Growing an Herbal Tea Garden
Organic Growers School 2011
Chast of Characters- Favorite Herbal Tea Plants
The following herbs are generally easy to grow in eastern North America, and produce a high yield. They possess a tasty flavor, are generally safe for everyday usage by most people. These herbs have enjoyed a long history of use as beverage teas, or tonic tea herbs. Growing your own tea herbs is a great way to get to know the plants better, and saves resources and money by minimizing packaging, transportation fuel, etc.
Anise Hyssop/Licorice Mint Agastache foeniculum – Lamiaceae
Short lived perennial. 2ft tall by 1ft wide. Full sun to part shade, average garden soil. Easy to grow from seed or division. Delightfully aromatic foliage. Delicious licorice/anise flavored medicinal and tonic tea, digestive soother and fever breaker. Native to North America. Very attractive to bees and butterflies; quite the hotspot when flowering!
Bee Balm (Oswego Tea, Bergamot)Monarda didyma – Lamiaceae
Perennial; 4 ft tall to indefinitely wide. Full sun to part shade, moist to average soil. Seeds are Lilliputian- tiny and must be planted right on the surface of the soil and misted or bottom watered to avoid burying them too deep in the soil (see notes below on light-dependent germination). It’s easier to divide from a friend’s garden, as it spreads vigorously by runners, (see notes under chocolate mint on containing it’s over-exuberance) Hardy to Zone 4. Native to eastern North America. Beautiful, edible red flowers. Attracts bees and hummingbirds! Enjoy as a delicious tea or garnish. Medicinally used as a digestive aid, gentle sedative and for colds and flus.
CalendulaCalendula officinalis, Asteraceae
Annual, full sun, long flowering season, easily grown from seed. Direct sow or start early in pots, somewhat cold tolerant. Does well as a container plant, hence the common name “pot marigold.” Plant 10-14’’ apart, grows to 18’’. The showy yellow-orange flowers are an edible garnish for salads, cakes, soups etc. The dried flowers make a tasty medicinal tea and can be reconstituted over winter in soups. The flowers are also incorporated into oils and salves for healing wounds, rashes, burns, and dry skin. Calendula flowers must be picked every three days or so to ensure a longer flowering season. Calendula will usually self-sow unless you are a super - heavy mulcher.
Chocolate Mint Mentha x piperita – Lamiaceae
Perennial. 3-4 ft tall by 2-3 ft wide. Full sun to part shade, medium to rich garden soils. Zone 3 hardy. Will not come true -to -type from seed. Will spread vigorously locally, but easy to pull up and share with your neighbors. Plant in an out of the way area or in a container; some people bury barriers to keep mints contained. Straight from Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, this mint will inspire your inner oompa-loompa. Makes a tasty refreshing tea, especially iced, or mead (honey wine)!
Hibiscus (Roselle)Hibiscus sabdariffa – Malvaceae
Perennial in zones 9 or warmer, grown as an annual in more temperate climates. Full sun in moist but well-drained soil. 6-8 ft tall by 3-6 ft wide. Slightly scarify the seed by rubbing the seeds on sandpaper under some of the lighter colored embryo begins to show (see notes below on scarification) and then soak overnight before planting. Sow directly in the garden after danger of frost is passed, or start in pots early. Roselle does not like being transplanted. Plant seeds in large containers (quart to gallon sized) and take care when transplanting in the garden. The red calyces (the fleshy red sepals, supporting the petals) are used in tea, wine, syrups and jelly. Roselle is the main ingredient in Red Zinger tea, with its tart flavor and brilliant red color. Hibiscus makes a refreshing iced tea or lemonade and is very cooling in the summer. It is used medicinally in many tropical locales for its diuretic and fever lowering qualities, and is rich in vitamin C.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) Ocimum sanctum syn. O. tenuiflorum – Lamiaceae
Perennial in Zone 10 & warmer, grown elsewhere as an annual; 1-2 ft. tall by 6 in -1 ft. wide; Full sun, average to moist garden soils. Easy to grow from seed. Native to India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia. Holy basil is highly aromatic and antimicrobial. It’s adaptogenic effect offers an uplifting energy, and helps with mental clarity and focus. The leaves and flowers are used as a medicinal tea for colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, headaches, arthritis, diabetes, stress & anxiety. Culinary uses: fresh leaves can be added to salads and are used as a more pungent version of basil. Several harvests can be obtained in one year; simply cut back to about 8 inches and it will re-grow quickly.
