How to Use Herbal Teas and Spices in the Kitchen

Some plants have been used in kitchens for centuries as teas and spices, with different flavors and ways of brewing. They are used not only as herbal teas but also in cooking in some regions. The sections below describe how various plants are used as teas and spices. When preparing tea from different plants, check that each product is correctly identified and follow the brewing instructions on its label. Wild Jerusalem artichoke and lion’s tail are different plants, so it is important to correctly identify and prepare any plant intended for culinary use. Sage steeped with lemon and a 4 ml measure of honey makes a herbal drink with a sweet and tart flavor. Check the label to confirm that products containing ginseng are suitable for use as food and how they should be prepared. Hawthorn can be dried as a fruit or used to make marmalade. Dandelion is known as a rich source of beta-carotene and is also used to make a sherbet drink during Ramadan. Chaste tree is one of the plants mentioned in strongly flavored herbal tea blends. Ginger can be added to hot drinks; culinary uses for nettle vary depending on how the product has been prepared. Plants such as blue vervain should be selected as correctly identified products if they are to be used in cooking. Nettle and lady’s mantle also need to be correctly identified before culinary use. Black cumin seeds are sprinkled over baked goods; thyme can be added to dishes as a spice or included in tea blends.

How Are These Plants Consumed in Daily Life?
Most of these plants are dried and consumed as tea; adding them to boiling water and steeping for 5–10 minutes is sufficient. Some types, such as sage and thyme, can also be added directly to foods as seasonings. Wash freshly gathered plants thoroughly before use and dry them in the shade; drying them in direct sunlight causes much of their aroma to be lost. Dried plants retain their freshness for months when stored in airtight jars in a dark cupboard.

What Should You Keep in Mind When Drinking Herbal Tea?
Traditional accounts about these plants do not change the need for people who regularly take medication or have a chronic condition to consult their doctor. Consumption of some plants is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding; be sure to consult a qualified professional before starting any herbal tea during these periods.

How Should You Adjust the Amount of Herbal Tea?
The idea that “more is better” does not apply to herbal teas. As a general rule, add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dried herb to one glass of boiling water, and do not exceed 1–2 glasses per day. Check the product label for the amount to use in herbal tea blends. Rather than trying different herbal teas one after another, try them individually with intervals between them; this makes it easier to observe how each plant affects your body. When drinking an unfamiliar herbal tea for the first time, start with a small amount so that you can notice any possible sensitivity early.