Herbal Tea

How to Brew Herbal Tea: Water Temperature, Steeping Time & Tips

S BY SAGE SOUL | October 09, 2026 | 7 min read

A good cup of herbal tea begins with the right brewing method. Water temperature, the amount of water and steeping time all help shape the flavour and aroma of your cup.

Whether you are exploring herbal infusions for the first time or refining your everyday tea ritual, preparing a cup is simple when you follow a few easy steps.

At Sage & Soul, we believe enjoying a botanical infusion should be an uncomplicated, enjoyable part of your day. Here is a simple guide to preparing your herbal tea.

How to Brew Herbal Tea: The Quick Guide

For Sage & Soul tea-bag infusions, follow these standard preparation instructions:

Tea bag: 1 tea bag per serving
Water: 250 ml
Water temperature: 90°C
Steeping time: 3–4 minutes

Always check the instructions on your product packaging for any variant-specific guidance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Herbal Tea

1. Heat the water to 90°C

Heat fresh water to approximately 90°C before brewing. Using water at the recommended temperature helps you follow the intended preparation method for your infusion.

If you do not have a temperature-controlled kettle, a kitchen thermometer can help you check the temperature.

2. Add one tea bag

Place one Sage & Soul tea bag in your cup. Using one tea bag per 250 ml serving keeps the water-to-tea ratio consistent with the recommended preparation method.

3. Pour in 250 ml of hot water

Pour 250 ml of water at 90°C over the tea bag. Make sure the tea bag is immersed in the water so the botanical ingredients can infuse.

4. Let it steep for 3–4 minutes

Allow the tea bag to steep for 3–4 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to infuse into the water and develop the cup's flavour and aroma.

Follow the recommended steeping time rather than leaving the tea bag in the cup indefinitely.

5. Remove the tea bag and enjoy

After 3–4 minutes, remove the tea bag carefully. Your herbal infusion is ready to enjoy.

Take a moment to appreciate its colour, aroma and flavour as part of your everyday tea ritual.

Why Do Water Temperature and Steeping Time Matter?

Water temperature and steeping time are two important parts of preparing an herbal infusion.

Water temperature: Different tea and botanical products may have different recommended brewing temperatures. Following the instructions for your particular blend helps you prepare it as intended.

Steeping time: The length of time the ingredients remain in hot water influences the flavour and strength of the infusion. For Sage & Soul tea-bag infusions, the standard steeping time is 3–4 minutes.

Water quantity: Using the recommended 250 ml of water per tea bag provides a consistent starting point each time you prepare your cup.

Do Different Herbal Ingredients Need Different Brewing Methods?

Yes. Brewing recommendations can vary according to the botanical ingredients, how they are processed and the product's formulation.

Flowers and delicate leaves: These are often prepared by steeping in hot water. Follow the recommended temperature and steeping time for the specific blend.
Roots and harder plant materials: Some preparations use a decoction, which involves simmering the ingredients in water. This is not necessary for every root-containing product.
Mixed botanical blends: When a blend contains several ingredients, follow the manufacturer's directions rather than choosing a brewing method based on just one ingredient.
Cold preparations: Cold brewing requires suitable ingredients and product-specific guidance. Hot-brewing times should not automatically be applied to cold water.

How to get a consistent cup

Use the recommended water quantity, measure the temperature when needed, and time the steeping period. If you are preparing a Sage & Soul tea-bag infusion, use the instructions on the product packaging, since individual blends may have specific recommendations.

Simple Tips for a Better Herbal Tea Experience

Use the recommended ratio: Start with one tea bag and 250 ml of water.
Check the temperature: Aim for 90°C for the standard Sage & Soul brewing method.
Keep track of steeping time: Use a timer to help you stay within the recommended 3–4 minutes.
Use a clean cup: A clean cup allows you to appreciate the infusion's natural aroma and flavour.
Explore different botanical blends: Herbal infusions can vary in colour, aroma and taste depending on their ingredients.
Learn how to choose your blend: Read our guide, How to Choose Herbal Tea: A Guide to Flavours, Aromas & Ingredients, to explore herbal tea flavours, aromas and ingredients.
Follow product-specific guidance: Always refer to your packaging if a particular blend has different preparation instructions.

