How To Brew Herbal Teas
Infusion
Infusions are medicinal herbs whose chemicals have been removed by steeping leaves, buds, flowers, berries, and some suits of the planta in the boiling water. Infusions are made with the softer parts of the plants because steeping them in hot water is enough to adequately penetrate the herb's cell walls. Infusing the softer parts of the plants will allow the release of a good portion of the herb's components into the water.
- 1 tablespoon of dried herb or 1½ tablespoons of fresh herb.
- Boil 8 ounces and remove from fire.
- Add herb to the water. Let steep for 30 to 45 minutes. (The longer you let the herb steep, the more chemical components will be extracted while the water is hot. The darker or more coloured the water becomes, the more components are released from the herb, and the stronger the infusion will be.)
- Strain the infusion and drink. Multiply the tablespoon of herb and the ounces of water by the same number to increase the amount of infusion. If you use 4 tablespoons of herb you would use 32 ounces of water.
Decoction
Decoctions are similar to infusions, but they use the tougher parts of the plant like the roots, twigs, and bark. Since these parts of the plant are harder and tougher, pouring boiling water on them will release only a small amount of the herb’s components. Decoctions involve boiling and simmering these parts of the plant to more effectively remove their chemicals.
- 1 tablespoon of dried herb or 1½ tablespoons of fresh herb.
- 8 ounces of water and herb to saucepan.
- Bring the water to a boil in a covered pot, reduce heat, and simmer on low setting for 30 minutes. More components are extracts the longer the water is simmered.
- Let the water cool and add the mixture to a mason jar. Follow the instructions for the infusion to increase the amount of the decoction.