How to Make an Herbal Tea

 
The active constituents in herbs (volatile oils, phenols, flavonoids and others) have to be extracted in order to be digested. To extract active components in plants/herbs, men have relied on ‘infusion’ (= tea) for thousands of years.

 
  • If not stated otherwise, as a rule of thumb, take
            o   1 teaspoon dried herbs,
            o   1 teaspoon for bark chips,
            o   ½ teaspoon for powder, and
            o   ¼ teaspoon for seed

with at least one cup (4 oz.) of water. (Measure a little more water, because some will evaporate while boiling.) Feel free to take more water. The measure of the herb is important, not the amount of water. (Use measuring spoons and cup.)



Enjoy!
  • Bring the water to a boil and pour it onto the herb/powder/seed. Let sit for some time. If
            o   using herb leaves: just a few minutes,
            o   using powder from roots or bark: 10-20 min.
            o   using bark chips or whole seeds: simmer for 5 minutes 
  • and let steep for 20-30 min.
  • Strain and, if possible, press out every drop in order to get all the best ingredients out of the herb.
  • Don’t mind, if the tea is not clear. That only means that not all components are soluble. If these sit at the bottom: stir before drinking.
Try out some new herbs or stock up with your favorites!
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