Herbal Tea FAQ
Herbal Tea Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Herbal Tea FAQ! As a certified herbalist with 15 years of experience, I've answered the most common questions about brewing, using, and benefiting from herbal teas. If you don't see your question here, please reach out—I'm always happy to help.
About Our Herbal Tea Blends
Q: What makes your herbal tea blends different from store-bought teas?
A: Each blend is formulated by a certified herbalist with 15 years of experience in functional medicine. I use therapeutic doses of herbs (not just a sprinkle for flavor), combine them in synergistic ratios for maximum effectiveness, and source only organic, high-quality botanicals. These aren't just tasty teas—they're functional medicine in a cup.
Q: Are your teas organic?
A: Yes! We use certified organic herbs whenever possible, and sustainably wildcrafted herbs when organic isn't available (like our Desert Wellness blend). We never use herbs treated with pesticides or chemicals.
Q: How long do herbal teas stay fresh?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container away from light and heat, our herbal teas stay fresh for 1-2 years. However, for maximum potency and flavor, we recommend using them within 6-12 months.
Q: Can I drink herbal tea if I'm taking medications?
A: Some herbs can interact with medications. If you're taking prescription medications, especially blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or hormonal medications, please consult your healthcare provider before using herbal teas regularly. I'm happy to provide information about specific herb-drug interactions.
Brewing & Preparation
Q: How do I brew the perfect cup of herbal tea?
A: Use 1-2 teaspoons of loose tea per 8 oz of water. Bring water to a boil, then pour over herbs. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes (roots and barks need longer, 15-20 minutes). Strain and enjoy. Covering while steeping is important to keep the volatile oils from escaping!
Q: Can I make a big batch and drink it throughout the day?
A: Absolutely! You can brew a quart or more at a time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is especially convenient for teas you drink regularly, like Immune Boost or Digestive Ease. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.
Q: Can I sweeten my herbal tea?
A: Yes! Raw honey is my favorite sweetener as it adds its own medicinal properties. Stevia, maple syrup, or agave also work well. Add sweetener after brewing, not during, to preserve the herbs' beneficial compounds.
Q: Can I add milk or cream to herbal tea?
A: You can, though it's not traditional. Some people enjoy adding plant-based milk to chai-style blends. However, dairy may interfere with the absorption of some herbal compounds, so for maximum therapeutic benefit, drink herbal teas plain or with just honey and lemon.
Q: Can I drink herbal tea cold or iced?
A: Definitely! Many of our teas are delicious iced, especially Digestive Ease, Energy & Vitality, and Calm & Clarity. Brew as usual, let cool, and pour over ice. You can also make cold-brew herbal tea by steeping herbs in cold water for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.
Safety & Usage
Q: Are herbal teas safe during pregnancy?
A: Some are, some aren't. Generally safe during pregnancy: chamomile (in moderation), peppermint, ginger. Should be avoided: blue lotus, passionflower, vitex, and many others. Our Women's Balance tea is NOT safe during pregnancy but IS safe while nursing. If you're pregnant, please consult your midwife or healthcare provider before using any herbal tea regularly.
Q: Can children drink herbal tea?
A: Many herbal teas are safe for children over age 2, but in smaller doses. A good rule of thumb: use half the adult dose for children 2-6 years, and three-quarters dose for children 7-12 years. Safe options for kids include chamomile, peppermint (for tummy aches), and diluted ginger tea. Avoid stimulating herbs and strong nervines for young children.
Q: How much herbal tea can I drink per day?
A: For most of our blends, 1-3 cups per day is ideal for therapeutic benefit. Some teas, like Sleep & Dreams, are best used only in the evening. Energy & Vitality contains caffeine, so limit to 1-2 cups in the morning/early afternoon. Detox & Cleanse is best at 1-2 cups daily. Listen to your body!
Q: Can I drink herbal tea on an empty stomach?
A: Most herbal teas are fine on an empty stomach. In fact, Digestive Ease and Detox & Cleanse work best between meals. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to have a small snack with stronger teas like Immune Boost or Detox & Cleanse.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Herbal teas are generally very safe when used appropriately. Possible mild side effects include digestive upset if you're sensitive to certain herbs, or increased urination with diuretic herbs like nettle and dandelion. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Specific Blend Questions
Q: Will Sleep & Dreams tea make me groggy in the morning?
A: No! Unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids, our Sleep & Dreams blend supports your body's natural sleep cycle without causing morning grogginess. You should wake feeling refreshed. The herbs work with your body, not against it.
Q: Why does Sleep & Dreams tea turn blue?
A: The beautiful blue color comes from butterfly pea flower, which contains natural anthocyanins (the same compounds that make blueberries blue!). The color will shift to purple if you add lemon or anything acidic. It's not just pretty—butterfly pea is a powerful calming herb.
