When spending time outdoors, especially in the UK, being self-sufficient isn’t just about shelter and fire. Many UKSN members know that true outdoor comfort includes a hot cup of something refreshing that doesn’t just hydrate but brings warmth, flavour, and a touch of enjoyment to your outdoor experience. While boiling water is a critical part of making it safe to drink in the wild, the result isn’t exactly thrilling to drink on its own.
Luckily, the UK countryside offers a wide variety of plants, herbs, and other ingredients that can transform your plain boiled water into delicious, naturally flavoured drinks. Whether you're looking to make a comforting brew during a chilly camping trip or a refreshing sip on a summer’s day, here’s a guide to natural infusions you can try with ingredients found across the UK wilderness.
Nettle Tea: A Nutritious Classic
Where to Find: Nettles grow abundantly in the UK, usually near woodlands, hedges, and riverbanks. You’ll recognise them by their jagged leaves and infamous stinging hairs.
Why It’s Great: Nettle tea is a classic for good reason. High in vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as minerals like iron and potassium, this drink is both refreshing and nutritious.
How to Make It:
If you dont fancy getting stung, wear gloves. Pick the young, tender leaves from the top of the plant.
Rinse them thoroughly if possible, then boil them in water for 5-10 minutes until the water turns a light green.
Strain out the leaves, and enjoy the tea hot or cool it down for a chilled version. The taste is earthy and mild, perfect with a touch of honey if you have it.
Pine Needle Tea: A Vitamin C Boost
Where to Find: Look for pine trees, often found in UK forests and wooded areas. Pine needles are green year-round, making this tea an excellent choice during colder months.
Why It’s Great: Pine needle tea is rich in vitamin C, making it a great immune booster, especially in winter. Pine also provides a pleasant aroma and a slightly resinous flavour that feels refreshing yet warming.
How to Make It:
Collect a handful of fresh, green pine needles. Avoid yew trees, which are toxic and look similar.
Rinse the needles if possible, then cut or crush them to release their oils.
Steep the needles in boiled water for 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. The tea will have a light, citrus-like taste and a distinctive pine aroma.
Birch Leaf Tea: A Springtime Special
Where to Find: Birch trees are widespread throughout the UK, especially in open woodlands. Their heart-shaped leaves are a good source for tea-making, particularly in spring when leaves are tender and full of flavour.
Why It’s Great: Birch leaf tea has a mild, refreshing taste with diuretic properties, which means it can help flush out toxins. It's best consumed in moderation.
How to Make It:
Gather a handful of young birch leaves in early spring.
Rinse and add to boiled water, letting them steep for about 10 minutes.
Strain and enjoy the delicate, almost minty taste of the tea.
Dandelion Root Coffee: A Caffeine-Free Alternative
Where to Find: Dandelions are one of the most common plants in the UK and can be found in fields, meadows, and gardens.
Why It’s Great: Dandelion root, when roasted, has a taste similar to coffee, making it a great caffeine-free alternative. Dandelions are known for their detoxifying properties, supporting liver health and digestion.
How to Make It:
Pull up the entire dandelion plant, roots and all. Wash the roots thoroughly.
Chop them into small pieces and roast them over a fire until they’re dark and brittle.
Grind the roasted roots, then steep them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy the rich, earthy flavour that resembles coffee.
Hawthorn Berry Tea: A Heart-Friendly Brew
Where to Find: Hawthorn bushes are common throughout the UK, especially in hedgerows and along countryside paths. The small, red berries appear in autumn.
Why It’s Great: Hawthorn berries are traditionally used for heart health. This tea has a mildly sweet and slightly tart flavour, perfect for sipping on cool autumn days.
How to Make It:
Collect ripe, red hawthorn berries and rinse them.
Boil the berries for about 10 minutes, then mash them slightly to release more flavour.
Strain the mixture, and enjoy a tea that’s warming and subtly sweet.
Blackberry Leaf and Berry Tea: A Fruity Sip
Where to Find: Blackberry bushes, or brambles, are prolific in the UK. You’ll find them in hedgerows, along country lanes, and even in urban green spaces.
Why It’s Great: Blackberry leaves contain tannins, which can help with sore throats, while the berries add a rich, fruity taste packed with antioxidants.
How to Make It:
Collect fresh blackberry leaves and ripe berries in late summer or early autumn.
Rinse them well, then boil the leaves and berries together for 10 minutes.
Strain the mixture, and you’ll have a tea that’s as tasty as it is good for you.
Clover Tea: A Sweet Floral Option
Where to Find: Clover can be found in meadows, fields, and even garden lawns throughout the UK.
Why It’s Great: Clover flowers have a natural sweetness and a delicate floral flavour. They’re also high in antioxidants and believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Make It:
Pick fresh clover flowers (red or white).
Rinse them, then add them to boiled water and steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and enjoy a naturally sweet, floral tea. Add a hint of honey if you’d like it sweeter.
Elderflower Tea: A Summer Favourite
Where to Find: Elder trees are common in UK hedgerows and woodlands. Look for the creamy-white flower clusters in late spring to early summer.
Why It’s Great: Elderflowers have a lovely, mild taste with hints of floral sweetness. They’re traditionally used for soothing colds and allergies.
How to Make It:
Collect fresh elderflowers (ensure they’re fully open for the best flavour).
Rinse the flowers to remove any insects or pollen.
Boil the flowers for a few minutes, then let them steep for another 5 minutes before straining. The result is a fragrant, soothing tea that tastes like summer.
Tips for Safe Foraging
While the UK offers a wealth of natural ingredients for brewing, always follow these safety guidelines:
Correct Identification: Some plants have toxic lookalikes. When in doubt, use a reputable foraging guide, or consult a knowledgeable forager.
Forage Responsibly: Only take what you need and avoid uprooting entire plants unless necessary. This helps preserve the environment for future foragers.
Know What’s Safe to Consume: Some plants, like yew and foxglove, are toxic and should never be consumed. If you’re new to foraging, start with easily recognisable plants like nettles and dandelions.
Avoid Polluted Areas: Forage away from busy roads, industrial areas, or areas sprayed with pesticides. Plants absorb pollutants from their environment, so it’s best to stick to clean, natural areas.
Be Mindful of Allergies: Always test new plants in small quantities to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Why Make Outdoor Teas and Brews?
Turning basic boiled water into a flavourful brew offers more than just a taste upgrade. It adds a sense of ritual, satisfaction, and even connection with nature. For UKSN members, brewing with natural ingredients can be a relaxing part of the outdoor experience, a chance to practise resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. Plus, these wild infusions offer a range of health benefits, helping you stay hydrated, nourished, and even boosting immunity during your adventures.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re out with UKSN or exploring on your own, consider brewing one of these natural teas. These drinks aren’t just about hydration; they’re a way to embrace and enjoy the wild landscapes of the UK. With a little knowledge and a sense of adventure, even a simple cup of boiled water can become something truly special. So grab your kettle, start foraging, and enjoy the authentic flavours of nature.
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