How to Dry Herbs for Tea
Updated: February 12, 2023
For years, tea has been consumed as a healing drink across many eastern beliefs, pagan religions, and witchcraft. Although its common association with green and kitchen witches, a cup of tea is enjoyed just as much as any type of witch for two reasons:
- Because of its direct connection with the life source energy.
- Because of its healing properties
If you’re lucky to have an herb garden nearby or have a local shop that sells an abundant array of herbs, then you ought to try drying your own herbs for some tea.
Why dry your own herbs?
Whether you got your herbs from your backyard garden or from the local grocery store, drying your own herbs give you more time to connect and build a relationship with it before you consume it. Spending more time with your herbs can be a special time to set an intention and give it more power to work with you in manifesting your desires.
How to dry herbs for tea
A note before we start. If you plan on picking herbs from your backyard garden, the best time to harvest is mid-morning, when the dew has dried and just before the sun starts to burn the necessary oils from your herbs’ leaves.
Sun-Drying
A common way of drying herbs is by sun-drying. To sun-dry your freshly harvested herbs, tie them up in bundles and wrap a dry paper bag around it. This protects your herbs from being harmed by the direct sunlight or other outdoor pests.
Air-Drying
Another way of drying your herbs aesthetically is by air-drying them by your kitchen windowsill where there is enough indirect sunlight.
Although it has a quite similar concept with sun-drying, it allows you to witness the progress — which technically makes it a better option if you wish to connect with it. By the second or third week, your herbs should be ready for tea.
In to the Oven
Drying your herbs in the oven is another costly yet quick way to dry your herbs. To dry herbs in the oven, set the temperature to your oven’s lowest temperature option. Place your herbs in a cookie sheet with a parchment paper.
Put it in the oven and leave it for 2-4 hours. Always keep an eye on them as herbs are easily burnt. You may take the option to leave the door open to allow air to circulate around the oven.
Storing Dried Herbs
Storing your herbs properly is necessary if you don’t want your hard work to go to waste. Store your dried herbs in a well-dried container. A bit of moisture can spoil your herbs so you want to make sure it’s dried by running a paper towel inside the container for the last time before you put your herbs. Seal it with an air-tight lid.
Drying your own herbs may not be the easiest way to drink tea, but being part of a process before you consume it feels gratifying. Plus, it makes the tea taste better!
