Make medicine

What can I use if I don’t have a measuring spoon, tea infuser, or honey?

If you don't have a measuring spoon use a regular kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon to estimate the herb amount, bundle herbs in a square of cheesecloth or a reusable coffee filter to act as the tea infuser when the adult pours the boiled water, and skip or substitute honey with a small amount of sugar or agave if honey isn’t available or allowed.

My tea came out too weak or too bitter — what should I check or change?

Check that you measured one teaspoon dried or one tablespoon fresh correctly and used the five-minute steep time (shorten for delicate leaves or shorten/lengthen slightly to fix bitterness), and always let the tea cool until it feels warm before tasting to avoid masking flavors with heat.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages safely?

For younger kids have the adult do the boiling and straining while the child washes hands, helps place measured herbs in the infuser, and stirs in up to one teaspoon of honey, whereas older kids can measure herbs, set the five-minute timer, read about the herb's uses with the adult, and write the DIY.org description themselves.

What are some simple ways to extend or personalize the herbal tea activity?

Extend the activity by trying a taste test of two different herbs or steeping times using the same measuring spoon and timer, adding a slice of lemon or cinnamon stick for flavor before straining, and photographing the mug to include a labeled photo and tasting notes when you share on DIY.org.