Classic Bay Leaf Herbal Tea

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Equipment

• Small stainless steel saucepan or glass teapot
• Fine-mesh tea strainer or sieve
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving mugs

Ingredients

Essential Equipment

• Small stainless steel saucepan or glass teapot
• Fine-mesh tea strainer or sieve
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving mugs

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Water and Leaves

1. Measure 2.5 cups (600 mL) of fresh filtered water into a small saucepan.
2. Take 4 to 5 dried bay leaves and inspect them to ensure they are free of debris. Gently crush or snap each leaf in half using your fingers. Pro-Tip: Snapping the leaves exposes the inner tissue, allowing essential oils like eucalyptol and linalool to infuse into the water far more efficiently.

Step 2: Heat to a Gentle Simmer

1. Place the saucepan on your stove over High Heat until the water reaches a rolling boil (100°C / 212°F).
2. Once boiling, drop in the crushed bay leaves (and the optional cinnamon stick, if using).
3. Immediately reduce the heat intensity to Low Heat . The water should maintain a soft, gentle simmer with small, steady bubbles.
4. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap volatile essential oils in the steam. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes .

Step 3: Steep Covered Off Heat

1. After 10 minutes of simmering, remove the saucepan completely from the heat source.
2. Keep the lid on securely and allow the tea to steep off the heat for an additional 5 minutes .
3. Steeping off heat lets the temperature drop gradually, drawing out deeper herbaceous undertones without introducing unwanted bitterness.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

1. Carefully remove the lid—be cautious of the hot aromatic steam!
2. Pour the hot infusion through a fine-mesh strainer into two mugs, discarding the spent bay leaves.
3. If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey or maple syrup and a splash of fresh lemon juice to finish each cup.
4. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Nutrition

Calories: 2 kcal < 1% · Protein: 0.1 g < 1% · Fat: 0 g 0% · Carbohydrates: 0.5 g < 1% Dietary · Fiber: 0.1 g < 1% · Sugar: 0 g 0% · Sodium: 5 mg < 1%