Check out some of the "herb tea" posts from the Herbs forum. FataMorgana Here is a link that might be useful: GardenWeb - Herbs - search results

Good ideas and suggestions are already given. I would like to touch on few other issues: 1) Seattle WA gets a lot of rain, drizzles and overcast skies. I knw this because I have relatives living there. Fo this reason, and b'c most herbs that I know of, like well drained soil, your garden should be raised from its surrounding, by about a foot, atleast. 2) Most herbs(that I know of) like/prefer slightly alkaline soil(PH = 7+). Keep that in mind. 3) Some of the herbs that you plan to grow, are very aggressive , if not invasive: such as LEMON BALM, BORAGE, MINTS...So keep that in mind too. I have learned and am convinced that mints should be kept out of herbs garden. Lemon balm propagates by seeds beyond belief and it can get very big. But if you prevent it from going to seed, there should be no problem.

Others to maybe try in your zone...bee balm, roselle, raspberry, mountain mint, chamomile, rose, dandelion, licorice, catnip, red clover, stevia, tulsi, chicory, .... Be sure to check the medicinal effects out of any herb before consuming. Even those often drank for pleasure have effects that one should know about before using. Plants for a Future site will give you a decent intro to the uses and growing needs of anything we've listed here so far. FataMorgana

If you have dried herbal tea, as opposed to a jar of a liquid herbal tea, it should be fine. It might have the date on it because after a certain time, the flavor would weaken, so using before the expiration date would give you the best flavor.