10 Tips for Using Loose Leaf Teas: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Brew
- cathyskidmore
- May 20
- 2 min read
Loose leaf tea offers a deeper, more flavourful, and often more spiritual experience than traditional tea bags. Whether you're sipping during a tea leaf reading or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, here are ten tips to make the most of your loose leaf teas:
1. Start with Fresh, High-Quality Leaves Choose loose leaf tea that’s aromatic, vibrant, and fresh. Look for organic or small-batch options when possible—they often carry more of the tea’s natural essence.
2. Store Your Tea Properly Keep your tea in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and strong odours. Glass jars are beautiful but opt for opaque tins or dark containers for longevity.
3. Use the Right Water Temperature Each tea type has a preferred water temperature. For example, green tea is best around 75–80°C, while black tea can handle boiling water. Too hot, and you risk bitterness.
4. Measure Mindfully A good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz cup. For stronger brews, add more leaves rather than extending steep time.
5. Use a Tea Infuser or Teapot with a Strainer Loose leaf tea needs room to expand. Choose infusers or teapots with large strainers so the leaves can unfurl and release their full flavor.
6. Don’t Over-Steep Over-steeping makes tea bitter. Green teas steep 1–3 minutes, while black and herbal teas can steep for 4–6 minutes. Set a timer for best results.
7. Experiment with Blends Blend your own herbal mixtures for fun and healing. Try combining chamomile, rose petals, and mint—or create seasonal blends based on your mood or energy needs.
8. Re-Steep When Possible Many loose leaf teas, especially oolongs and greens, can be steeped 2–3 times. Each infusion reveals a new layer of flavour and energy.
9. Pair with Intention Loose leaf tea can be paired with crystal work, journaling, or spiritual practices. Choose calming teas like lavender before meditation, or energizing blends like ginger in the morning.
10. Learn to Read the Leaves Let your tea be more than a drink—use it as a divination tool. After your cup, observe the patterns left behind and tap into your intuition for insight.
Loose leaf tea invites mindfulness and connection with every sip. Whether you’re reading for a client or enjoying a personal tea ritual, these tips will help you brew with intention and elevate your tea practice.
Cathy Skidmore is an Intuitive Tea Leaf Reader, Reiki master and tea consultant who loves to use the tea cup and its signs and symbols to provide clarity and guidance for all your pressing questions.
Cathy has been providing guidance to her clients for over 10 years and is known to help others find peace and ease in making decisions through her readings and gentle guidance.
What will your cup reveal?
Mystic T Spiritual Centre
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