Proper Herbal Tea preparations

One of the first things I learned when I became an Herbalist was how to make a Tea.... or was it? I realized after a while that I really had no idea how to really make a Tea. I mean really, how complex is it to put some Herbs in Water and boil? It's not that hard but it's important to know the different kind of Herbal concoctions you can call Teas and get the best use out of them. There are two ways to make Herbal Teas for Medicinal remedies should know, an Infusion and a Decoction.

When using leaves and stems and seeds there is quite a difference in the preparation to get as much use out of it as possible. When it comes to measurements, there's really no exact science to it but the preparations are quite specific.

1. Infusion- This is the most common Tea preparation. It is used for leaves and flowers. To make an infusion you gather your Herb, place in a mesh cloth or tea holder and sit it to the side. The tea holder is a better measure of Herbs to Tea cups to me. One tea holder makes one tea cup. When using a mesh cloth about fist full of Herbs will do.

Bring 5 to 6 oz of water (4 oz for a cup), I used 5 or 6 oz because some of the water will boil down. Pour over your Herbs into a tea cup and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Voila, you've got your cup of tea. You can always make your own Tea bag and the method is the same.

2. Decotion - This is for leaves, stems, fruit rinds and fruit. Add 16 oz or more (your choice) of water to a pot along with your Herb or fruit. Bring the water to a boil with the Herb, once it's boiling turn off the heat and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes or longer. Strain and drink. 4 oz to a cup generally.

With either of these the longer you let the Herb steep, the more potent your mixture. What I gave above as far as measurements are relative. Really it's not scientific at all so there's no need to get out your measuring cups, you can definitely eyeball it. There are very few Herbs that you can make a tea from and it's too much. If anything when using Herbs we consume to little to truly experience the affects of it's medicinal properties.

So there you have it! Proper Tea preparations, so get your Herbing on... Ase'

#Herbalism #HerbTea #Teapreparation #Naturopathy #NaturalHealth #HolisticHealth