
Herbal teas, technically called tisanes, can be both refreshing and therapeutic beverages. Sipping on these delectable beverages provides the chance to slow down, enjoy their journey from garden to cup and foster mindfulness.
Many herb plants produce both leaves and flowers that can be used to make herbal tea, making these flowering plants the perfect additions to any garden for creating flavorful tea blends that may help calm nerves, ease sore throats or promote restful nights’ rest.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm perennials are one of the showiest summer-blooming perennials, making an impactful statement in any landscape. Their vibrant flowers create stunning border displays when planted in mass plantings; its tubular two-lipped blooms come alive with shades of pink, red and purple and their intoxicating fragrance conjures up memories of summer days past. Monarda (the genus for bee balm) is also commonly referred to as wild bergamot (not related to Earl Grey tea flavoring citrus fruit) or native bergamot; as several different species and cultivars exist it is important that gardeners understand their specific growing requirements before selecting any variety for use in their gardens.
bee balm belongs to the mint family and, like its relatives, requires full sunlight with moist-mesic conditions in well-draining soil. Although tolerant of most environmental conditions, such as heat or drought stress, bee balm may succumb to deer damage from deer and rabbit damage as well as fungal diseases and insect pests like powdery mildew or root rot. Utilizing disease resistant cultivars, providing plenty of sunlight, and not overwatering are key for maintaining its health.
Bee balm is relatively straightforward to care for in your garden once established. While periodic fertilization may benefit this blooming beauty, bee balm should never be overfed! For optimal growth and blooms apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and midsummer for lush growth and abundant flowers – organic options such as fish emulsion or compost tea may offer the needed nutrition without overdoing it!
Bee balm draws bees, butterflies and hummingbirds into your garden to enhance its aesthetics and boost pollination. Its tubular flowers are perfectly tailored for long-tongued pollinators making this flower a natural drawcard in any yard. To maintain optimal health for Monarda plants in early spring or fall division of their roots is required every few years – otherwise their health could suffer!
Steeping fresh leaves in hot or cold water creates an herbal beverage that’s both calming and tasty, perfect for relaxation or treating symptoms of anxiety or depression. Or use a jar filled with hot water mixed with bee balm petals to create a tincture to take internally to alleviate these conditions. When taking any bee balm tincture internally it should first be discussed with a medical provider prior to consumption; pregnancy or breastfeeding patients are recommended not taking this tincture alone without consultation first.
Elderberry
Elderberries have long been celebrated for their therapeutic qualities beyond their sweet-tart flavor. Antioxidants found in elderflower, known as flavonoids, help ward off disease-causing free radicals while its vitamin C-rich composition supports healthy immunity while its astringent properties relieve coughs and congestion – an increasingly popular practice during wintertime! Many families keep Elderberry syrup on hand.
Elderberry plants possess their own distinct needs that must be carefully observed before making decisions about its care. Elderberries thrive best in sunny, warm areas with well-draining soil – this explains why they’re often found along the edges of cottage gardens or country yards rather than at their center. Elderberries also don’t tolerate very cold climates well but can still make for an attractive option when grown as an alternative hedgerow in zones 3 to 8.
Although flowers of this popular plant can be harder to collect than leaves and berries, their delicate beauty and delectable flavors make them well worth harvesting. Their soothing properties include helping reduce fevers, soothe skin inflammations, ease pain relief, reduce fevers and relieve swelling; additionally they offer astringent properties which aid wound cleansing as well as treating wounds, hematomas, or ligament injuries.
Elderflowers and berries can be found from late spring through September, with peak production occurring in August. At this time, flowers coexist alongside maturing berries which allows both crops to be harvested simultaneously; providing children an invaluable opportunity to learn about natural processes of symbiosis and interdependency among plants.
Once the berries and flowers have completely cooled down, children can help mash them to break down tough fibers. After straining the liquid from the mash, add honey until it reaches an uniform color and texture before spooning the syrup into clean glass jars and labelling with its date of preparation for storage in a cool, dry location for future use.
Rose
Roses make an eye-catching addition to any garden and offer many advantages beyond their aesthetic beauty. Like other flowering plants, they enhance the overall ambiance of outdoor spaces and provide pleasant scents for all to enjoy. In addition, their presence draws pollinators that help sustain garden ecosystem health; roses also have cultural significance across various cultures – making them an eye-catching yet meaningful addition.
Since roses are considered herbs, their petals can be utilized in recipes and teas alike. When steeped as tea, rose petals add delicate, fruity notes with subtle floral overtones that make for an exquisite cup. Rose petals also boast high levels of vitamin C which makes them great additions to jams and jellies or used as an anti-oxidant supplement in refreshing drinks like lemonade.
To preserve both color and scent in rose petals, it’s best to harvest them first thing in the morning when they are still fresh. Rinsing gently with cool water before using them in your recipes may also help. Roses also provide children with an excellent opportunity to dissect flower anatomy – drawing or downloading free printable images can help children understand how plants function!
roses are relatively easy to grow and require little care, however for optimal growth it’s essential that you understand their individual requirements as a plant variety and provide appropriate environmental conditions. Monitoring for pests and disease is also an invaluable way to ensure healthy development.
Rose plant health depends heavily on soil quality and sunlight exposure, with well-draining soil and ample sun exposure helping to minimize risks such as common diseases.
Symptoms of rose stress, including yellowed leaves and soil that appears parched, should be addressed as soon as possible. If roots begin erupting through drainage holes, repotting into a larger container or pruning the root system to promote new growth may be required to bring your rose back from its state of distress.
Make sure to closely inspect your roses for signs of pest infestation or disease, including overwatering, underwatering and black rot. Overwatering and underwatering both pose problems; while black rot can severely alter their appearance.
Peppermint
Peppermint plants are perennial, meaning that they will continue to return year after year. Peppermint can thrive both indoors in containers, as well as directly planted into the ground, as it requires minimal care to thrive in most climates and grows well in all climates – preferring rich, loose soil that drains well as well as ample sunlight and an extended growing season (plant in spring after last frost to ensure best results) USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-11b are suitable environments for peppermint cultivation.
Acknowledging the growing needs of this popular herb will enhance your experience of it. Due to its rapid growth, nutrients in its soil may quickly be depleted; to prevent that from happening, replenish it throughout the growing season using an organic fertilizer of low nitrogen content.
Harvesting leaves from this plant for use in cooking, aromatherapy or herbal tea infusion is easy and quick, adding a cooling menthol flavor that adds spice and zest to drinks, desserts and savory dishes while simultaneously improving digestion and relieving stomach discomfort.
Studies have demonstrated that Peppermint extract helps people process information for longer, helping them remain alert and focused. Peppermint essential oil stimulates parts of the brain that influence emotions and memories while inhaling its molecules may reduce stress and anxiety.
Fresh or dried mint leaves can add zesty flair to smoothies, soups and salads alike. Mix it with basil or cilantro for an amazing mint pesto dressing! Additionally, sprinkle it on fruit for freshening breath or steep into tea for improved digestion and breath freshening benefits. Moreover, mint is an ideal herb to create homemade herbal mint extract that can then be used in candies or desserts!
Peppermint herb is the key to crafting homemade peppermint oil. Due to its soothing aroma and impressive range of benefits, this homemade remedy has quickly become one of the most beloved natural alternatives on the market today. Peppermint oil can help calm and relax the mind, boost energy levels, support immunity systems and treat acne effectively. Mix it with carrier oils for DIY facial serum or use inhalators as a natural way of relieving allergies or overall wellness – or add it as natural alternative in homemade cleaning products to create natural alternatives to toxic chemicals!
Discover more from Life Happens!
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

