There are a few different ways you can brew your tea, each way drawing out different healing properties in the herb. Herbal infusions are the way of consuming the precious oils and flavors from the herbs.
Herbal infusions take very little time to prepare, but you will have to wait for the herbs to steep thoroughly. Making tea is a tonic for the soul and patience always results in a better brew.
Infusion vs. Decoction
The infusion method differs from a decoction in that the water is not continuously heated or boiled away as the plant matter steeps. This may result in a weaker beverage but is necessary for extracting the flavors from some ingredients.
Some berries, barks, and roots need extra heat to get the flavor out of the harder surface, so a decoction is used.
10 MINUTE HOT INFUSION
In order to make a simple herbal infusion, you will need three things:
- 1 tablespoon dried herb of your choice
- 1 cup boiling hot water
- A strainer
- A teapot or tea plunger (or directly in your cup)
While making the infusion, be sure to let the herbs steep in the hot water for at least 10 minutes prior to drinking.
- Place the herbs in your cup or small teapot
- Pour boiling water over the herbs so they are completely covered.
- Allow the infusion to steep for at least 10 minutes
- Strain the herbs out of the water using a fine-mesh strainer.
- The resulting liquid is called an infusion.
A DECOCTION
- 4 Tablespoons of your chosen herb/herbs (can be a combination)
- 1 litre of filtered water
- Saucepan or stove teapot
- Strainer
The decoction method can often produce a more bitter tasting tea but may be more beneficial as it has had more time to draw out the magical properties of the herbs you have used.
- Bring herbs and water to an ALMOST boil in a lidded pot. Lower to a simmer for 30 - 45 minutes.
- Turn off element and let sit until cool enough to drink.
- Strain and sip throughout the day.
HOT/COLD LONG INFUSION
- 4 Tablespoons of your chosen herb/herbs (can be a combination)
- 1 litre of boiled water
- A vessel for your infusion (teapot, jar, etc)
- A strainer
This is my favorite type of infusion for any herb that might help with cleansing.
- Cover herbs with boiling water.
- Leave overnight to infuse.
- Strain and sip cool infusion throughout the following day.