Q: How quickly does Digestive Ease work?
A: For acute digestive upset, you may feel relief within 15-30 minutes. For chronic digestive issues, consistent daily use over 2-4 weeks will provide the best results as the herbs heal and restore gut function.
Q: Can I drink Immune Boost tea when I'm already sick?
A: Yes! In fact, that's when it's most powerful. At the first sign of illness, drink a cup every 2-3 hours. The echinacea and elderberry work to shorten the duration and severity of colds and flu. It's also excellent for prevention during cold season—drink 1-2 cups daily.
Q: Does Energy & Vitality tea have as much caffeine as coffee?
A: No, it has about half the caffeine of coffee (approximately 40-50mg per cup vs. 95mg in coffee). The caffeine from yerba mate is also released more slowly and is balanced by other herbs, so you get sustained energy without jitters or crashes.
Q: How long should I do a detox with Detox & Cleanse tea?
A: You can drink Detox & Cleanse tea daily for ongoing liver support, or do a more intensive 2-4 week cleanse drinking 2-3 cups daily. I recommend seasonal cleanses (spring and fall) for most people. This is gentle, non-laxative cleansing that supports your body's natural detox pathways.
Q: How long until I see results with Women's Balance tea?
A: For menstrual cramp relief, you may notice improvement within one cycle. For hormonal balance and cycle regulation, give it 2-3 months of consistent daily use. Herbs work slowly but deeply to restore balance, not just mask symptoms.
Q: What makes Desert Wellness tea unique?
A: It's our signature blend featuring traditional Southwestern botanicals like Mormon tea, yerba santa, and juniper that you won't find in commercial tea blends. These are herbs indigenous peoples of the Southwest have used for centuries. It's a taste of the Arizona high desert you can't get anywhere else.
Storage & Shelf Life
Q: How should I store my herbal tea?
A: Store in an airtight container (the bag they come in works great if sealed well, or transfer to a glass jar) in a cool, dark, dry place. Avoid storing near the stove or in direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is perfect.
Q: Do herbal teas expire?
A: They don't expire in a safety sense, but they do lose potency over time. Properly stored herbal teas maintain their therapeutic properties for 1-2 years. You'll know they're past their prime when the color fades, the aroma weakens, or the flavor becomes dull.
Q: Can I freeze herbal tea?
A: You can freeze brewed tea in ice cube trays for later use (great for adding to smoothies!), but don't freeze the dry herbs—freezing and thawing can introduce moisture and degrade quality.
Results & Effectiveness
Q: How long before I notice results?
A: It depends on the tea and the issue you're addressing. Acute issues (upset stomach, trouble sleeping tonight, current cold) may respond within hours to days. Chronic issues (hormonal imbalance, weakened immunity, chronic stress) typically require 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use to see significant improvement. Herbs work cumulatively.
Q: Do herbal teas really work, or is it just placebo?
A: Herbal medicine has been used successfully for thousands of years across every culture on earth. Modern science has validated many traditional uses—for example, peppermint for IBS, chamomile for anxiety, echinacea for colds, and ginger for nausea all have solid clinical research behind them. While placebo can play a role in any healing modality, the therapeutic compounds in herbs have real, measurable effects on the body.
Q: Can I use herbal tea instead of my medications?
A: No. Herbal teas are complementary medicine, not replacement medicine. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Herbal teas work beautifully alongside conventional medicine to support your overall health and may reduce your need for some medications over time, but this should always be done under professional guidance.
Ordering & Product Information
Q: How many cups does 2 oz of tea make?
A: Approximately 20-25 cups, depending on how strong you like your tea. If you use 1 teaspoon per cup, you'll get about 25 cups. If you prefer a stronger brew with 2 teaspoons, you'll get about 12-15 cups.
Q: Do you offer larger sizes?
A: Currently we offer 2 oz packages. If you'd like to see larger sizes (4 oz or 8 oz) available, please let us know!
Q: Can I mix different tea blends together?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. Some great combinations: Sleep & Dreams + Calm & Clarity for anxious insomnia, Digestive Ease + Detox & Cleanse for gut healing, Immune Boost + Energy & Vitality for wellness support.
Q: Which tea should I start with?
A: Choose based on your primary wellness goal right now. Struggling with sleep? Start with Sleep & Dreams. Digestive issues? Digestive Ease. Frequent colds? Immune Boost. Daily stress? Calm & Clarity. You can always add more blends as you discover what works for you.
Still Have Questions?
I'm here to help! As a certified herbalist, I'm passionate about helping people use plant medicine safely and effectively. Feel free to reach out with questions about which tea is right for you, how to use herbs for specific health concerns, or anything else related to herbal wellness.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Herbal teas are not a replacement for professional medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using herbal teas, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.