Farmer-Friendly Guide: Herbal Tea Production from Aquilaria Leaves
Aquilaria malaccensis is widely known for agarwood, but its leaves are also valuable for producing herbal tea. Aquilaria leaf tea is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and has been traditionally used for wellness and relaxation.
This guide provides practical steps for farmers and processors to safely harvest and process Aquilaria leaves into high-quality herbal tea.
Health Benefits of Aquilaria Leaf Tea
- Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Supports digestion and relaxation
- May help in blood sugar regulation
Cultivation and Leaf Management
✅ Best Practices
- Use non-inoculated or young trees for tea production to ensure leaf purity
- Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soils
- Prune lightly to encourage fresh leaf growth
❌ Avoid
- Harvesting leaves from chemically inoculated trees
- Collecting damaged or yellowing leaves
- Using leaves exposed to pesticides or foliar sprays
Harvesting Guidelines
- Harvest mature but still tender leaves (not too fibrous)
- Prefer leaves from upper mid-canopy where sunlight encourages higher nutrient content
- Best harvest time: Morning, after dew has evaporated
Post-Harvest Processing
1. Washing
- Gently rinse with clean, potable water
- Use a colander or strainer to avoid bruising the leaves
2. Drying
- Shade-dry in a well-ventilated area
- Avoid direct sunlight to preserve color and phytochemicals
- Dry until leaves are crispy and moisture-free (3–5 days)
3. Cutting and Storage
- Optionally crush or shred dried leaves for easy brewing
- Store in airtight containers away from light and moisture
Warning: Impact of Inoculation on Tea Leaves
If a tree has been inoculated for agarwood using chemical or biological agents, it is NOT recommended to use its leaves for tea. Risks include:
- Residue of chemicals (e.g., NaCl, FeCl₃, salicylic acid)
- Leaf stress symptoms (yellowing, necrosis)
- Altered taste and safety concerns
☕ Brewing Guide
- Use 1–2 grams of dried leaves per cup
- Steep in hot water (80–90°C) for 5–7 minutes
- Add honey or lemon to taste (optional)
Market Potential
- Aquilaria leaf tea is a high-value niche product
- Appeals to health-conscious consumers and tea connoisseurs
- Potential for branding, packaging, and export
Sustainability Tip
Intercrop Aquilaria with nitrogen-fixing trees like Gliricidia, Calliandra, or Pterocarpus indicus to boost soil fertility and reduce synthetic fertilizer use.
Let your leaves bring health to others and income to your farm.