Herbal Tea vs Traditional Tea: Is There a Difference?

Traditional tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, which includes black, green, white and oolong tea. Herbal infusions are generally prepared using other plant ingredients, such as herbs, flowers, roots and spices.

The term “herbal tea” is commonly used for these botanical drinks, although they are technically infusions rather than traditional tea. Their ingredients and preparation methods can vary, so it is helpful to read the product information before brewing.

Caffeine content also depends on the ingredients. Do not assume every herbal infusion is caffeine-free; check the product details when caffeine content matters to you.

Infusion vs Decoction: What's the Difference?

An infusion is generally prepared by pouring hot water over herbs, flowers or other delicate botanical ingredients and allowing them to steep for a specified time. This method is commonly used for tea bags and ingredients such as flower petals and leaves.

A decoction involves gently simmering selected plant materials in water for a period of time. It is traditionally used for some harder ingredients, such as roots, bark and certain seeds, when the preparation method calls for more sustained heat.

Which method should you use?

The appropriate method depends on the ingredients and the product's preparation instructions. For Sage & Soul tea-bag infusions, begin with the brewing directions on the packaging. Do not assume that every blend should be simmered or prepared as a decoction.

Simple rule: Steep when the product instructions recommend an infusion; simmer only when the recipe or product directions specifically call for a decoction.

How to Make a Cold Herbal Infusion

Cold herbal infusions can be a refreshing option when you prefer a chilled drink. The best preparation method depends on the botanical ingredients and the product's instructions.

Simple cold-brew method

Check the product: Confirm that the ingredients are suitable for cold preparation and review the packaging instructions.
Add the infusion: Place one tea bag in a clean container. If the product directions permit, start with approximately 250 ml of drinking water.
Refrigerate: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. Follow any cold-brewing instructions supplied for your specific blend rather than assuming that every herbal infusion needs the same steeping time.
Check the flavour: Once the recommended steeping period is complete, remove the tea bag and taste the infusion.
Serve chilled: Enjoy it as prepared, or add ice if desired. Keep the drink refrigerated and follow appropriate food-safety practices.

Important: The standard Sage & Soul method of 90°C water and 3–4 minutes applies to its specified hot-brewing method. Do not assume the same timings apply to cold brewing. If your product does not provide cold-brew instructions, contact the brand for guidance.

Discover Your Next Herbal Infusion with Sage & Soul

Exploring herbal infusions is a simple way to discover different botanical ingredients, colours and flavour profiles. From floral notes to more earthy or refreshing tastes, every blend can offer a different drinking experience.

Sage & Soul brings together thoughtfully selected botanical ingredients in herbal infusion blends designed for your everyday tea ritual.

Explore our range and discover a blend that suits your flavour preferences.

Ready to explore? Visit www.mysagensoul.com to discover Sage & Soul herbal infusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much water should I use for one herbal tea bag?

For the standard Sage & Soul brewing method, use one tea bag with 250 ml of water.

2. What is the recommended water temperature for Sage & Soul herbal tea?

The standard brewing temperature is 90°C. Check your product packaging for any variant-specific instructions.

3. How long should I steep herbal tea?

The standard steeping time for Sage & Soul tea-bag infusions is 3–4 minutes.

4. Can I drink herbal tea every day?

Whether a particular herbal infusion is suitable for daily consumption depends on its ingredients and your individual circumstances. Check the product information and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about an ingredient, medication interaction or suitability.

5. Are all herbal teas caffeine-free?

No. Caffeine content depends on the ingredients used. Check the product label or ask the brand for clarification if you need to avoid caffeine.

6. What is the difference between herbal tea and herbal infusion?

An herbal infusion is made by steeping plant ingredients other than traditional tea leaves in water. “Herbal tea” is the common term often used for these drinks.

Brew mindfully. Sip slowly. Make time for your everyday tea ritual.

Sage & Soul
Discover more at www.mysagensoul.com

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