Herbal tea, or zāļu tēja in Latvian, is a very important part of Latvian traditions, rooting deep in ancient times and folk culture. Made from herbs, fruits, and berries, it is not just a drink, but also a remedy in various situations.

There are different herbs, which are popular among Latvians. These are chamomile, peppermint, linden, thyme, raspberry leaves, blackcurrant leaves, rosehips, apples, ginger, and oregano to name just a few.

Latvian herbs are a natural product, often home-gathered and produced not in big quantities. It is available in shops, which distribute the produce from different local households.

Latvians often refer to various herbs in their folk works (dainas) and literal works, where herbs appear as a symbol of health, femininity, protection, fertility, and the cycle of life in former, and as a part of childhood experiences and symbolic, poetic meaning in the latter. Many Latvian authors mention different herbs in their works, e.g. Rainis, Aspazija, Anna Brigadere, Andrejs Upītis, Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš et al.

In his poes Rainis writes:

“Balti ziediņi. Sārti pirkstiņi,
Sudraba nadziņi –
Pilni visi galiņi
Baltiem ziediem.”

(“White little flowers. Tiny rosy fingers,
Small silver nails —
All the stem tips are full
Of little white flowers.)

Although Rainis does not mention specific herbs, it’s a beautiful image of a nature created with a use of flowers, which attracts the reader. Rainis in his rich language speaks about emotions, seasons, and the Latvian spirit, also through mentioning flowers in his poetic works.