Herbal tea has long been part of traditional healing. Today, we talk about intermittent fasting, detox routines, and plant-based wellness—but the foundation is timeless: using simple, healing herbs to support the body’s natural rhythms. In this post, we explore how three of the most powerful garden tea herbs—sage, lemon balm, and peppermint—can become gentle companions during fasting and detox, helping the body restore balance, clarity, and calm.

I still remember the first time I tried fasting—not for weight loss, but to pause, to clear my mind. Frida used to say, “You don’t fast to starve. You fast to listen.”
And she was right. Every fast since then has taught me something—especially with a warm cup of healing tea in my hands.

Frida also used to say, “What used to be part of everyday life, you now call fasting and detox.” She never needed a schedule or a guide—just herbs from the garden and the instinct to know when her body needed space. She’d pick sage before lunch, lemon balm before sleep, and peppermint when her head was spinning. What we now label as routines, she simply lived.

Whether you’re exploring intermittent fasting, doing a gentle detox, or just craving a moment of slowness, certain tea herbs from the garden become true companions. Their quiet power supports the body in releasing, cleansing, and finding balance. Below, I want to share three of my favorites: sage, lemon balm, and peppermint—each one rooted in both tradition and personal ritual.

Sage – The Herb of Clarity

In Frida’s garden, sage grew near the stones. “To clear the air, you start with sage,” she’d say. And not just the air—it clears the mind, too.
When I fast, I sip sage tea in the morning. It’s grounding, slightly bitter, and beautiful. Sage supports digestion, eases bloating, and has antibacterial effects—perfect when the body is resetting.

I dry the leaves gently and steep them for 5–7 minutes. It pairs well with lemon or a few lavender petals if you want a soft, floral twist.

Harvest & Storage Tip – Sage Tea

Pick sage just before it flowers, when its essential oils are most concentrated. Dry the leaves in a cool, shaded space, and once crisp, store them in a sealed glass jar out of direct light. They’ll keep their strength all winter.

Lemon Balm – Calm for the Nervous System

Lemon balm is what I turn to when fasting becomes emotional. It calms the heart and soothes the nervous system—especially helpful on day two or three when irritability can kick in.
It’s not just gentle—it’s uplifting. Known for its mood-lifting and liver-supportive properties, lemon balm is a quiet detoxifier.

I brew it fresh from the garden, sometimes blending it with a little nettle or chamomile. The scent alone feels like sunshine in a cup.

Harvest & Storage Tip – Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm is one of those healing herbs that asks to be used fresh. After harvest, the scent fades fast—and with it, much of the magic. On a homestead, or even just a sunny windowsill, I’ve learned to pick what I need and steep it right away. If I want to save some for later, I let the leaves wilt just a little before brewing, or I tuck them into raw honey or herbal vinegar. That way, the essential oils—the ones that carry the calming, citrus-bright aroma—stay with me. It’s not about storage. It’s about listening to the plant when it says: use me now.

Peppermint – The Energizer

Where lemon balm soothes, peppermint awakens. It’s my go-to when I need a little push during a detox phase. It stimulates the digestive fire, eases nausea, and clears mental fog.
Especially helpful during intermittent fasting, peppermint tea helps you stay sharp and refreshed—without caffeine. I use both dried and fresh leaves. A pinch of fennel seed turns it into a full digestive powerhouse.

Harvest & Storage Tip – Peppermint Tea

Harvest peppermint before it flowers, when its oils are most fragrant. Dry the stems upside down or lay them on a screen. Once dry, crumble the leaves and store them in airtight jars kept in a dark, cool place. If you’re curious, I’ve linked my go-to storage jars from Amazon—these are the ones I always reach for. Click to check them out or save the link for later when you’re ready to stock your own herbal shelf.

Final Note

Detox doesn’t mean deprivation. With a few simple, homegrown healing herbs, we can create rituals of renewal—body, mind, and spirit. Your garden has more medicine than you think. All you need is hot water and a little time.

Bold and Easy Gardening Coloring Book – A Calm Space to Color and Breathe

I created this coloring book for anyone who, like me, sometimes just needs a quiet moment. Whether you’re taking a break from a busy day or winding down after time in the garden, the Bold and Easy Gardening Coloring Book invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. Click the link to preview it on Amazon and grab your copy today—for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone who needs a little more calm.

The illustrations are intentionally simple and spacious—herb pots, garden beds, and cozy scenes that spark a sense of joy and calm.

You can preview a few pages with Look Inside on Amazon. It’s a lovely gift for yourself or a fellow garden lover—perfect for mindful moments away from screens. More calm, more color, more garden joy.

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