Jiaogulan (Sweet Tea Vine) Gynostemma pentaphyllum – Curcurbitaceae
Herbaceous perennial vine; 4” tall by indefinitely wide; Part shade, moist rich soil; Hardy to 10 degrees F. Will locally spread vigorously by runners, and may become a troublesome weed if consumption does not outpace proliferation. Sweet tea vine makes a beautiful container plant. Grow from division, as seeds are not readily available. The leaves are brewed into a medicinal tonic tea for anxiety, stress, depression, high blood pressure & high cholesterol. This vine is an easy-to-grow adaptogenic tonic, which contains some of the same compounds (ginsenosides) found in Asian & American Ginseng. Jiaogulan is a popular herb in Southeast Asia where it is grown as an affordable substitute for Ginseng. Sweet tea vine is quite bitter, contrary to it’s name; with a flavor reminiscent of ginseng mixed with mild soapy undertones.
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis – Lamiaceae
Herbaceous perennial; 2 ft. high by 1 ft. wide. Full sun to partial shade, average to moist soils. Zone 4-9. Will re-seed locally. Grow from seed or division. Delightfully aromatic, delicious as tea, especially iced. Medicinally used as a nervine for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Fresh leaves offer a lemony addition to salads, soups, sauces and vinegars. Lemon Balm is safe and enjoyable for children. This aromatic herb is a staple in the herb garden and teapot.
Lemongrass Cymbopogon spp. Poaceae
Tropical perennial grown as an annual in more temperate climates; grown as a container plant and protected during the colder months. 3-5 ft high by 3 ft wide. East-Indian Lemon grass (C. flexuosum) can be grown from seed; the seeds must be pressed onto the surface of the soil (see notes below for light-dependant germination)
West- Indian Lemon grass (C. citratus) is grown from division, and produces a larger stem –base for culinary use.
Both species leaves are used medicinally and impart a pungent lemon aroma and flavor to tea. The inner stem base is used in many Thai dishes and soups. The leaves can be used as well, if they are strained from food (similar to bay leaves). Medicinally lemongrass is a diaphoretic (induces sweating) and a digestive aid.
Meadowsweet (Queen of the Meadow) Filipendula ulmaria – Rosaceae
Hardy perennial to 4 ft tall, 2 ½ ft wide; Full sun or part shade. Moist or wet soils but will do well in average garden soil. Zone 2-8. Easy to grow from division. Seed requires stratification. This stately herb is native to meadows in Europe. Flowers are traditionally used to flavor meads; hence it’s former name of Meadwort. Wintergreen aromatic leaves and flowers used for inflammation, fevers, heartburn and as a kidney tonic. Meadowsweet is naturalizing in the northeast, and may spread from seed, although I have yet to see it wild in North Carolina.
Peppermint Mentha x piperita – Lamiaceae
Vigorously spreading perennial; 1 ft tall, indefinitely wide (see notes under chocolate mint for cultivation tips). Rich moist soil in sun to partial shade. Zones 4-9. Easy to grow aromatic and tasty tea plant. Peppermint is employed medicinally as a mild and safe remedy for indigestion, insomnia, colds, fevers and colic.
Stinging Nettles Urtica dioica - Urticaceae
Herbaceous perennial; 3-4 ft tall by indefinitely wide; Full sun to part shade, rich moist soil. Zone 4-8. Will spread prolifically by runners;plant it out of the way or inside a semi-buried barrier. Highly revered, nutritious spring greens eaten steamed or in soups & stir-fries. Sting disappears when cooked or dried. Cooked greens and tea of Nettles are high in minerals, vitamins & chlorophyll. The leaves and seeds are used medicinally for allergies, arthritis and as kidney tonic. Leaves may be added to compost or used as mulch. Nettles is a highly useful plant if you can place it wisely in the landscape
Herbal Infusions and Decoctions
Infusions
An herbal infusion is usually made from flowers, leaves or light- weight plant material. It can be made in a French press, glass mason jar, ceramic or glass teapot, or in a stainless steel pot. If using a mason jar ALWAYS pour over the sink in case the jar breaks and remember to pour slowly. People have burnt themselves by pouring in a mason jar over the counter; if the jar breaks the boiling water may fall onto your skin.
