Lavender

Pure lavender blossoms — mild, slightly pungent, with that distinctive floral perfume the herb is famous for. A cup of lavender is calm itself: fragrant, gentle and caffeine-free, the tea equivalent of a deep breath in a Provençal field.

On its own it makes a soothing evening infusion; it is also a wonderful ingredient for home blending, lending its perfume to black teas, chamomile or mint, and a lovely addition to baking and homemade syrups.

Brew half to one teaspoon per cup with freshly boiled water for 4 to 5 minutes — a light hand keeps the cup floral rather than soapy. Honey is lavender's best friend.