10 Best Herbs for an Indoor Tea Garden

Creating an indoor tea garden is a fantastic way to bring nature inside. It adds a touch of greenery and has fresh herbs at your fingertips for brewing soothing teas.
But what are the best herbs for an indoor tea garden? The list includes Mint, Lemon, Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, and Basil. But there are more herbs that I can recommend. All these herbs will boost your indoor tea garden environment, and also keep your air fresh.
In this article, we’ll look at the 10 most significant herbs for your indoor tea garden. We’ll talk about their benefits and how they assist in keeping the air dry. Continue reading the article to have a better idea of the herbs.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Herbs for an Indoor Tea Garden
I’ll discuss about ten herbs here. All of these herbs are environmentally friendly and will improve indoor air quality. Let’s get started with the main discussion.
1. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Why Mint? Mint is a classic choice for any tea lover. It’s versatile, easy to grow, and has a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for hot or cold teas.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Mint is known for its fast growth and can quickly spread if not contained. While it doesn’t directly dry the air, it can absorb excess moisture from the soil. So it helps to maintain a balanced indoor environment.
Mint is also very forgiving—just water regularly and ensure it gets indirect sunlight.
Pros:
- Easy to grow
- Refreshing flavor
- Can be used fresh or dried
Cons:
- Can be invasive if not contained
- Requires regular watering
2. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Why Lemon Balm? Lemon balm has a light, citrusy flavor that adds a fresh zing to teas. It’s also known for its calming effects, making it a great choice for evening brews.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Lemon balm is a low-maintenance herb that thrives in a pot. It doesn’t directly dry the air but helps maintain a pleasant indoor environment by releasing a soothing aroma. It’s best to prune regularly to keep it from becoming leggy.
Pros:
- Calming properties
- Citrusy flavor
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Can become leggy without regular pruning
- Mild flavor may require blending with other herbs
3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Why Chamomile? Chamomile is well-loved for its delicate, apple-like flavor and its ability to calm nerves and aid sleep. It’s a must-have for a relaxing tea garden.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Chamomile can help dry the air slightly by absorbing moisture through its leaves. It prefers a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Once established, it’s relatively easy to care for.
Pros:
- Excellent for calming teas
- Mild, sweet flavor
- Can be dried easily
Cons:
- Requires plenty of sunlight
- Delicate and may need more attention
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Why Lavender? Lavender isn’t just for your garden; it’s a wonderful addition to tea blends too. Its soothing, floral notes can create a calming tea that’s perfect before bedtime.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Lavender is a champion at keeping the air dry, thanks to its Mediterranean origins. It thrives in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Regular pruning keeps it compact and encourages more blooms.
Pros:
- Helps keep the air dry
- Soothing aroma
- Beautiful and fragrant
Cons:
- Requires plenty of sunlight
- Can become woody if not pruned
5. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Why Rosemary? Rosemary adds a savory touch to tea, with its pine-like flavor that pairs well with lemon or mint. It’s also known for boosting memory and concentration.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Rosemary is excellent for keeping the air dry and fresh due to its ability to thrive in dry conditions. It loves the sun and needs well-drained soil.
Pros:
- Keeps air dry
- Unique flavor
- Low maintenance once established
Cons:
- Requires a lot of sunlight
- Can be sensitive to overwatering
6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Why Thyme? Thyme might not be the first herb you think of for tea, but its earthy, slightly minty flavor is delightful. Especially when combined with honey and lemon.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Thyme helps maintain dry air due to its ability to withstand dry conditions. It’s compact, making it perfect for small spaces, and only requires minimal watering.
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving
- Helps maintain dry air
- Versatile in tea blends
Cons:
- Can become woody without pruning
- Requires good drainage
7. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Why Sage? Sage has a robust flavor that can add depth to your tea, especially in cooler months. It’s also known for its antioxidant properties.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Sage is a great herb for keeping the air dry, as it thrives in dry conditions and needs minimal watering. It does well in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Pros:
- Helps keep air dry
- Strong, earthy flavor
- Low water requirements
Cons:
- Can overpower other flavors
- Needs regular pruning to prevent legginess
8. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Why Peppermint? Peppermint is a classic tea herb with a sharp, cooling flavor. It’s perfect for soothing an upset stomach or simply enjoying a refreshing drink.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Like other mints, peppermints can absorb moisture from the soil, helping to keep your indoor environment balanced. It grows vigorously, so regular pruning is essential.
Pros:
- Strong, refreshing flavor
- Easy to grow
- Versatile in tea blends
Cons:
- Can become invasive
- Needs regular pruning
9. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)

Why Lemon Verbena? Lemon verbena has an intense lemon flavor that’s unmatched by other herbs. It’s fantastic for teas, both hot and cold, and has a wonderful aroma.
Air Quality and Maintenance: Lemon verbena can help keep the air dry, especially in its native warm, dry climates. It needs a sunny spot and regular pruning to stay bushy and healthy.
Pros:
- Intense lemon flavor
- Can help maintain a dry indoor environment
- Fragrant
Cons:
- Needs plenty of sunlight
- Can become leggy without pruning
10. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Why Basil? Basil is more than just a kitchen staple; it adds a sweet, slightly spicy flavor to teas that’s both unique and refreshing.
Air Quality and Maintenance: While basil doesn’t dry the air, it’s excellent at absorbing moisture from the soil. So, you’ll see it helping to prevent over-humidity in your indoor garden. It prefers a sunny spot and regular watering.
Pros:
- Unique, sweet flavor
- Easy to grow
- Versatile in cooking and teas
Cons:
- Needs regular watering
- Can wilt easily in low light
See the video to get some new ideas about indoor tea garden herbs!
Recommended Articles:
- 15 Must-Grow Vegetables for Your Fall (October) Gardening
- 10 Best Indoor Plants for Purifying Air
- 15 Best Herbs for Air Drying and Hanging
Conclusion
Creating your own indoor tea garden isn’t just about the plants or the teas. Each herb you grow becomes a part of your daily rituals, offering comfort in every sip.
Whether it’s the calming scent of lavender or the refreshing taste of mint, your indoor garden will become a cherished part. So, start with a few pots, and watch as your indoor tea garden grows into something truly special. Every cup of tea will be a reminder of the care and love you’ve put into your green corner.