Herbal Tea — Herbal Wisdom Institute

by Kris Vaughan, CHHerbal teas are the oldest form of medicine. Traditional cultures would gather the plants that grew in their area and would steep them for tea as a way to administer medicine for all types of ailments. Herbal tea can be used to nourish the body with vitamins and minerals, to calm the nervous system, to improve focus and energy, to relieve colds and flu, and simply as an enjoyable beverage hot or iced. Herbal beverages can be a delicious beverage tea, also called a tisane, or as powerful medicine.Types of Tea Brewing MethodsThe type of brewing method you will use is based on which parts of the herb you are using. If you are making a tea of flowers or leaves then you will use the infusion method.Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of flowers or leaves in boiled water for 5-15 minutes, coveredIf you are using hard root or bark portions of a plant then you will need to brew a decoction in order to access the desired chemicals in the plant.Decoction: Gently and slowly simmer root and bark portions of plants in water for 5-15 minutes, covered. Be careful to not let the herbs come to a boil as this degrades their phytochemicals.How to Brew a Tisane (beverage)Choose your herbs based on the flavors you prefer. Some of the most popular herbal teas are chamomile, peppermint, and raspberry leaf and these herbs are easily grown in your garden or purchased from a reputable herb supplier.Boil water then pour it into your cupMeasure out 2 teaspoons of loose leaf herb and place in a wire mesh, bamboo, or paper tea infuser and submerge in the hot waterSteep for 3-5 minutes based on the strength of flavor you prefer (green tea should only steep for 2 minutes to avoid becoming too bitter)Remove the herb infuser and enjoy hotHow to Brew Medicinal TeaMedicinal tea requires more herb and a longer steeping time to access the full medicinal properties of the plants. A nice medicinal tea during cold and flu season is thyme. Thyme is great for coughs and is antimicrobial. Be sure to cover your tea as it steeps to retain the volatile oils. Medicinal tea steeps for 10-20 minutes depending on the strength you desire.Boil water then pour it into your cupMeasure out 1-2 tablespoons of loose leaf herb and place in a wire mesh, bamboo, or paper tea infuser and submerge in the hot waterSteep for 10-20 minutes based on the strength you preferRemove the herb infuser and enjoy hotAny medicinal tea can be enjoyed as an iced tea as well by making it double strength. Once it is steeped to the desired strength, pour the hot tea into a second glass that is brimmed with ice. This will allow you to still have the correct concentration once the ice melts. You may also feel free to sweeten you tea with stevia or add honey, lemon or cream as you wish.Peace Tea Recipe