Tea Time: How I Make My Favorite Herbal Tea Blend: Chamomile & Yerba Mate

How I Make My Favorite Herbal Tea Blend: Chamomile & Yerba Mate

One of my favorite places to browse is the tea aisle at Whole Foods. I can easily spend half an hour smelling different blends, asking questions, and discovering teas I've never tried before. Every cup seems to have its own personality.

On this visit, I came home with two organic loose-leaf teas that couldn't have been more different.

Organic Chamomile Medley

Chamomile has been enjoyed for centuries as a comforting herbal tea. Its gentle floral flavor, combined with hints of mint, makes it one of my favorite evening drinks when I simply want to slow down and relax after a busy day.

Organic Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate (pronounced yer-ba mah-tay) is a traditional South American beverage that has been enjoyed for generations, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Unlike chamomile, Yerba Mate contains natural caffeine and is often chosen by people looking for a smooth, sustained energy boost without coffee.

Many people enjoy Yerba Mate because they appreciate its rich, earthy flavor and natural caffeine content. It has also been the subject of research for its plant compounds and antioxidants, although more studies are needed to better understand its potential health effects.

My Favorite Combination

One afternoon I decided to experiment and combined the two teas together.

To my surprise, they balanced each other beautifully.

The floral sweetness of the chamomile softened the earthy flavor of the Yerba Mate, creating a tea that was both refreshing and comforting.

Sometimes the best recipes happen completely by accident.

My Favorite Natural Sweeteners

I enjoy tea with very little sweetener, but when I do add something, these are my favorites:

• Local Texas wildflower honey for its rich flavor and support of nearby beekeepers.
• Agave nectar, which dissolves easily and has a mild sweetness.
• Stevia, a naturally sweet plant that requires only a tiny amount.

Every sweetener has its own unique flavor, so it's fun to experiment and discover which one you enjoy most with different teas.

Tea Is More Than a Drink

One thing I love about making tea is that it naturally encourages me to slow down. A warm cup, a comfortable chair, and a few quiet minutes can turn an ordinary afternoon into one of the most relaxing parts of the day.

And yes—I still love my IKEA teacups. Sometimes it's the little things that make tea time feel special.

Note: Herbal teas have a long history of traditional use, but individual responses vary. If you have health concerns, are pregnant, or take medications, consult your healthcare provider before using herbal products regularly.

While at Whole Foods last week, I visited the TEA BOOTH to sample and ask questions. I ended up with two bags of wonderful tea leaves:

Organic Chamomile Medley
A calming chamomile blend with sweet honey-like character with a hint of mint, blended to relax and refresh.

Organic Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate (pronounced "yerba mahtay") is a medicinal and cultural drink of ancient origins. Introduced to the world by the Guarani Indians of South America, Mate contains ingredients that help keep its drinkers healthy and energetic. Mate has also become a cultural phenomenon throughout South America. 

Add both tea blends together and serve.

Brewing Tips

• Water just below boiling for delicate herbal teas.
• Steep chamomile for 5–7 minutes.
• Yerba Mate can be steeped several times.
• Adjust the strength by blending different ratios.

My first choice for sweetener is the local Round Rock native wildflower honey. This can be purchased at nearby farmer's markets, (soon HEB), and at Whole Foods. It is always best to consume LOCAL honey, as this can help fight against seasonal allergies.

I've recently been introduced to Agave Nectar. This is another natural and healthy alternative to table sugar. Agave nectar comes from a cactus.

Of course, the natural sweetener Stevia, which comes from a plant known as SWEET LEAF is another healthy sweetener.

Check out my new tea cup from IKEA. This quaint mid-sized tea cup came in a set of 6 for only $9.99!!

Time to relax with some tea!