Why Is Loose Leaf Tea Better Than Tea Bags?
Loose leaf tea truly is the cat's pajamas! Loose leaf tea is SO much more potent and medicinal than loose leaf tea. As an herbalist, I too used to drink grocery store tea bags because it was easy and I didn't know any better. Now that I am an herbalist, I understand how easy it is to make loose leaf tea and it's medicinal properties.
Loose leaf tea has been traditionally enjoyed for both flavor and function. While tea bags are convenient, they often come with hidden downsides that can impact both your health and the effectiveness of your tea.
Microplastics in Tea Bags
Yes, it's real! One of the biggest concerns is microplastics. Many modern tea bags, especially the pyramid or mesh varieties, are made with plastic-based materials like nylon or PET.
When exposed to hot water, these can release microplastics into your cup. Even some paper tea bags are treated with chemicals or bleached, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to support your body with something as simple as tea.
Beyond that, the herbs inside tea bags are usually lower quality. Most contain “fannings” or “dust,” which are the leftover fragments from processing whole leaves and herbs. These smaller particles lose their potency quickly, meaning you’re getting less of the beneficial compounds. Loose leaf tea, on the other hand, is typically made from whole or cut herbs, preserving more of their natural essential oils, chemical compounds, and medicinal properties.
If you’re drinking tea for wellness, whether it’s for digestion, stress support, or relaxation, loose leaf is simply more effective. It allows the herbs to fully expand and release their active compounds, giving you a richer, more therapeutic cup.
What You Need to Make Loose Leaf Tea
The beauty of loose leaf tea is how simple it is. You don’t need anything fancy to get started, just a few basic tools and good quality herbs.
At minimum, you’ll need loose leaf herbs, hot water, and a way to strain them. Check out our organic medical loose leaf tea blends on the shop.
To strain your herbs, here are my favorite products.
My absolute favorite tea infuser that I use daily. The best loose leaf tea infuser.
If you don't quite want to make that investment then here is a cheaper option. Stainless steel mesh tea strainer.
You could also use a French press if that's all you have on hand. A kettle is helpful for heating water, but not essential.
Most importantly, start with high-quality herbs. Whole or cut-and-sifted herbs will always give you a better flavor and stronger medicinal benefits than pre-packaged tea dust. Check out the Sol Bloom herb shop!
How to Make Loose Leaf Tea (Infusion Method)
For most teas made from leaves and flowers, you’ll use what’s called an infusion. This is the simplest and most common method.
Start by adding about 1 tablespoon of loose herbs per 8–10 ounces of water. Place your herbs into your infuser or directly into your mug or teapot. Then pour hot water over them—, ideally just off the boil, around 200°F for herbal teas.
One small step that makes a big difference: cover your tea while it steeps. This helps keep the volatile oils (the most medicinal parts of many herbs) from escaping into the air. You can even cover with a plate.
Let your tea steep for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the herbs enough time to fully open and release their benefits. Once it’s ready, strain out the herbs and enjoy.
You can drink it plain, or add extras like maple syrup, lemon, or raw milk depending on your preference and the type of herbs you’re using.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tea
Loose leaf tea is incredibly customizable, which is part of what makes it so powerful. You can adjust the strength by adding more herbs or steeping longer, depending on your needs.
Blending your own herbs is another way to make your tea more intentional. For example, you might combine chamomile, lemon balm, and oatstraw for a calming evening tea, or coriander, fennel, and ginger for digestive support.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of covering your tea while it steeps—it’s one of the easiest ways to preserve potency.
The Ritual of Loose Leaf Tea
Beyond the physical benefits, there’s something deeply grounding about making loose leaf tea. The act of scooping herbs, pouring hot water, and waiting as it steeps naturally slows you down.
It turns tea from something quick and forgettable into a small daily ritual. Even just a few minutes of this can help shift your nervous system and bring a sense of calm into your day.
Why It’s Worth the Switch
Once you switch to loose leaf tea, it’s hard to go back. The flavor is fuller, the aroma is richer, and the effects are noticeably stronger.
It’s a simple upgrade that can make a real difference—especially if you’re using tea as part of your wellness routine. With better quality herbs, no exposure to unnecessary additives, and a more intentional process, loose leaf tea offers a more nourishing experience from start to finish.
