Bush Tea

From Backyard to Teacup

KITCHEN GARDEN IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS AND LOCALLY GROWN SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSOR, MONTEFIORE NYACK HOSPITAL.

It’s impossible to know exactly where the wisdom of gathering “bush tea” began. I’ve heard that it’s an Aboriginal tradition, but also Barbadian, Crucian, Bahamian, and South African. For me, it’s as local as the square footage surrounding my house.

Gathering bush tea is an improvisational act, highly creative and seasonal. After my double-ish espresso, I head outside and see what’s what. Early in the season, my black currant bush leaves call to me with their musky perfume. Sometimes I see a patch of dandelion flowers and think why not? I get to imagine, then experience, what kind of tea rose petals combined with chocolate mint might make. If the chive flowers, cucumber vines, and basil draw my eye, I toss them in the pot. Every day is different.

BUSH TEA INGREDIENT IDEAS
  • Raspberry leaves
  • Basil
  • Tulsi
  • Rose petals and hips
  • Lemongrass
  • Lavender
  • Mint
  • Cucumber vines
  • Borage
  • Culinary sage
  • Lemon balm
  • Pea shoots
  • Chamomile
  • Dill
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Rosemary
  • Corn silk
  • Melon
  • Dandelion
  • Anise hyssop
  • Red clover
  • Elderflowers
  • Stevia
  • Cilantro
  • Shiso
  • Chives
  • Carrot tops
  • Scented geranium
  • Lemon verbena
  • Hops
  • Fennel

*Words of warning: Only use what is unsprayed and 150% safe for consumption. The time I had to call poison control is real, people!

“Herbal teas are nature’s gift to nourish your body and mind. As part of one’s nutritional regimen, they are a natural way to boost your immune system, reduce stress and enhance overall wellness.”

Lorraine Olivero, DNP, FNP-BC
Highland Medical – Palisades Primary Care and Pulmonary Medicine
Montefiore Nyack Hospital
Magic and Alchemy. After my initial jolt of caffeine, I spend the rest of my morning drinking a bespoke batch of botanical tea. In the summer, that means a trip around the garden with a gathering basket, snippers, and a sense of adventure.

Bush Tea

YIELDS 1 POT

This blend is summer in a cup. Feel free to adjust or improvise from the farmers’ market.

INGREDIENTS

3 parts lemon verbena or lemon balm leaves
1 part mint leaves and flowers
1 part raspberry leaves
1 unsprayed rose bud
½ stevia leaf or 1 drop of stevia tincture

DIRECTIONS

Infuse a fistful (or more!) of whatever you pluck in a pot of near-boiling water for 15 minutes, then strain the hot tea into a mug. Chilled bush tea, though not traditional, is delicious too.