As the spring sun warms the earth and nature awakens, Latvia reveals its abundance—it is like an open-air pharmacy. Forests, meadows, gardens, and even backyard beds are full of plants that not only please the taste buds but also heal, strengthen immunity, and bring comfort on cold winter evenings. Now is the perfect time to think about herbal teas—what we can plant, gather, and how to properly prepare healing herbs for winter storage.
What to plant now for home-grown tea in autumn?
Although many medicinal plants can be collected in the wild, some are easy to grow in your backyard or even in a balcony pot. May and June are a great time to plant these.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
One of the most popular tea herbs. Easy to grow in beds or pots. It not only tastes great but also helps with digestion, headaches, and stress. Plant it in a sunny spot and make sure the soil stays moist.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Similar to peppermint, lemon balm calms and helps with sleep. It has a lemony aroma that adds freshness to tea. Can be planted in beds or pots.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula flowers are used in teas and topical infusions. In tea, they help with inflammation and skin issues. Sow seeds directly into the garden—they sprout quickly and bloom abundantly until autumn.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
A soothing classic. Sow directly in garden beds or boxes. Pick fully open flowers. Used for insomnia, nervousness, and digestive problems.
Blackcurrant and raspberry leaves
If you already have berry bushes, now is the time to trim extra branches and collect fresh green leaves—these are especially valuable for tea. Blackcurrant leaves strengthen the body; raspberry leaves help with colds and fever.
What to gather in spring and early summer?
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Young nettle leaves in May and June are full of vitamins. Dry them in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Nettle tea cleanses the body, is rich in iron, and strengthens hair.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Blooms very early—already in April and May. Collect flowers in dry weather and dry quickly. Helps with coughs and respiratory diseases.
Birch leaves (Betula spp.)
In May, while the leaves are still young and sticky, they are great for teas and infusions. Birch tea cleanses the body, reduces swelling, and removes excess fluids.
Violet (Viola odorata)
Aromatic petals are collected in dry weather. Violet tea calms and relaxes the bronchi.
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) leaves
Collect leaves and flowers during blooming. Wild strawberry leaf tea is rich in vitamin C and helps with stomach and intestinal issues.
How to dry and store medicinal herbs properly?
- Collect only in dry weather, after dew has evaporated—ideally late morning.
- Avoid plastic bags—use baskets or paper bags.
- Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated place, not in the sun (to preserve active compounds).
- Store in a dry, dark place in glass jars or cloth bags labeled with plant and collection date.
- Use within 12 months—tea loses aroma and strength if stored too long.
Recipes: Herbal teas for health and well-being
For immunity – “Meadow Strength”
Ingredients:
2 parts dried blackcurrant leaves, 1 part nettle, 1 part calendula flowers, ½ part dandelion root.
Preparation: Pour 250 ml of hot water over 1 tablespoon, steep for 10–15 minutes.
For stress relief – “Evening Calm”
Ingredients:
1 part lemon balm, 1 part chamomile, 1 part peppermint, ½ part violet petals.
Preparation: Pour water over 1 teaspoon of the mix, steep for 7–10 minutes.
For colds – “Warm Breath”
Ingredients:
2 parts raspberry leaves, 1 part coltsfoot, 1 part linden flowers, ½ part thyme.
Preparation: Pour 300 ml water over 1 tablespoon of the mix, boil for 5 minutes or steep in a thermos.
For body detox – “Green Detox”
Ingredients:
1 part birch leaves, 1 part nettles, 1 part yarrow, optional—strawberry or blackberry leaves.
Preparation: Steep 2 tablespoons in 500 ml of water in a thermos for 1–2 hours.
For women’s wellness – “Nature’s Balance”
Ingredients:
1 part raspberry leaves, 1 part calendula, ½ part chamomile, ½ part dried rowan berries.
Preparation: Drink 1–2 times a day; honey can be added.
Practical tips for enjoying herbal teas
- 2–4 herbs in one tea are enough to balance effect and taste.
- Use quality water—filtered or spring.
- Use porcelain or glass containers; avoid prolonged contact with metal.
When gathering medicinal herbs, it’s important to be moderate and respectful. Never pick all the plants from one place. Latvia’s nature generously offers a wide range of healing plants, but the key to this abundance is balance—so that plants can regenerate and future generations can also enjoy healing infusions from our meadows and forests.