Herbal Tea Blend Calculator
Calculate ingredient ratios for custom herbal tea blends using the base, supporting, and accent formula.
Returns grams per cup and batch weights for tisanes.
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