EXCERPT:
Nowadays there are numerous commercial tea blends on the market, but it’s usually cheaper, and certainly more fun to create your own. Plus, it allows you to tailor the blend to your own specific tastes and requirements. There’s a multitude of herbs to choose from, and an infinite variety of combinations to be made. With a little practice and a dash of daring you’ll be whipping up teas as tasty as they are healthy. It’s much easier than other kitchen crafts like baking bread or canning jams, and far less messy. When the holidays roll around, consider sharing your favorite blends with family and friends. “Hand-crafted” herbal teas make lovely gifts. Keep in mind, too, that herbal tea isn’t just for drinking. For a refreshing and relaxing experience, try an herbal bath. I’ve offered simple instructions for making a “bath tea-bag” at the end of this article, along with lists of herbs good for both brewing and bathing.