Brewing your own tea blend can make for a more interesting concoction than store-bought brands; and with the right herbs and spices in your cupboard, you can adapt a recipe depending on your needs that day. See what herbs and spices are best for digestion, relaxation, or whatever ailment needs love at the moment.

Common herbs and spices

You can choose to buy these herbs or grow them, or use what you already have in the spice cabinet. Naturopaths and even some practitioners of Western medicine believe many herbs can have healing properties. Here are the most common herbs and the remedies herbalists believe they can assist in.

Basil: Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory Cardamom: Reduce heartburn

Chamomile: Relaxation

Cinnamon: Balance blood sugar and boost metabolism

Balance blood sugar and boost metabolism Ginger: Alleviate nausea

Alleviate nausea Lemongrass: Ease menstrual cramps

Mint: Digestive aid

Peppermint: Debloat and soothe upset stomach

Rosemary: Improve circulation

Improve circulation Sage: Improve brain function

Thyme: Antioxidant, antimicrobial

Although there may not be scientific evidence for each treatment, they might inch you closer to a cure. Check with your medical professional before digesting large quantities of any herb. Rare side effects to herbs like ginger include gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. These effects are most often linked to the powdered form of herbs and not the solid, natural root of them. Read the side effects of each herb before choosing one herb as your default spice.

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See some popular tea combos and the supplies you'll need after the break!

Popular Combos

Lavender and chamomile

Crushed peppermint

Thyme and sage

Cardamom and cinnamon

Lemongrass and ginger

Supplies

You have a few different options here depending on how much time you have and how often you choose to brew.