy the smooth taste it adds to it.
Any of these ingredients can be omitted if you prefer.
I like to purchase loose leaf green tea in bulk.
You can find bulk teas at your local health food store, or order it from Amazon.
My Personal Decongestant Tea Recipe:
I change this recipe often. I add a little more of this and a little less of that.
I leave some things out and add in new things.
I am not much on recipes. I did measure things out in order to give you an idea on what I do though.
- 2 cups of dehydrated Stinging Nettles
- 1 cup of dehydrated Dandelion leaves
- 1 cup dehydrated Common Mullein leaves
- 1 cup of a homemade Italian Seasonings mixture made up of dehydrated Oregano, dehydrated Thyme, and dehydrated Basil
- 1 cup dried Oregon Grape Root
- 1 cup dried Elderberries
- 2 cups Loose Leaf Green Tea
Mix well together and store in an air-tight container, like a Mason jar.
I use a half-gallon jar.
How much tea you use per cup is really a preference.
I use at least one tablespoon of my homemade tea mixture per cup.
I typically put my loose leaf tea into a coffee filter and tie it up with a rubber band, hair tie, or bread bag tie.
Sometimes I use a small strainer over my cup to brew my cup of tea.
Other times I use a tea ball.
One time I even bought my own empty tea bags and filled them myself.
Make Your Own Recipe:
For years, I just used green tea, stinging nettles, and dandelion.
Over the years, I started adding more things to my homemade decongestant tea.
You can use each one of these ingredients on their own and reap many health benefits, or you can do what I do and mix and match until you get a recipe that you enjoy drinking.
Each one of these ingredients can be used on its own.
Feel free to add other herbs or leave out any that you don’t like.
Turn Backyard Weeds into Healthy Herbal Tea
Do you enjoy drinking a nice cup of tea?
Do you plan on making your own homemade healthy herbal tea?
Are you interested in using tea for health benefits or for home remedies?
Let me know in the comments if you decide to try this recipe or make up one of your own.
Here are a Few of My Favorite Resources:
The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Growing, Preserving, and Using Herbs
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use
The Ultimate Dehydrator Cookbook: The Complete Guide to Drying Food, Plus 398 Recipes, Including Making Jerky, Fruit Leather & Just-Add-Water Meals
Excalibur Food Dehydrator 9-Tray
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