- Use the purest water available. Fill your kettle with enough water to make your tea, plus a little extra to warm your tea pot and cups. Bring the water to a boil, but do not let it continue to boil, as this will boil off the oxygen in the water and reduce the quality of your infusion.
- Pour a little of the boiling water into your tea pot and/or cups. This allows your herbs or tea leaves to infuse at the optimal temperature. Measure the desired amount of herbs into your tea pot, infuser, or tea bag. I recommend 1-2 teaspoons of herbs per 6-8 oz of water, and sometimes I use a tablespoon for a more pronounced medicinal effect. Please play with the amount you use to find the perfect strength for your palate.
- Pour off the water from your now warm tea pot or cup, and pour water from your kettle over the herbs. This little delay allows your water to cool slightly from boiling point.
- Cover your infusion and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Some blends are better steeped for 5-8 minutes. For instance Well Met or Full Moon Chai will offer a fuller flavor if you use boiling water and steep longer. My Last Nerve will have a bitter flavor if you let it steep longer than 5 min or use boiling water.
- Uncover your creation and add a little honey if you desire.
- Take a moment out of our busy day to enjoy your beautiful cup of tea. Inhale the aroma of your tea, take a sip, and let the flavors make you smile.
Herbs and tea leaves can be infused multiple times. To enhance your healty lifestyle, drink 4-5 cups of tea or herbal infusions daily.
Decoctions:
This is the best method for blends like My Mountain Roots, and would even work for Well Met and Full Moon.
A decoction means that you have to simmer the herbs for 10-15 minutes in a covered pot. Roots and barks need more time to release their flavors and medicinal components that flowers and leaves.
Try to avoid using aluminum cookware for your decoction and also cookware with Teflon coating. Stainless steel, glass, or cookware with a ceramic coating is recommended.
Add the desired amount of water and herbs to the pot and bring it to a boil. As soon as it starts to boil, turn the heat down and let it come to a simmer.
I will often make a concentrated decoction by using 2 to 3 times more herbs. (1-2 tablespoons per 6-8 oz water) After the herbs have simmered, strain off the decoction into a glass jar. Then when you want a cup, heat water in your kettle, fill your cup 1/3 to ½ with the decoction and finish with hot water. If you plan to drink the decoction within the day it is not necessary to refrigerate it as long as you use a clean jar for storage and keep it covered. A concentrated decoction can also be made into a simple syrup with the addition of honey or sugar. You can use your simple syrup to make iced teas or natural sodas by adding sparkling water or soda water.
ENJOY THE BLESSINGS FROM OUR FRIENDS - HERBS, FLOWERS, TREES, WATER AND SUN.
This is how I prepare my herbal infusions and teas.