FAQ / How do I make herbal tea?
Herbal Infusion To make an herbal infusion, or medicinal strength tea in the tradition of Western Herbalism, use the following quidelines. To make a small amount of tea, use one teaspoon to one tablespoon of dry herb to eight ounces of water. To make a larger amount of tea, start with a quart jar (a mason jar is good), and place about one ounce (one to two handfuls) of dry herb in the jar. For this amount of tea, you will be using 4 cups of water. First, heat the water to boiling using a glass or enamel pot. Pour the boiling water into the jar or the cup. Cover your container loosely and allow to steep for 20 minutes up to 4 hours or even overnight. The longer the tea steeps, the stronger the medicinal properties will be (and the stronger the taste!)Once the tea has steeped, strain it. The tea may be drunk at room temperature or gently reheated. To store the tea, refrigerate for no more than for 2 days. After this time, bacteria may begin to grow in the tea and it should be thrown out. Herbal Decoction To make an herbal decoction, use the same proportions are listed in the herbal infusion directions above, but instead simply simmer the herbs on the stove. They do not need to be covered. A double or triple decoction can be made by allowing the decoction to simmer until 1/2 or 2/3 of the liquid is evaporated. This tea can be used as a base for making syrups,such as cough syrups, by adding glycerine, sugar or honey to the mixture until you achieve a syrupy consistency. Return to Most Frequently Asked Questions |