How To Make Herbal Tea

HERBAL TEA

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL TEA.

In this guide we explain how to make herbal tea, also known as a tisane. There are two ways that we recommend when making herbal tea in order to extract the most properties from the herbs. An infusion, also known as steeping or a decoction which involves simmering.

Infusion
A method of extracting the medicinal properties of delicate plant parts like leaves, flowers and aromatic parts. The fragile parts should only be steeped rather than simmered or decocted (see below).
Decoction
Decoctions are made with the tougher plant parts like roots, bark, and seeds. This method involves simmering the herbs in water for an extended time to extract their active compounds.

Herbal Tea Infusions

This is the most common type of tea preparation, it's traditionally called an infusion but is also known as steeping. This method is best for the delicate parts of the plant, like leaves and flowers.

The more herbs used and the longer the steeping time, the stronger the tea. Less herbs and less time means a lighter, more mild tea.

Dosage:

Mild: 1 teaspoon / cup

Strong: 1 tablespoon / cup

Instructions:

Add the dried herbs to a container with a strainer (or a jar and use a hand strainer). I prefer using a teapot with a removable strainer or a french press.
Pour boiling water over the herbs and make sure the herbs are completely submerged in the water.
Cover the pot (or container) and let steep for 5-20 minutes.
Strain off the herbs and enjoy either hot or iced.

Herbal Tea Decoctions

The decoction method is best for the hardier parts of herbs like roots, barks, and seeds. If these plant parts are infused they will make a weak tea and will not extract all the benefits and flavor of these hardier herbs.

The more herbs used and the longer the simmering time, the stronger the tea. Less herbs and less time means a lighter, more mild tea.