Homemade “Aveda Comforting Tea” Recipe

If you don’t know anything about Aveda’s comforting tea, all you need to know is it is the most delicious herbal tea ever made. It’s also quite expensive. I had gone years without it, because the older I get, the harder time I have justifying the price. Years ago, I searched the web for a dupe, and I found this forum. Vicky sure got me close but it wasn’t until I added peppermint essential oil to it that I nailed it!

Aveda is most known for their natural beauty products and spas. That was actually where I first encountered the tea. It was the perfect setup. I was early for a pedicure on a super rainy day. While I was waiting, the spa coordinator offered me a cup of their famous Aveda Comforting Tea. I hadn’t yet claimed to be a tea drinker, so, had it not been raining, I’m sure I would have turned her down. I’m so glad I took her up on it… I can’t explain to you the BLISS I felt as that first sip went down!

It was my first time encountering the wonder that is licorice root. Oh, how sweet it is! To me, peppermint tea smells refreshing, but the taste is always such a let down! This heavenly pairing fixed that. Then, adding the subtle spices of fennel and basil… wow. It’s just perfect.

Herbs Used in Aveda Comforting Tea

The ingredient lists on the packaging always helps point me in the right direction for my own version. They are listed in order of quantity.

Aveda Comforting Tea ingredients are:

Licorice Root: Used as food and medicine for thousands of years, it contains a compound that is 50 times sweeter than sugar! It has been used to treat ulcers (stomach variety and canker sores!), as an expectorant for colds, reflux and breathing issues. (Source)

Peppermint Leaves: Relieves digestive symptoms like gas and bloating, freshens breath, helps tension headaches and menstrual cramps. It improves energy and concentration, can help clear sinuses, dissipate nausea. It really is a quick-fix for so many of those issues with our family! It’s also used in natural allergy remedies. (Source)

Sweet Fennel: One of its major compounds is “anethole”— a proven anti-cancer property. It is effective in combating both breast and liver cancer cells. It’s also helpful for mothers in supporting lactation. Fennel is rich in vitamin c, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. I love keeping the seeds on hand with these kind of nutrients. My kids will walk by the shelf that they are on and grab a little handful when they walk by. Yes, please— take as many as you’d like!! (Source)

Basil: A stellar source of antioxidants that help relieve oxidative stress, blood sugar regulation and heart health. It also fights inflammation and protects against infections. (My brother in law treated tetanus with basil essential oil!) If you didn’t already love it for the magic it makes of your food, love it for what it does for you! (Source)

(A quick soapbox)

We hear these things and think “I eat basil, and I still catch a cold…” but it really is the compounded effect of what we’ve consistently put in our bodies…and left out. Our health is so much more the long game than the little seasonal woes that might take us down down for a bit. Make eating foods like this a priority, limiting the foods that we know cause cellular stress. If you’re married to a tried and true anti-health nut, do what you can to sneak quality foods into their diet!!

Best place to buy the ingredients:

Azure Standard is the best place to get herbs because they are grown in America, have the best prices, and taste soo fresh. It’s not even comparable, tasting basil from a spice jar in the store verses what I get from Azure. Mountain Rose Herbs is another place I used to get herbs, if you don’t have an Azure drop near you. Unfortunately, theirs come from around the world.

Like I said at the beginning, the dried herbs got me close, but there was a strong flavor missing. It was found when I added peppermint essential oil. I know not everybody feels comfortable ingesting essential oils. If that is you, try adding peppermint extract. I would mix it in with the dried herbs, then let it dry out thoroughly before placing in a jar.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 C licorice root
1 C peppermint leaves
1/4 C sweet fennel
1/4 C basil
15-20 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Mix all herbs together in a bowl. Sprinkle in the essential oils and mix thoroughly. I set a timer and mix it for one minute straight to get the oils dispersed evenly. I like it on the stronger side, so I do 20 drops, but start with less if you don’t want it to be quite so strong.

To Brew:

Place one teaspoon of the herbal mixture in a tea strainer. Pour one cup of hot water over it. Let steep for about 8 minutes. Enjoy!

To make iced tea:

Place one to two teaspoons of the herbal mixture in a tea strainer (depending on the size of your glass). Pour 1/4 C hot water over it. Let steep for 8 minutes. Remove tea, fill glass with ice, then top with as much water is necessary to fill it up. Top with a peppermint leaf for a delicious esthetic!

Enjoy Comforting Tea

At the end of a long day, there is no better way to relax AND give your immune system a boost, than to pour a cup of this amazingly comforting tea.

Tag me on instagram and leave a comment below if you know and love Aveda’s tea, and are excited to make your own!