A Gentle Shift – Herbs and Tea for the Return to Fall Routines

As August fades into September, the pace of life begins to change. Summer vacations wind down, school schedules return, and mornings suddenly arrive earlier than anyone would like. The transition can feel exciting, exhausting, and emotional all at once—for adults and children alike.

Herbs, especially herbs in tea, offer gentle support during this seasonal shift, helping create moments of calm, focus, and comfort as routines settle back into place. Here are a few tea suggestions to help you along the way.

Lemon Balm Tea

🌿 Lemon Balm and Lavender for Calm

Back-to-school season can bring nervousness and overstimulation, especially after relaxed summer days. Lemon balm and lavender are two herbs traditionally used to encourage calm and relaxation.

A simple evening tea can help create a peaceful bedtime ritual before busy school mornings begin.

Calming Evening Tea

• 2 parts lemon balm
• 1 part chamomile
• ½ part lavender

Steep for 5–7 minutes and sweeten lightly with honey if desired.

The flavor is gentle and approachable, making it ideal for family tea time.

We have two Backyard Patch Teas that are perfect to include in this ritual.  Calming Spirit - A soul-soothing blend designed to quiet the nerves and settle the stomach. The delicate balance of rosemary, lavender, spearmint, chamomile, and cloves creates a mildly minty, aromatic infusion that brings tranquility with every sip. Enjoy it hot for a cozy evening wind-down or iced for a refreshing moment of calm. Holy Basil Relaxing Tea - Unwind naturally with this calming evening blend designed to quiet busy minds and ease you into restful sleep. Holy basil, lemongrass, lemon balm, peppermint, fennel, sage, hibiscus, and rose hips create a lightly citrusy, minty cup with soothing herbal depth. Packed with comforting herbs and vitamin C-rich ingredients, it’s the perfect nighttime ritual for relaxation and wellness support. Cozy, calming, and wonderfully grounding!

🌿 Rosemary for Focus and Memory

Rosemary has long been associated with memory and concentration. Students in ancient Greece reportedly wore rosemary garlands while studying, believing the herb sharpened the mind.

Whether or not one believes the legends, rosemary’s invigorating scent certainly awakens the senses.

Try:

• Adding rosemary to lemonade or herbal iced tea
• Simmering rosemary on the stove for an aromatic study environment
• Using rosemary in snack mixes or roasted nuts

We created a headache tea using a combination of rosemary with other herbs called Headache Liberation, that is bright and refreshing. This citrusy-herbal blend brings together lemon verbena, lemon balm, lavender, catnip, rosemary, and sage to help release tension and clear the mind. Whether it’s stress, sinus pressure, or a long day weighing on you, this tea is a breath of fresh air.

🌿 Building Immune Support

The return to classrooms often means the return of seasonal sniffles. Late summer is an excellent time to begin incorporating supportive herbs into daily routines.

Classic herbs include:

• Thyme
• Sage
• Elderflower
• Echinacea
• Mint

These can be blended into teas, syrups, or steam blends for seasonal wellness support.

Simple Wellness Tea Blend

• 2 parts thyme
• 1 part elderflower
• 1 part peppermint

This blend has a pleasant flavor while offering comforting herbal warmth.

If you want to look into our teas, we have Winter Remedy - A cool, soothing blend designed to bring relief during cold and flu season. Rosehips deliver a burst of vitamin C, sage works to fight germs, and peppermint provides a cooling effect to ease fevers and body aches. A winter staple to keep you feeling your best. Or Tulsi Rose Tea - Soft floral notes and comforting herbs come together in this soothing, immune-supportive blend. Holy basil (tulsi), lemon balm, rose petals, and elderflower create a rich reddish-brown tea with a slightly sweet, robust flavor that feels warm and calming from the very first sip. Perfect for winding down at night, easing frazzled nerves, and keeping cozy during cold and flu season. A peaceful cup for body and spirit alike!

🍎 Small Rituals Matter

The transition back to routine doesn’t have to feel abrupt. A cup of tea after school, herbs tucked into lunches, or a calming evening bath can help create comforting rituals that ease the change of season.

Herbs remind us to slow down and pay attention—even during busy times. As summer softens into autumn, they offer both flavor and reassurance, helping families settle gently into the rhythms ahead.

Recipe of the Month update

We have tons of recipes in our collection.  A whole 4-drawer cabinet full.  So we decided to share recipes in a variety of places to help people cook with herbs, use our mixes and seasoning, and have fun with herbs.

🍲On this blog under the tab Recipe of the Month we share seasonally specific recipes by month starting with January.  So scroll down to find the current month.  We just added Fall Recipes to the list and will post the November and December in the coming weeks.  Here is the location: Recipes of the Month

🥘On our website we have product recipe archive organized by product name.  You can scroll to find product you have or want to own and see what we have made with these blends beyond the recipes on the label. Check out the Recipe Library

🪴We share recipes weekly and sometimes more often than that on our Facebook and Instagram pages. A Mocktail or Cocktail recipe is shared every Friday at 5 PM Central time. You can follow us on Facebook or Instagram to catch all these recipes.

📖On this blog we have been sharing individual recipes, theme recipes and recipes as part of the herb of the week since 2010.  You can find these by using the search box to the right➡️ and inputting an herb ingredient or choosing a theme like chicken or beef.

The recipe files!

Revitalizing Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

This lemony bath combination will soothe and relax, while revitalizing muscles and energy.  And being the summit of harvesting, you can use fresh herbs too.  See below for a single batch using fresh herbs.

Revitalizing Bath Blend 

• ½ cup lavender flowers
• ¼ cup lemon verbena
• ¼ cup lemon balm (You can substitute ½ cup of one or the other)
• ½ cup lemon or orange peel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 6 drops lemon grass essential oil 

Combine all herbs in a plastic bowl. Add oils by the drop and stir with a plastic spoon or spatula (not with your hands.) Allow to meld for an hour and then place about ¼ cup in a cotton muslin bag or heat-sealed tea bag.

TO USE: allow bath bag to steep in hot bath water for 3 to 5 minutes before bathing.

Fresh Herb Version (makes 1 bath)

• 2 Tbls fresh or dried lavender buds
• 2 Tbls fresh lemon verbena leaves, crushed
• 2 Tbls lemon balm leaves, torn
• 2 Tbls frsh lemon zest
• 6 drops of matching essential oils, if desired

Fresh Herb Iced Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

Traditionally July is a hot month in Illinois.  I need to stay hydrated, but water loses its sparkle after a while, so I make herb iced teas.  This version allows the use of fresh cut herbs to make a tasty tea concentrate that you can keep in the fridge and enjoy for several days.

Explore the summer garden bounty with this tea idea featuring these attributes: peppermint cools, lemon balm brightens, catnip relaxes, and sage adds a soft savory note that ties everything together.

Fresh Herb Summer Iced Tea

• 5-6 stems catnip
• 4-5 stems peppermint
• 4-5 stems lemon balm
• A bit of sage 1-2 stems. 

Place stems in a roaster pan.  Pour boiling water over them and let steep 20 to 30 minutes.  Chill and store in the refirgerator until ready to serve.  Serve over ice with a splash of fresh cool water. Keeps 5 to 7 dsys in the refridge.

Five Tips for Easy Use of Herbs, even if you don't grow them!

I would like to share some valuable tips on the easy use of herbs in your home. Whether you grow and harvest herbs from your own garden, or just pick them up from the Farmer's Market or grocery. Here are five tips for utilizing herbs in your home:

1. Stock your Pantry with Dried Herbs:
   Dried herbs are a convenient and long-lasting option for enhancing the flavors of your dishes. They are readily available and can be stored in your pantry for extended periods. To use dried herbs, simply crush them between your fingertips before adding them to your recipes. Remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
   
   
   
2. Create Custom Herb Blends:
   Experiment with creating your own herb blends to suit your taste preferences. By combining different herbs and spices, you can craft unique flavor profiles that enhance your dishes. Start with simple combinations, such as Italian herb blends or Mediterranean-inspired mixes, and gradually expand your repertoire. Store your custom blends in airtight containers for easy access. Check out the Herb Blending Rules in this original article.
   
   
   
3. Utilize Herb Infused Vinegars:
   Infusing oils and vinegars with herbs is an excellent way to add subtle, yet distinctive flavors to your dishes. Simply place fresh herbs in a clean jar, cover them with your preferred vinegar, and let them infuse for a few weeks. Strain out the herbs, and you'll have a deliciously flavored vinegar ready to drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or even use in marinades.
4. 
   Freeze Herb Ice Cubes:
   
   Preserve the flavors of fresh herbs by freezing them in ice cube trays. Chop the herbs and place them in each compartment of an ice cube tray, then fill them with water or olive oil. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag for easy access. Use these cubes directly in soups, stews, sauces, or sautés to infuse your dishes with the vibrant taste of fresh herbs.
5. Experiment with Herb Butter:            Herb-infused butter adds a luxurious touch to dishes and can be used in a variety of ways. Prepare herb butter by blending finely chopped herbs with softened butter, then roll it into a log using parchment paper. Refrigerate or freeze the log until firm. Slice off rounds of herb butter to melt over grilled meats, spread on bread or vegetables, or even toss with pasta for an instant burst of flavor.

By following these tips, you can effortlessly incorporate herbs into your home cooking routine. Whether you're using dried herbs, creating custom blends, infusing vinegars, freezing herb ice cubes, or experimenting with herb butter, these techniques will elevate the taste and aroma of your dishes. Embrace the versatility of herbs and explore the world of flavors they have to offer. Happy herb-infused cooking!

Nail Whitener - Bath Blend of the Month

 I wear gloves when I garden, but the soil gets into the gloves and under my nails and as a result can still discolor my nails.  I also wear a brownish red nail polish in the summer to cover the staining under my nails which can also result in nail discoloration.  I found this recipe in an article from 2012 in the Herb Companion (Mother Earth Living) by Janice Cox author of Natural Beauty at Home, for a nail lightener that will fade this discoloration overtime, so by summer end I can get my nails looking like new again.

Nail Whitener

• 2 Tbls. orange flower water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Mix ingredients together and pour into a clean container.

TO USE: With a clean cotton swab or cotton ball, apply to clean dry nails and allow to dry. Repeat 2 or 3 times.  This can be done every couple of days until your nails are back to thier natural color.  Make sure you moisturize your hands and cuticles, as lemon juice can be drying. Try out this cuticle balm.

Nature's Coolest Helpers: Beating the Heat with Herbs

When the temperatures climb like they are this week in Illinois and surrounding areas, it's tempting to retreat indoors with the air conditioner running full blast. But herbs have been helping people stay cool, hydrated, and refreshed for centuries and are worth a try. Whether you're sipping a glass of herbal iced tea, adding cooling herbs to your meals, or harvesting from your garden in the early morning, herbs can make even the hottest summer days more enjoyable.

Cool from the Inside Out

Many herbs have naturally refreshing flavors that make them perfect for summer drinks.

Mint

Perhaps the king of cooling herbs, mint creates a refreshing sensation thanks to its natural menthol. Add fresh sprigs to water, lemonade, iced tea, or fruit salads. Mint also makes an excellent herbal tea that's just as delicious served over ice.

Lemon Balm

With its gentle lemon aroma and calming qualities, lemon balm is wonderful for stressful, hot afternoons. Brew it into an iced tea or combine it with mint for a refreshing summer blend.

Hibiscus

If you're looking for something colorful, hibiscus makes a beautiful ruby-red iced tea. Its tart, cranberry-like flavor pairs well with honey, citrus, or berries and is wonderfully thirst-quenching.

Lavender

A small amount of lavender adds a floral touch to lemonade or iced tea. Just a little goes a long way, creating an elegant summer beverage perfect for entertaining.

Add Herbs to Summer Meals

Heavy meals can feel overwhelming in hot weather. Fresh herbs brighten lighter dishes and add plenty of flavor without extra salt.

Try adding:

• 
  Basil to tomato salads and pasta. We love to slice tomato and cucumber and spread them on a plate.  Sprinkle them with our Greek Blend and drizzle with olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar.  Cool, refreshing and filled with summer goodness.
  
• Dill to cucumber salads and yogurt dips.
• Parsley to grain bowls and potato salad, perfect with our Summer only Potato Salad Seasoning.
• Chives over grilled vegetables.
• Cilantro in fresh salsa and tacos.

Herbs allow simple seasonal produce to shine.

Make Your Own Cooling Infused Water

Skip sugary drinks and make a naturally flavored herbal water.

Some favorite combinations include:

• Mint + cucumber
• Lemon balm + lemon slices
• Basil + strawberries
• Lavender + blueberries
• Rosemary + orange slices
• Borage + cucumber

Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for several hours before serving over ice.

Zesty Citrus Cooler (Made with Zesty Lemon Tea)

• 2 Tbsp Backyard Patch Zesty Lemon Tea
• 2 cups hot water
• 4 cups cold water
• Lime slices
• Lemon slices
• Cucumber ribbons
• Mint

Brew tea in two cups water and allow to steep 15 minutes.  Add cold water along with lemon, lime and cucumber and allow to chill several hours.  Then serve with ice and a sprig of mint. Perfect after gardening or spending time outdoors.

