Brew the Garden: Herbal Teas from Your Favorite Perennials

Did you know that many of our favorite perennials are edible and provide health benefits perfect for steeping in a mug? If you grow herbs and pollinator plants, you may already have everything you need to create fragrant, soothing, garden-grown winter teas. Here are six hardy perennials that we currently carry which can be used to make delicious herbal infusions long after the blooms fade.

Lavender is a classic for a reason. Its floral, lightly sweet aroma turns any cold evening into a spa moment. Simply dry the blooms in summer and store them in an airtight jar. In winter, a pinch of lavender is perfect on its own or blended with mint, chamomile, or lemon balm.
Great for: relaxation & winding down

Bee Balm leaves and flowers have long been used for tea, thanks to their bold, bergamot-citrus flavor. Bee balm was historically used by many Indigenous communities for its natural cleansing and clarifying properties. Its leaves and flowers contain compounds with known antimicrobial activity.
Great for: immune-support 

Anise Hyssop has a naturally sweet and subtle licorice note without the sharpness of actual anise. Because it contains aromatic essential oils similar to mint, it’s often used to help open and refresh the senses, especially during the colder months.
Great For: Digestive comfort (reduces gas and bloating) & respiratory support

Echinacea tea is a winter staple, particularly when you use both buds and mature flowers. Their earthy, slightly floral flavor shines when combined with lemon or ginger. Dry buds in early summer and flowers in late summer for a steady supply through the colder months.
Great For: wellness blends, especially during early winter sniffles.

Yarrow has been known for centuries as a medicinal herb. This plant brings a grassy, slightly bitter complexity that balances sweet or floral ingredients. Yarrow has a long history as a bitter herb, which traditionally makes it useful for supporting easy digestion.
Great For: Digestive support and seasonal wellness

Aralia roots are most commonly used in teas, offering a mild, earthy, tonic-like flavor.
Use sparingly. Aralia root adds depth to wellness blends and pairs well with echinacea, ginger, or mint. Great for: Calming, Centering Aromatics

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Garden-to-Mug Recipe Ideas

1. Lavender Dreamer: floral, soothing, lightly sweet

• 1 tsp dried lavender buds

• 1 tsp dried anise hyssop

• ½ tsp yarrow flowers
  Steep 5–7 minutes. Add honey if you like a touch of sweetness.

2. Winter Wellness Brew: earthy, uplifting, herbal

• 1 tsp dried echinacea buds or petals

• ½ tsp dried bee balm leaves

• ½ tsp dried yarrow leaves

• Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon
  Steep 10 minutes for a fuller, richer cup.

3. Garden Chai (Caffeine-Free): warming, aromatic, slightly spicy

• 1 tsp bee balm (for that citrusy bergamot warmth)
  1 tsp anise hyssop

• ½ tsp echinacea petals

• 1 small piece aralia root (a pinch if powdered)
  Steep 8–10 minutes. Lovely with oat milk.