Description
A soothing and aromatic herbal tea made with fresh thyme and rosemary. Enjoy it hot or iced for a relaxing and potentially beneficial beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of water, preferably filtered
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, washed thoroughly
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, washed thoroughly
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 lemon slice (optional, for added flavor and Vitamin C)
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the filtered water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
- Prepare the herbs: While the water is heating, gently wash the thyme and rosemary sprigs under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Lightly bruise the leaves of the rosemary and thyme by gently squeezing them between your fingers.
- Infuse the herbs: Once the water is boiling, carefully add the thyme and rosemary sprigs to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low, so the water is simmering gently. Cover the saucepan with a lid.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes: Allow the herbs to simmer in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep further (optional): After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Leave the herbs in the water and let them steep for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea: After the steeping process is complete, carefully strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander into a heat-resistant pitcher or teapot. Press down on the herbs with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add honey (optional): If you prefer a sweeter tea, add honey to the strained tea while it is still warm. Stir well until the honey is completely dissolved. Adjust the amount of honey to your liking.
- Add lemon (optional): For a brighter flavor and an added boost of Vitamin C, add a slice of lemon to each cup of tea.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the thyme rosemary tea into mugs and serve immediately. The tea is best enjoyed warm. You can also chill the tea and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced tea option.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of each herb per 4 cups of water.
- Adjust the herb ratio to suit your taste preferences.
- Experiment with adding other herbs like sage, mint, or lavender.
- Sweeten with maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia if you don’t like honey.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch of tea.
- Leftover tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving.
- Filtered water is recommended for the best flavor.
- Simmering gently is the key to extracting the best flavor. Over-boiling the herbs can result in a bitter taste.
- The steeping time can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Longer steeping times will result in a stronger flavor.
- Garnish each cup of tea with a fresh sprig of thyme or rosemary for a beautiful presentation.
- Consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
- Be aware of any potential allergies to thyme or rosemary before consuming this tea.
- Thyme and rosemary may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diuretics. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before consuming this tea if you are taking any medications.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their doctor before consuming thyme rosemary tea, as the safety of these herbs during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established.
- Thyme rosemary tea may not be suitable for young children. Consult with your pediatrician before giving this tea to children.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes