{"slug":"herbal-tea","name":"Herbal Tea","steep_time":{"low_seconds":300,"high_seconds":420},"steep_temperature":{"low_c":95,"high_c":100,"low_f":203,"high_f":212},"web_url":"https://timebeforetea.com/teas/herbal-tea","title":"How to Brew Herbal Tea","description":"Steep Herbal Tea for 5m – 7m at 95°C – 100°C (203°F – 212°F). A step-by-step brewing guide from Time Before Tea.","steps":[{"name":"Measure your tea","text":"Use about one teaspoon of Herbal Tea leaves per 8 oz cup."},{"name":"Heat the water","text":"Bring fresh water to 95°C – 100°C (203°F – 212°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves."},{"name":"Steep","text":"Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 5m – 7m. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go."},{"name":"Strain and serve","text":"Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter."}],"faqs":[{"question":"How long should you steep herbal tea?","answer":"Usually 5 to 7 minutes in water at a full boil. Roots and bark like ginger and cinnamon can go 10 minutes or more. Most herbal teas don't turn bitter, so longer steeps just make them stronger."},{"question":"What temperature should water be for herbal tea?","answer":"203–212°F (95–100°C), a full boil. Dried herbs, flowers, and roots need very hot water to give up their flavor."},{"question":"Does herbal tea have caffeine?","answer":"Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. The exceptions are yerba mate, guayusa, and blends that include real tea leaves, so check the ingredient list."},{"question":"Is herbal tea really tea?","answer":"Technically, no. True tea comes from Camellia sinensis. Herbal teas, or tisanes, are infusions of other plants: flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, or fruit."},{"question":"Should you cover herbal tea while it steeps?","answer":"Yes, especially for aromatic herbs like chamomile and mint. Covering the cup keeps the essential oils in the tea instead of letting them escape with the steam."},{"question":"How much herbal tea should I use?","answer":"One to two teaspoons (2–3 g) of dried herbs per 8 oz (240 ml) cup, a tablespoon for light flowers like chamomile, and about twice as much if you're using fresh herbs."}],"product_handles":[],"store_available":false}