Decoctions
Decoctions are basically a simmered tea and are the preferred preparation for bark, roots and hard seeds. The proportions listed above are employed for decoctions as well. The herb is placed in water and brought to a boil, then simmered covered for 20 minutes to a half hour.
If you are making a tea mixture containing herbs to be infused and decocted, simply make your decoction, turn off the heat, and add your herbs to be infused.
Folk tea method:
1 teaspoon of dried, cut and sifted herb or herbal mixture per one cup of water – note this strength is not exact as different herbs have varying densities and surface area. (This is a volume measurement and not a weight measurement)
Weight method:
.5-5 grams of dried herb, or herbal combination, for every 1 cup of water. (Note this is a more exact measure since it is using weight) The dosage is usually one cup of tea three times a day. When using multiple herbs in a formula, decrease the amount of each individual herb. The dosage varies depending on the herb (s) being employed, you will want to research each herb and it’s dosage.
Alternately – to prepare a concentrated infusion or decoction – one ounce herb by weight to 32 oz. of water will yield a tea containing approximately one gram of herb for every oz. of tea. So the dose would be smaller than it would be for a weaker tea – say 2-3 oz. three times a day if the dosage of the herb is 2-3 grams three times a day.
The strength of the tea is dependent on the herb(s) being used and the person drinking them. Some herbs are very safe and are also food; their strength and dosage are generally more flexible. Examples are Chickweed, Hibiscus, Nettles or Hawthorn. Pungent herbs such as Cloves, Cayenne, or Black pepper will obviously have a smaller dosage and a more pronounced affect on the imbiber. Certain herbs are helpful in masking bitter flavors of other herbs. Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Licorice are a few examples. Many herbs, including beverage teas, have adverse reactions when combined with pharmaceuticals. Please consult a trusted educated health care practitioner on the subject.
Many people find it more convenient to make one to three days worth of tea at a time. You may want to make a larger batch of tea, and then let it cool and refrigerate. It is easy to heat up individual cups of tea to room temperature or warmer.
Seeds and Plants
Horizon Herbs – phone # (541)846-6704
Largest collection of organically grown medicinal herb seeds and plants. Catalog is also a growers manual and contains many of the germination specifics listed below.
Richters – phone # (905) 640-6677
Huge selection of herb seeds and plants. Rare or hard- to - find herbs.
Fedco - phone # (207) 873-7333
Organic gardening resources – tools, books, biological control, etc. Many heirloom organic vegetable, flower, herb, and fruit tree selections.
Prairie Moon Nursery – phone# (866) 417-8156
Seeds and plants of natives to the prairie and eastern states. Loads of germination information in their seed section.
Southern Exposure seeds- phone # (540) 894-9480
Heirloom varieties adapted to the southeast.
Spring Herb Festival - phone # (828) 778-4365
Friday April 30th to Sunday May 2nd 2010 at the Western North Carolina farmer’s market in Asheville, NC (at the intersections of Interstates 26 and 40) Humongous selection of plants-, including vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and ornamentals. Lots of organic nurseries will be there!
Chestnut Herb Nursery – (828)683-5233
Open to the public by appointment and the herb fair in the spring (see above). Over 100 medicinal herbs and natives to the southeast.
Medicinal Herb Gardening Books
Compiled set of Publications – Cultivation Set – Richo Cech. Available from Horizon Herbs. See above.
Written by an herbalist gardener and seeds-man, this useful little tome covers Mediterranean herbs, Chinese herbs, Medicinal herbs from the English tradition, and growing tropical perennials in the temperate North. Medicinal use, cultivation and harvesting are discussed in detail.
Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs: Cultivation, Conservation and Ecology – Richo Cech
Detailed instruction on the cultivation requirements for at-risk plants including ginseng, goldenseal, the cohoshes, bloodroot, etc.
Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West – Steven Foster and Chongxi
Excellent all –around reference for popular Chinese herbs. Includes information on medicinal use, processing and cultivation for each herb.
Herbal Renaissance – Steven Foster
Similar to the above except this book covers western herbs
The Illustrated Herb Encyclopedia; A complete Culinary, Cosmetic, Medicinal, and Ornamental Guide to Herbs – Kathi Keville
One of my long - time favorite herb references. Provides more cultivation information than most general herbals. Beautiful illustrations. Recipes, historical reference, aromatherapy etc.
Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada – William Cullina
One of the finest native plant growers’ manuals. Excellent photos, cultivation, and propagation information for many of our natives.
Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines; A Guide to Using, Growing and Propagating North American Woody Plants – William Cullina. See above
The American Horticultural Society – Plant Propagation – DK , Editor-in-chief, Alan Toogood
Illustrated manual for most basic plant propagation; cuttings, divisions, seed saving and sowing.
Growing and Marketing Ginseng, Goldenseal and other Woodland Medicinals – W. Scott Persons and Jeanine M. Davis
The most thorough and technical guide available for growing at-risk woodland medicinal. Local author.
The Herb Society of America New Encyclopedia of Herbs and their Uses – DK , Revised edition 2001 -Deni Brown
Excellent reference for the cultivation and usage for more than 1,000 medicinal herbs. Each monograph includes cultivation, propagation, harvest, parts used and properties and usage. I use this book for researching cultivars and international plants.
Herb supplies and Dried Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs – phone# 1-(800)-879-3337
Bottles, jars, books, bulk dried herbs, strainers and tea presses, seaweed, essential oils, etc.
Pacific Botanicals – phone # (541)479-7780
Grower and wholesaler of organically grown and ethically wildcrafted herbs
Germination Specifics
Germinating medicinal herb plants and natives requires more skill, attention, and patience than germinating vegetable plants. Following are some special treatments that herb seeds may need before they will germinate. Many of the above resources, especially the Horizon Herbs and Prairie Moon seed catalogues, include these details.
Stratification or Cold Conditioning– Many seeds have a built-in alarm clock that lets them know that winter has passed and it is now spring and safe to begin life. Stratification tricks seeds into thinking winter has passed by exposing them to an extended period of cold and moist conditions. My preference is to do this in a controlled manner in the safety of my own home inside a Ziploc bag (that’s a Virgo for you).
Here’s how you trick those innocent seeds: Wet play sand and slightly so it’s visibly wet but no water comes out when squeezed. Place a very small amount of the wet sand in a small Ziploc bag with the seeds. Label well, place in a paper bag to keep out the light, and store in the refrigerator for 3 weeks to 3 months depending on the species. If you’re not sure, try 1 month. You can plant the sand with the seed so there’s no need to pick out the individual seeds unless they are exceptionally large. Boneset, American Ginseng, Blue Vervain, Butterfly weed, Culver’s root, Echinacea, Mullein, Skullcap and Wormwood are just a few of the herbs that need stratification to germinate well.
Light - Dependant Germination – Many seeds have formidable patience and can lay in the soil for decades, or even centuries, waiting for their break. Sunlight is the big break, and in a natural setting, it is brought about by wildfire, storm, or tree fall. The canopy opens up and the seed has a chance to find its own personal spot in paradise. You may sow these seeds directly onto the surface of the soil and very gently press them so they make contact with the soil. You may also slightly sprinkle a fine dusting of soil or vermiculite on top of the seeds. They then should be watered very gently by misting or bottom watering so they will not be washed off the surface of the soil. Many very small seeds are treated in the same manner as they do not have the reserves to grow above a thick layer of soil. Angelica, Bee balm, Catnip, Lobelia, Lovage, Mullein, Saint John’s wort and Violet are just a few of the herbs that need sunlight to germinate.