6 Herbs That Dry Perfectly For Winter Teas

Few things are as comforting on a chilly winter evening as a warm cup of herbal tea. Beyond their soothing flavors, herbal teas carry numerous health benefits, from boosting immunity to calming the mind. While store-bought teas are convenient, there’s a special satisfaction in making your own blends—especially when they come from herbs you’ve grown and dried yourself.

The secret to having a steady supply of flavorful teas all winter long lies in selecting the right herbs to dry. Some herbs retain their aroma, flavor, and medicinal qualities beautifully when dried, making them ideal for winter tea blends. In this article, we’ll look at six herbs that dry perfectly for winter teas, along with tips on harvesting, drying, storing, and blending them into delicious, healthful infusions.

Why Dry Herbs for Winter Teas?

Drying herbs is one of the oldest methods of preservation. By removing moisture, you prevent spoilage while retaining essential oils that provide flavor and medicinal value. The benefits of drying herbs for tea include:

Year-round supply – Enjoy summer-grown herbs even during cold months.
Cost savings – Reduce dependence on store-bought herbal teas.
Quality control – You know exactly how your herbs were grown and processed.
Customization – Create blends tailored to your personal taste and wellness needs.

Best Methods for Drying Herbs

Before diving into specific herbs, let’s quickly review the best drying methods:

Air drying – Tie small bundles of herbs and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room.
Dehydrator drying – Speeds up the process while protecting delicate flavors.
Oven drying – Works for small batches; set the oven to its lowest temperature.
Screen drying – Spread herbs on mesh screens to allow good airflow.

No matter the method, always harvest herbs in the morning after dew has evaporated, when essential oils are at their peak.

1. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is a classic choice for herbal teas. Its refreshing, cooling flavor makes it both soothing and invigorating.

Flavor profile: Bold, minty, slightly sweet.
Health benefits: Aids digestion, eases headaches, and clears nasal passages.
Harvesting: Pick leaves just before the plant flowers for maximum oil content.
Drying: Remove leaves from stems and spread on a screen or use a dehydrator at low heat.
Storage: Store in airtight containers away from light to preserve aroma.

Winter tea idea: Combine dried peppermint with chamomile for a calming bedtime blend, or with green tea for a digestive aid after heavy meals.

2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is one of the most beloved herbs for tea, prized for its calming properties.

Flavor profile: Light, floral, with a hint of apple-like sweetness.
Health benefits: Promotes relaxation, eases anxiety, supports restful sleep, and helps with upset stomach.
Harvesting: Collect flower heads when fully open, ideally in the morning.
Drying: Spread flowers in a single layer on a screen or dry them in a dehydrator at low temperatures. Avoid high heat, which can damage delicate oils.
Storage: Keep dried flowers in glass jars in a cool, dark cupboard.

Winter tea idea: Blend dried chamomile with lavender and lemon balm for a stress-relieving evening tea.

3. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, retains its bright citrusy flavor well when dried, making it a perfect addition to winter teas.

Flavor profile: Refreshing lemon with subtle mint undertones.
Health benefits: Reduces stress, aids sleep, supports digestion, and has antiviral properties.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves just before the plant flowers, when oils are strongest.
Drying: Air dry in small bundles or use a dehydrator; lemon balm dries quickly and should be stored promptly to avoid loss of oils.
Storage: Best stored in dark tins or airtight jars to maintain lemony scent.

Winter tea idea: Mix lemon balm with dried ginger root and honey for a soothing tea that combats colds and lifts the mood.

4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is more commonly known for its fragrance, but it also makes a delightful tea ingredient when dried.

Flavor profile: Floral, slightly sweet, with a hint of rosemary-like undertone.
Health benefits: Calms nerves, reduces insomnia, relieves headaches, and supports relaxation.
Harvesting: Pick flower spikes when blooms are just beginning to open.
Drying: Hang small bundles upside down in a dry, dark place. Once dry, strip buds from stems.
Storage: Store dried buds in airtight jars; avoid crushing until use to retain flavor.

Winter tea idea: Combine dried lavender with chamomile and mint for a relaxing floral blend, perfect before bedtime.

5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

While often used in savory cooking, rosemary also works wonderfully in herbal teas, especially when dried.

Flavor profile: Strong, piney, with hints of lemon and pepper.
Health benefits: Boosts memory, supports circulation, reduces inflammation, and aids digestion.
Harvesting: Cut sprigs before flowering for peak oil content.
Drying: Hang sprigs upside down or use a dehydrator; rosemary retains flavor well even when fully dried.
Storage: Store whole sprigs or stripped leaves in glass jars.

Winter tea idea: Blend dried rosemary with lemon balm and a slice of dried orange peel for a warming, invigorating tea.

6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme may be an unexpected tea herb, but it retains both flavor and medicinal qualities beautifully when dried.

Flavor profile: Earthy, slightly minty, and subtly peppery.
Health benefits: Excellent for respiratory health, supports immunity, relieves coughs, and aids digestion.
Harvesting: Harvest sprigs before the plant flowers for the best concentration of oils.
Drying: Bundle and hang upside down, or use a dehydrator at low heat. Once dry, strip leaves from stems.
Storage: Keep in airtight jars, away from light.

Winter tea idea: Combine dried thyme with honey and lemon for a soothing cold-fighting tea.

Blending Tips for Winter Herbal Teas

Once you’ve dried your herbs, the fun part begins—mixing them into unique blends. Here are some ideas:

Relaxation blend: Chamomile + lavender + lemon balm.
Digestive blend: Peppermint + chamomile + rosemary.
Immune boost blend: Thyme + lemon balm + ginger.
Refreshing blend: Peppermint + rosemary + dried citrus peel.

When blending, start with equal parts of each herb and adjust to taste. Remember, stronger herbs like rosemary and thyme should be used sparingly compared to milder ones like chamomile or lemon balm.

Storing Dried Herbs

Proper storage ensures your herbs maintain their flavor and potency all winter:

Containers: Glass jars with tight lids, opaque tins, or paper bags.
Location: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Shelf life: Most dried herbs retain quality for 6–12 months. Crush leaves only when ready to brew for maximum flavor.

Brewing the Perfect Cup

To make a cup of winter herbal tea:

Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of water.
Bring water to a boil and pour over herbs.
Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes (longer for stronger flavor).
Strain, sweeten with honey if desired, and enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Drying herbs for winter teas is a rewarding way to preserve the flavors and wellness benefits of summer. Peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, and thyme all dry beautifully, retaining their taste and medicinal qualities for months. With the right harvesting, drying, and storage methods, you can create a winter pantry full of comforting, healthful teas that warm the body and soul.

So the next time you sip a steaming mug of homemade herbal tea on a frosty evening, you’ll not only enjoy the taste—you’ll also savor the connection to your summer garden and the age-old tradition of herb preservation.