How to Make Your Own Tea Bags
Here you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to make your own tea bags plus FREE printable tea tags.
This goes perfectly with our previous post about mixing and blending your own herbal tea blends.
With a handful of herbs, many of which can be found in your kitchen cabinets, and a few basic techniques, you can brew up healing teas for everyday ailments.
There are lots of ways to enjoy the goodness of plants, but for accessibility and simplicity, it’s hard to beat a good cup of tea. I especially enjoy it when it the tea contains herbs I grew, foraged, or blended myself.
These tea bags are the perfect accompaniment to your homemade herbal tea blends and make a great gift.
Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Once you learn the basics of how to make your own tea bags, you can use your creativity to make unique tea blends. Be sure to reference our top herbs to use in tea blends.
Let’s get started!
Materials:
- Coffee filters
- Loose Herbal Tea Blend
- Scissors
- String
- Stapler
- paper
- tag punch
- small hole punch
Step 1: Cut along the lines drawn to cut the sides off of a coffee filter so it creates a rectangle.
Use a ruler or straight edge to draw lines on your filter. Then cut along the lines to create a rectangle.
I really like these unbleached natural coffee filters. They’re great for this project, but you could use the standard white ones as well.
Step 2: Place your herbal tea blend on the filter.
I recommend 1-2 tablespoons of your blend depending on the strength you desire.
Step 3: Fold both long sides into the middle.
Fold one of the long sides into the middle so that the tea is completely covered. Then fold the other long side so it reaches the crease of the other side.
Step 4: Fold the filter in half.
Fold the filter in half to form a small rectangle.
Step 5: Trim the top.
Your rectangle will be too long, so you’ll want to trim the top to the desired size.
*Tip: refer to a store-bought tea bag for size comparison.
Step 6: Fold the top corners down into a triangle shape.
Fold the two top corners of the filter down. This will create a triangle. Then fold the point of the triangle down.
Step 7: Staple a string to the folded part of your packet.
Staple your string onto your packet. This will also serve to hold the folded corners down. Make sure you are using natural undyed cotton string so that you don’t have any dye leaching into your tea.
Step 8: Tie the other end of the string to your printable tea tag.
Download our FREE printable tea tags and either cut them out or use a tag punch like the one here. If using the tag punch, you’ll want to use a very small hole punch to attach your string to the end.
Commmon Herbs Used in tea blends
- Rooibos -It comes from a plant native to South Africa, and the drink there is called redbush tea. It’s caffeine-free and is full of antioxidants. Some researchers believe, based on studies done on animals, that this herb may boost the immune system and help prevent cancer.
- Rose Buds – In addition to being an immune booster, rosebuds can help to improve digestion and blood flow and relieve menstrual cramping and stress.
Chamomile -This wonderful plant is often used to ease upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, insomnia, and anxiety. It’s important to note that if you are allergic to ragweed, then you should stay away from chamomile. - Rosehip – This lovely plant contains vitamin C and may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers.
- Peppermint – A personal favorite. Some people like this herb for its ability to help with upset stomach, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, and breathing problems
- Marshmallow root – A “cooling“ root, it helps to relieve the dry, scratchy throat that comes with a cold.
- Ginger – The root of this plant is well known for its ability to help with nausea and upset stomach and should not be overlooked. You might also try it to boost your appetite, to relieve arthritis pain, or to fight a cold.
- Dandelion Root – This is a great overall cleanse for the kidneys and liver and adds a nice flavor to your teas.
- Cinnamon – It has many powerful properties and including it in a tea will help to relieve inflammation, promote healthy blood flow, and contribute to gut health.
- Lemon balm – This delicious herb is helpful for calming nerves and for relaxing you to help you sleep. It may also improve memory, although researchers want to learn more. It can cause tummy troubles for some so be careful about overuse.
- Oat Straw – Oat straw is highly nutritive, containing minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, and a variety of other constituents that deeply nourish the entire body. This gentle restorative herb is for those that are cold, depleted, or tired.
- Hibiscus – This plant is full of antioxidants. Some small studies have found that it can lower blood pressure and also shows promise of lowering cholesterol.
- Valerian – This plant is said to promote healthy relaxation and sleep.
- Echinacea – Also know as Coneflower – this plant is known as a cold remedy. It does seem to boost the immune system, and researchers are studying it as a treatment for the flu.
- Sage – This herb has been used forever for stomach problems, sore throats, depression, and memory loss.
- Orange Peels – Very rich in vitamin C!
- Turmeric – A powerhouse of an herb, turmeric and especially its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
- Lavender – This lovely herb is thought to calm nerves, lead to better sleep, and improve skin health.
- Elderberry – A strong immune booster, elderberry also contains fiber for gut health and may help with joint pain.
- Holy basil – A fantastic plant known to be able to tackle stress, anxiety, and inflammation. Use the leaves to make a relaxing cup of tea.
Enjoy Your Tea Bags!
Now that you know how to make your own tea bags, you can mix up some tea blends and have fun filling your bags. Not only are these bags a great way to use your herbal tea blends, but they also make a great gift or party favor.
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Hi Babri,
Thank you much for this amazing article! I am trying to get get string that you used it. I could only get the thick butcher thread online. I would really appreciate if you could tell me the brand and store you got the string you used here. Thank you,
Tash
Hi Tash,
I bought the string at Michael’s craft store. I believe it was part of the Martha Stewart collecton.