Physical Wellness

The Art of Mixing Loose Leaf Tea

Posted by MJ on

Over the years, I have savored and sipped various teas. At first, I enjoyed bagged teas. They were easy to transport and there were so many flavors. Overtime, I experimented with flavors and types of tea, moving to loose leaf.

3 Things to Consider When Mixing Loose Leaf Tea

First, I think about the purpose of why I’m drinking the tea. Sometimes, it’s to energize with caffeine. Other times, it’s to slow things down with a calming chamomile. Peppermint and lavender are also incredibly soothing and I often use them when winding down from the day. There are also tea blends that are used to detox.

Second, I determine a base tea. These are the teas that determine the base flavor and caffeine levels. Typically, I select one of the following:

  1. Black Tea
  2. Green Tea
  3. White Tea
  4. Oolong Tea
  5. Jasmine Tea
  6. Rooibos Tea

Third, I keep several flavors of teas on-hand that I can add to my base. I can also just brew them independently if I am looking for an herbal tea. Some of the herbal tea blends that I keep on hand are:

  1. Rose Petals
  2. Lavender
  3. Chamomile
  4. Lemongrass
  5. Cinnamon
  6. Nettle Leaf
  7. Hibiscus
  8. Dandelion Root
  9. Ginger Root
  10. Golden Masala Chai
  11. Vanilla
  12. Peppermint

2 Ways to Brew Loose Leaf Tea

Brewing: There are several ways to brew tea. Overtime, I’ve selected the method that feels the most natural to me. There are two of them when it comes to brewing loose leaf tea:

  1. Glass Pot: Boiling water in a hot pot, I fill up a separate glass tea pot with my loose leaf tea mixture. Boiling the water to the right temperature, I’ll add the water to the glass pot and watch the loose leaf unfold and steep. There’s something calming about it.
  2. Cloth Bag: A light meshed bag that holds tea; it’s disposable and great for a 1 cup amount of tea.

Tea has many benefits – for me, the aromatherapy is one of the best parts about blending teas. Breathing in the aromas is soothing. It’s a refreshing drink in the warm summer sun (Iced Tea) and calming in the cooler months. Blending various flavors can release your creative side and surprise and delight.

Think about it,

MJ

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