how to make hemp tea with stems

3 min read 03-02-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to make a soothing and flavorful hemp tea using hemp stems. This comprehensive guide covers harvesting, preparing, and brewing methods for a potent and delicious beverage. Discover the potential health benefits and explore different brewing techniques to find your perfect cup.

Introduction

Hemp tea, brewed from hemp stems, offers a unique and potentially beneficial beverage. Unlike cannabis, hemp contains negligible amounts of THC, making it a legal and accessible alternative for those seeking the calming effects of CBD and other cannabinoids. This guide will walk you through the process of making hemp tea from stems, covering everything from harvesting to brewing. Making hemp tea from stems is a cost-effective way to utilize the whole plant.

Harvesting Hemp for Tea

Before brewing your hemp tea, you need to source the stems. Ideally, you'll harvest hemp stalks after the flowering period, when they have accumulated the most cannabinoids. Look for mature, dry stems. Avoid stems that show signs of mold or mildew.

Choosing Your Hemp

Not all hemp is created equal when it comes to tea. Choose hemp specifically grown for its CBD content, or varieties known for their higher concentration of beneficial compounds.

Preparing Hemp Stems for Brewing

Once harvested, you need to properly prepare the stems for brewing. This involves cleaning and drying to remove impurities.

Cleaning the Stems

Thoroughly rinse the hemp stems under cold, running water to remove any dirt, debris, or pesticides.

Drying the Stems

Allow the hemp stems to dry completely before use. You can air dry them in a cool, dark place or use a dehydrator set to a low temperature. Properly drying prevents mold and ensures a better brewing experience. Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding. Otherwise, you risk a musty or moldy tasting tea.

Brewing Hemp Tea: Methods and Techniques

There are several ways to brew hemp tea, each yielding a slightly different flavor and potency. Let's explore the popular methods.

Method 1: Simple Infusion

This method is the easiest and requires minimal equipment.

Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add Stems: Add approximately 1-2 ounces of dried hemp stems per cup of water. Adjust this to your preference.
Simmer: Reduce heat to a simmer and let the mixture steep for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a stronger brew.
Strain: Remove the stems using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Serve: Pour the tea into a mug and enjoy! You can add honey, lemon, or other flavorings if desired.

Method 2: Decoction

This method involves longer simmering, resulting in a more potent extraction of compounds.

Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add Stems: Add hemp stems as above.
Simmer: Simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or even longer—up to 2 hours for a highly concentrated tea.
Strain and Serve: Strain and serve as in the infusion method. Note that this will result in a more intense flavour.

Method 3: Using a French Press

A French press can help create a smoother, less sediment-heavy tea.

Heat Water: Heat water to just below boiling (around 195-205°F).
Add Stems: Add hemp stems to the French press.
Steep: Steep for 10-15 minutes, pressing down gently after a few minutes to further extract the compounds.
Strain (Optional): While not strictly necessary with a French press, you might want to strain the tea for a clearer cup.

Enhancing Your Hemp Tea Experience

Experiment with different brewing methods and adjust the stem-to-water ratio to find your preferred strength and flavor profile. You can also add other herbs, spices, or citrus fruits to enhance the flavor of your hemp tea.

Adding Flavor

Consider adding:

Lemon: For a zesty kick.
Honey or Maple Syrup: To sweeten the tea.
Ginger: For an anti-inflammatory boost.
Mint: For a refreshing twist.

Potential Benefits of Hemp Tea

While more research is needed, hemp tea may offer several potential health benefits, including relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep. It's important to note these are potential benefits, not guaranteed results. Consult a healthcare professional before using hemp tea for medicinal purposes.

Conclusion

Making hemp tea from stems is a rewarding process that allows you to utilize the entire hemp plant. By following these steps and experimenting with different methods, you can create a delicious and potentially beneficial beverage to enjoy. Remember to always source your hemp from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and safety. Enjoy your homemade hemp tea!