Harvest Smart During Hot Weather

Summer heat can be tough on herbs too.

For the best flavor:

• Harvest early in the morning.
• Water deeply rather than frequently.
• Mulch around plants to keep roots cool.
• Pinch flowers on leafy herbs like basil and mint to encourage fresh growth.
• Dry herbs indoors where temperatures are moderate.

A little care keeps your herb garden productive throughout the hottest months.

Herbs Beyond the Kitchen

Cooling herbs aren't limited to food and drinks.

Fresh herbs can also be used to make:

• Herbal facial mists
• Cooling foot soaks
• Bath sachets
• Refreshing linen sprays
• Homemade herbal ice cubes for beverages

These simple projects help you enjoy your harvest in new ways while making hot summer days feel a bit more comfortable.

Stay Cool Naturally

Summer doesn't have to mean simply enduring the heat. Herbs bring fresh flavors, beautiful aromas, and cooling refreshment to everyday life. Whether you're harvesting from your own garden or picking up a bundle at the market, there's always another delicious way to let herbs help you beat the heat.

So pour yourself a glass of iced herbal tea, head outside in the early morning to gather a few sprigs from the garden, and enjoy one of the season's greatest gifts—fresh herbs at their peak.

 

Eight Summer Green Sauces

Nearly every culture has a version of herb sauce — pesto, chimichurri, salsa verde, zhug. The formula is forgiving:

Fresh herbs + oil + acid + salt.

Blend whatever is abundant. The garden decides dinner.

Green sauces are one of the easiest ways to add fresh herb flavor to meals. They can be used as dips, sandwich spreads, marinades, salad dressings, or toppings for grilled vegetables, meats, fish, pasta and grains. 

Classic Herb Chimichurri

A bright Argentine sauce perfect for grilled vegetables, steak, chicken, or roasted potatoes.

• 1 cup parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup oregano leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Mix all ingredients together and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Garden Herb Green Goddess

Creamy and packed with fresh herbs.

• 
  ½ cup mayonnaise
  
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup chives
• ¼ cup parsley
• 2 Tbsp tarragon
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Blend until smooth. Serve as a dressing, dip, or sandwich spread.

Basil Parsley Pesto

Not just for pasta!

• 1 cup basil leaves
• 1 cup parsley
• ⅓ cup walnuts or sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Uses

• Toss with pasta
• Spread on sandwiches
• Stir into soups
• Top grilled vegetables

Lemon Balm Herb Sauce

A refreshing sauce that pairs well with fish and chicken.

• 1 cup lemon balm leaves
• ½ cup parsley
• 2 Tbsp chives
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Blend until smooth.

Herb Salsa Verde

A zesty Italian-style green sauce.

• 1 cup parsley
• 2 Tbsp fresh oregano
• 1 Tbsp capers
• 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• ⅓ cup olive oil

Directions

Pulse ingredients together until finely chopped but not completely smooth.

Mint & Cilantro Green Sauce

Excellent with grilled vegetables, lamb, or grain bowls.

• 1 cup cilantro
• ½ cup mint
• 1 jalapeño, seeded
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Directions

Blend until smooth.

Dill Cucumber Sauce

Fresh and cooling for summer meals.

• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• ¼ cup dill
• 2 Tbsp parsley
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic

Directions

Blend until creamy.

Uses

• Fish
• Salmon burgers
• Vegetable platters
• Potato salad dressing

Backyard Patch Garden Green Sauce

A "use what you've got" herb garden sauce.

• 2 cups mixed herbs (parsley, basil, lemon balm, chives, oregano, mint, or dill)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Blend until smooth. Adjust thickness with more oil or a splash of water.

Tip

This is a great recipe for using small harvests from several herbs at once. The flavor changes throughout the season depending on what's growing in the garden.

Green sauces are proof that a handful of fresh herbs can transform everyday meals into something special. Whether you prefer the bright tang of chimichurri, the creamy richness of Green Goddess dressing, or a simple garden herb blend made from whatever is thriving in your backyard, these versatile sauces offer endless ways to enjoy the flavors of the season. They’re a delicious solution for using up abundant herb harvests while adding color, nutrition, and fresh flavor to everything from grilled vegetables and meats to salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls. So grab a handful of herbs, fire up the blender, and discover just how easy it is to bring a little green goodness to your table.