By Hannah Bell | jelloandwellness.com | Updated October 2026
Steep most herbal tea for 5 to 10 minutes in water that has just boiled (200 to 212°F). Tea sellers give slightly different windows: Art of Tea suggests 5 to 7 minutes, Artful Tea says 5 to 10, and some package directions say 3 to 6. A safe way to start is 5 minutes, then add time until it tastes the way you like it.
Herbal teas are made from herbs, flowers, fruit, and spices rather than tea leaves, which is why they behave differently from green or black tea. This guide gives a quick chart, explains why herbal tea is hard to over-steep, and shows what to change if your cup tastes weak or bitter.
| Medical Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition, speak with a licensed healthcare provider before adding a new herbal tea to your routine. |
Herbal Tea Steeping Time and Temperature Chart
These numbers come from tea sellers’ guides, so treat them as a starting point and follow the package if it gives its own directions.
| Type | Water | Steep time | Source |
| Herbal tea (general) | 200 to 212°F, or a full boil | 5 to 7 minutes | Art of Tea |
| Herbal tea (general) | Full boil, 212°F | 5 to 10 minutes | Artful Tea |
| Rooibos | Full boil, 212°F | 5 to 10 minutes | Artful Tea |
| Chamomile | Same as other herbal tea | 5 minutes or more | Artful Tea |
| Hibiscus | Same as other herbal tea | 5 minutes or more | Artful Tea |
| Ginger or turmeric blends | Same as other herbal tea | Can steep longer than 10 minutes | Artful Tea |
I did not find a specific time or temperature from these sellers for peppermint, so use the general herbal range (5 to 7 minutes) and adjust to taste. For chamomile and hibiscus, the sellers do not give a temperature, so I used the general herbal guidance.
How to Steep Herbal Tea
- Bring fresh water to a boil.
- Use about 1 heaping teaspoon of loose herbal tea per 6 oz of water (Artful Tea), or one tea bag per cup.
- Pour the hot water over the tea and set a timer for 5 minutes.
- Taste it. If you want it stronger, steep a few more minutes, up to about 10.
- Remove the tea bag or strain out the herbs, then add honey or lemon if you like.
Can You Steep Herbal Tea Too Long?
Mostly no. Art of Tea says you cannot really over-steep a tisane because herbal teas have no tannins to turn them harsh, and Artful Tea says herbal teas usually do not become bitter when you extend the steep. Plum Deluxe adds that a very long steep can make some teas bitter as well as stronger, so use your taste as the guide. If a cup turns sharp, shorten the time or add more water.
Plum Deluxe also notes that a longer steep on a caffeine-free herbal blend does not add caffeine. That only holds for blends that have none to begin with, so check the ingredients first. Our guide to whether herbal tea has caffeine shows which herbs and blends do.
Herbal Tea vs. Green and Black Tea
Green and black tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant and are usually brewed for shorter times, because tea leaves can turn bitter when steeped too long. Herbal teas do not come from the tea plant, which is why they can handle hotter water and longer steeping. See herbal tea vs tea for the full difference.
Tips for a Better Cup
- Too weak? Add more herbs, or steep longer, up to about 10 minutes.
- Too sharp or bitter? Steep for less time or dilute it with hot water.
- Want something iced? Try the overnight method in our cold brew hibiscus tea.
- Making your own mix? See how to make herbal tea blends at home.
- Specific herbs: follow our recipes for chamomile tea and fresh ginger tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you steep herbal tea?
Most sources suggest 5 to 10 minutes. Art of Tea suggests 5 to 7 minutes and Artful Tea suggests 5 to 10. Start with 5 minutes and add time until it tastes right.
Can you steep herbal tea too long?
It is hard to over-steep. Art of Tea says herbal teas have no tannins to make them harsh, and Artful Tea says they usually do not turn bitter. If it tastes sharp, steep for less time next time.
Do you need boiling water for herbal tea?
Tea sellers recommend water at 200 to 212°F, which means just off a boil or a full boil. Follow the package directions if they list a different temperature.
How long do you steep chamomile tea?
Artful Tea says chamomile will not become bitter even when infused for more than 5 minutes, so 5 minutes or longer works. Taste it and stop when it suits you.
How long do you steep hibiscus tea?
Artful Tea recommends 5 minutes or more. Hibiscus is tart, so steep it until the flavor is as strong as you like.
Does steeping longer add caffeine to herbal tea?
Not if the tea is made only from caffeine-free herbs, according to Plum Deluxe. Check the ingredients for yerba mate, guayusa, green tea, or black tea, which do have caffeine.
Sources
- Art of Tea: Tea Steeping Times (herbal tisane temperature and time, no tannins)
- Artful Tea: How Long to Steep Tea (herbal, rooibos, chamomile, hibiscus times)
- Plum Deluxe: How Long to Steep Herbal Tea (package windows, bitterness, caffeine)
- Michigan State University: Herbal tea (definition)
About Hannah Bell
Hannah Bell is the founder of JelloAndWellness.com, a recipe and wellness site focused on gelatin, jello desserts, and everyday wellness drinks. She cites sources when discussing food and nutrition.