How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Herbal Tea (Loose Leaf & Tea Bags)

There's a quiet kind of magic in brewing a cup of herbal tea. Whether you reach for a convenient tea bag or scoop your own loose-leaf blend, a few simple techniques make the difference between a flat, watery cup and one that's aromatic, flavourful, and worth slowing down for. Here's how we brew ours at Keha Wellness.

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags: Which Should You Choose?

Both are wonderful — it comes down to your ritual and your schedule.

• Loose leaf uses whole and cut herbs with more room to unfurl, which generally means a fuller flavour and a more hands-on ritual. Explore our loose-leaf teas and single loose herbs.
• Tea bags are the everyday convenience choice — the same organic blends, pre-portioned for busy mornings. Browse our tea bags.

What You'll Need

• Fresh, filtered water
• Your favourite herbal tea or loose herbs
• A mug, teapot, or cup
• For loose leaf: an infuser, strainer, or fine mesh sieve
• A lid, saucer, or small plate to cover while steeping

How to Brew Herbal Tea, Step by Step

1. Heat your water. Bring fresh water to a boil, then let it settle for a few seconds off the boil (around 200°F / 93°C works beautifully for most herbal blends).
2. Measure your tea. Use about 1 heaping teaspoon of loose herbs — or 1 tea bag — per 8–10 oz cup.
3. Pour and cover. Pour the hot water over your tea and cover the cup. Covering traps the aromatic oils that would otherwise drift away as steam.
4. Steep. Let it rest (see the timing guide below). Herbal teas are forgiving — a longer steep simply makes a stronger, more robust cup.
5. Strain and enjoy. Remove the bag or strain the loose leaf, then sip slowly. Most herbal blends are naturally caffeine-free, so a second cup is always welcome.

Steeping Times & Water Temperature by Herb Type

Different parts of the plant give up their flavour at different rates:

• Delicate leaves & flowers (such as chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, and rose petals): steep about 5 minutes in just-off-boil water.
• Hardy roots, barks & berries (such as ginger and dried elderberries): steep 8–10 minutes, or gently simmer on the stove for a deeper, richer cup.
• Blended teas that mix both: follow the longer time — usually 5–7 minutes — so every ingredient has time to open up.

Brewing Tips from the Keha Kitchen

• Always cover while steeping to keep the aromatic character in your cup.
• Taste as you go. Pull the tea earlier for a lighter, brighter cup or later for something bolder.
• Strain fine-haired herbs (like mullein) through a fine mesh for a smoother texture.
• Add a natural sweetener — a touch of honey or a slice of citrus — to round out tart or earthy blends.

How to Make Iced Herbal Tea

For a refreshing summer version, brew your tea at double strength (use twice the herbs, or steep two bags), let it cool, then pour over ice. Tart, ruby-red hibiscus and naturally sweet rooibos both make beautiful iced teas. Garnish with fresh mint or a wheel of lemon.

Explore Keha Wellness Teas & Loose Herbs

Ready to fill your teapot? Browse our full range of organic herbal teas and single loose herbs, or start small with our Under $15 collection. Two evening favourites to brew tonight: our Dream Easy loose-leaf blend and our caffeine-free loose-leaf range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I steep herbal tea?

Most delicate leaf-and-flower blends are ready in about 5 minutes, while roots, barks, and berries prefer 8–10 minutes. Herbal teas are forgiving, so steep to taste.

What water temperature is best for herbal tea?

Just off the boil — around 200°F (93°C). Unlike delicate green teas, most herbal blends stand up well to hotter water.

Can I re-steep herbal tea?

Whole, robust herbs and roots can often be steeped a second time for a lighter cup. Delicate flowers usually give their best on the first steep.

Is loose-leaf tea better than tea bags?

Loose leaf generally offers a fuller flavour because the herbs have more room to expand, while tea bags win on convenience. Both use the same organic herbs at Keha Wellness.

Are herbal teas caffeine-free?

Most herbal (non-Camellia sinensis) blends are naturally caffeine-free. Always check the ingredients for additions like green tea, matcha, or yerba mate, which do contain caffeine.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for general educational and culinary purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.