Most herbal teas brew best with water between 200°F and 212°F (93–100°C), just off the boil or at a full boil. Delicate flowers like chamomile do well around 200°F. Hardier herbs, roots, and fruits like hibiscus, rooibos, and ginger can take a full boil. Steep most herbal teas 5 to 7 minutes.
Brewing green, white, oolong or black tea instead? Those need different temperatures (green tea, for example, 175–185°F). See our tea temperature chart for every tea type.
Herbal Tea Temperature Chart
| Herbal Tea | Water Temperature | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile | 200°F / 93°C | 5–7 minutes |
| Peppermint | 203°F / 95°C | 5–7 minutes |
| Hibiscus | 212°F / 100°C | 5–10 minutes |
| Rooibos | 212°F / 100°C | 5–10 minutes |
| Ginger | 212°F / 100°C | 5–10 minutes |
No thermometer? For 212°F, pour right at a rolling boil. For about 200°F, let boiled water rest 30 to 60 seconds before pouring.
Understanding Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are infusions of leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, and bark. Unlike black or green tea, they don't come from the Camellia sinensis plant, so they are naturally caffeine-free and generally tolerate hotter water than green or white tea.
- Chamomile: Soothing, apple-like flavor; a classic evening tea.
- Peppermint: Refreshing and cooling; a popular after-meal cup.
- Hibiscus: Tart, cranberry-like flavor and deep red color.
- Rooibos: Naturally sweet and nutty.
- Ginger: Spicy and warming.
Why Temperature Matters
Hot water dissolves the oils, acids, and plant compounds that give herbal tea its flavor and color. Water that is too cool leaves the cup weak and thin. Flowers like chamomile hold their delicate aroma best just below boiling, while dense roots, bark, and dried fruit need a full boil to release their flavor.
Temperature also affects which compounds end up in your cup. For example, chamomile’s apigenin, peppermint’s menthol, and hibiscus’s anthocyanins all extract well with hot water and enough steeping time.
Put the chart to work
Try it with two of our caffeine-free favorites: Egypt Simply Chamomile at 200°F for 5 minutes, or Morocco Simply Tea Peppermint just off the boil for 5 to 7 minutes.
Shop Egypt Simply Chamomile · Shop Morocco Simply Tea Peppermint
Common Mistakes When Brewing Herbal Tea
- Using water that has cooled too much, which gives a weak, flat cup.
- Pulling the tea too early. Most herbals need at least 5 minutes.
- Leaving the cup uncovered, which lets aromatic oils escape with the steam.
- Using very hard water, which can dull flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Brew at Home
- Use an electric kettle with temperature control, or a kitchen thermometer.
- Cover your mug or teapot while steeping.
- Use filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
- Taste at 5 minutes, then decide whether to steep longer.
Tools for Brewing Herbal Tea
- Electric kettle with temperature control
- Fine-mesh infuser or strainer
- Kitchen timer
- Glass, ceramic, or cast iron teapot (see our glass and cast iron tea ware)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use boiling water for herbal tea?
Yes. Most herbal teas, especially hibiscus, rooibos, ginger and other roots or fruits, brew well with water at a full boil (212°F). Delicate flowers like chamomile taste a little sweeter just below boiling, around 200°F.
How long should herbal tea steep?
Most herbal teas need 5 to 7 minutes. Hibiscus, rooibos and ginger can go up to 10 minutes without turning bitter.
Can you steep herbal tea too long?
Most herbals won't turn bitter the way green or black tea does, but some, like chamomile, can taste flat or slightly bitter after 10 minutes or more. Taste at 5 minutes and adjust.
What temperature is too hot to drink tea?
Let freshly brewed tea cool for a few minutes before sipping. Very hot drinks above about 149°F (65°C) have been linked to a higher risk of throat irritation and esophageal injury over time.
The Bottom Line
For most herbal teas, use water at or just below a full boil and steep 5 to 7 minutes. Go a little cooler for delicate flowers like chamomile, and use a full boil for hibiscus, rooibos, and ginger. Explore our full tea collection to find your favorite.