Herbal Tea Blend Calculator
Calculate ingredient proportions for custom herbal tea blends using the traditional 3-part blending formula.
Professional herbalists use a structured blending framework to create balanced, effective, and pleasant-tasting herbal teas. The most common approach is the 3-part formula.
The 3-Part Blending Formula
- Primary herb (40–60%) — The main therapeutic or flavor herb. This drives the purpose of the blend.
- Supporting herbs (20–30%) — Herbs that complement or enhance the primary herb’s effects.
- Catalyst/flavor herbs (10–20%) — Herbs added for taste, aroma, or to improve absorption.
Total = 100%
Herb Density and Measurement
Different herbs have vastly different densities. One tablespoon of chamomile flowers weighs about 1.5 grams, while one tablespoon of dried ginger root weighs about 5 grams. For consistency, blend by weight, not volume.
| Herb Category | Density (g per tablespoon) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Light flowers | 1.0–2.0 g | Chamomile, lavender, calendula |
| Leaves | 1.5–3.0 g | Peppermint, lemon balm, nettle |
| Berries / seeds | 3.0–5.0 g | Elderberry, fennel seed, rosehip |
| Roots / bark | 4.0–7.0 g | Ginger, cinnamon, licorice root |
Worked Example — Relaxation Blend (100g batch)
Primary: Chamomile flowers (50%) = 50 g Supporting: Lemon balm leaves (25%) = 25 g Catalyst: Lavender buds (15%) = 15 g Catalyst: Licorice root (10%) = 10 g for sweetness
Steeping instructions: 1 tablespoon (about 3g) per 240 ml (8 oz) of hot water. Water temperature: 95°C (just off boiling). Steep time: 5–7 minutes, covered, to trap volatile oils.
Servings from 100g batch: approximately 100 / 3 = 33 cups.
Steeping Temperature Guide
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate flowers (chamomile, lavender) | 90–95°C (194–203°F) | 5–7 min |
| Leaves (mint, lemon balm) | 95–100°C (203–212°F) | 5–10 min |
| Berries (rosehip, elderberry) | 100°C (212°F) | 10–15 min |
| Roots and bark (ginger, cinnamon) | 100°C (212°F) | 15–20 min (simmer/decoction) |
For blends containing both delicate and tough ingredients, prepare the roots and bark as a decoction (simmered 15 min) then pour the hot decoction over the flowers and leaves and steep 5 more minutes.
Batch Scaling
Small batch (personal use, 1–2 weeks): 30–50 grams total. Medium batch (gift or month supply): 100–150 grams total. Large batch (selling or sharing): 500+ grams total. Store in airtight containers away from light. Shelf life is typically 6–12 months for dried herbal blends.
Common Flavor Harmonies
- Floral + citrus: chamomile + lemon verbena
- Spicy + sweet: ginger + cinnamon + licorice
- Earthy + minty: nettle + peppermint + fennel
- Fruity + tart: rosehip + hibiscus + orange peel