Herbal Tea Preparations
This method is commonly referred to as a standard brew., or herbal infusion. Herbal tea making is just as much of an art as it is a science. Color, taste, aroma all will signal you when the brew is "just right".
Tools : You don't need anything fancy, the most important tea tool is a non-aluminum pot with a tight fitting lid. Add a strainer and a tea cup and you are good to go.
Average Dose: The average dosage is usually 3 to 4 cups in a day. Bitter medicines need only be taken in small doses, usually 1/2 cup at a time.
Variations : Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and allspice add heat and energy to the infusion. Almond and vanilla extracts, raw honey, fresh lemon, or a pinch of stevia add flavor and zest.
1. Ratio : Two cups water to one ounce dried herb, (1 to 2 tablespoons), or 1 cupped handful of the fresh
herb. Depending on the herb you will generally use hot to boiling water. Pour hot water over herb in a
closed container and leave to steep:
2. Brewing time : 10 to 20 minutes. Infusing herbal tea is unlike brewing "tea", Camellia sinensis, which
becomes bitter and undrinkable if left to infuse too long. Most herbal teas benefit from a longer steeping
time, the better to extract the medicinal properties. You need not throw out the leftovers either, and may
want to reuse them as a "starter" for another fresh batch. Brewing the herbs in a closed container like an
enamel teapot prevents and volatile compounds such as essential oils from escaping.
3. Strain: Or not. I often just let the herbs settle to the bottom and pour off the top, letting the herbs soak
in the water. The second cup is often better than the first. With practice you will get a feeling for how
strong you like your drink.
4. Refrigerate any unused portions in a clean glass jar with a lid. Herbal teas are often better the second
day.
Tools : You don't need anything fancy, the most important tea tool is a non-aluminum pot with a tight fitting lid. Add a strainer and a tea cup and you are good to go.
Average Dose: The average dosage is usually 3 to 4 cups in a day. Bitter medicines need only be taken in small doses, usually 1/2 cup at a time.
Variations : Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and allspice add heat and energy to the infusion. Almond and vanilla extracts, raw honey, fresh lemon, or a pinch of stevia add flavor and zest.
1. Ratio : Two cups water to one ounce dried herb, (1 to 2 tablespoons), or 1 cupped handful of the fresh
herb. Depending on the herb you will generally use hot to boiling water. Pour hot water over herb in a
closed container and leave to steep:
2. Brewing time : 10 to 20 minutes. Infusing herbal tea is unlike brewing "tea", Camellia sinensis, which
becomes bitter and undrinkable if left to infuse too long. Most herbal teas benefit from a longer steeping
time, the better to extract the medicinal properties. You need not throw out the leftovers either, and may
want to reuse them as a "starter" for another fresh batch. Brewing the herbs in a closed container like an
enamel teapot prevents and volatile compounds such as essential oils from escaping.
3. Strain: Or not. I often just let the herbs settle to the bottom and pour off the top, letting the herbs soak
in the water. The second cup is often better than the first. With practice you will get a feeling for how
strong you like your drink.
4. Refrigerate any unused portions in a clean glass jar with a lid. Herbal teas are often better the second
day.
Herbal Decoction
Unlike infusions, decoctions are boiled. Woody roots, non-aromatic seeds and barks are suited to this method.
Tools: You will need a non-reactive, heavy saucepan. We use a Corningware 1 quart pan with a see through glass lid. It is the perfect size for us, as we normally make decoctions 3 cups / 750 ml at a time.
Ratio: Amounts can very, depending upon taste and potency of the herbs, however 1 to 2 teaspoons of herb to each cup of water is a good starting point. Roots and barks are more concentrated than the lighter leaves and flowers used in infusions, so less is needed.
- Heating: Start with cold water over a low heat and slowly bring herb mixture to a simmering boil. Keep the pot covered and simmer for ten to 20 minutes. Take off heat and leave covered while you brew cools to drinking temperature.
- Straining: I often let the mixture set all day or overnight without straining, the heavy roots and barks settle to the bottom, and you can pour off the top.
- Overnight Method: Use this method when the material you want to extract is a bitter, or mineral salt. The whole herb, roots or seeds, or the bark of a woody plant are soaked in cold water for several hours, then brought to a boil and simmered for 30 minutes.
Herbal Poltice
Poultices are simply moisted herbs applied externally and are commonly used to treat swelling, pain and congestion.
They can be a simple as crushing a few leaves of basil to apply to an insect bite or putting a used tea bag on a black eye. Our favorite easy poultice is made by pouring hot water over chopped herbs in a reusable muslin bag. The following steps are good for making a more complicated poultice to apply to each chest congestion and coughing.
Herbal Oil
Medicinal Oils can be used alone, or can form the basis of salves and balms. The general principal is simple: Oil + heat + herbs = Herbal Oil. The quality and strength of your homemade herbal oils depends not so much on exact measurements, as it does on making sure you cover all the plant matter, so no spoilage occurs. The most versatile and easy system for measurements is the simplers method, because it is based on ratios, measurements are referred to as "parts", for instance 1 parts dried herb ,5 parts oil is a very common herbal oil formula. There can so much variation in the strength of herbs (due to growing and harvesting conditions, fresh or dried, etc.) that even if you follow the exact measurements, each batch will still be slightly different.
In our experience, the length of time the oil macerates, and the amount of heat applied are the biggest determining factors in how strong your oil becomes.
Using a very high quality organic oil such virgin olive oil, or safflower oil, is as just as important as the quality of the herbs used. You will find that making herbal oils and other preparations is not an exact science, and each batch is always a learning opportunity. Homemade herbal oils are fresher, contain no chemical preservatives, and save loads of money. All of The following methods can be used, the one you choose depends on how strong you want your oil to be, and how much time you have to make it.
In our experience, the length of time the oil macerates, and the amount of heat applied are the biggest determining factors in how strong your oil becomes.
Using a very high quality organic oil such virgin olive oil, or safflower oil, is as just as important as the quality of the herbs used. You will find that making herbal oils and other preparations is not an exact science, and each batch is always a learning opportunity. Homemade herbal oils are fresher, contain no chemical preservatives, and save loads of money. All of The following methods can be used, the one you choose depends on how strong you want your oil to be, and how much time you have to make it.
Herbal Massage Oil
Massage is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. When applying essential oils to the skin, always dilute with a carrrier oil before applying. A good rule of thumb is to use 5 drops EO per teaspoon or 15 drops EO per tablespoon of base oil. Oil blends change over time, some with resinous bases get even stronger. You can use many of the same oil blends you make up for massage in aromatherapy diffusers.
Light and heat can destroy some of the healing medicinal benefits of essential oils. Save empty essential oil bottles to store massage or synergy mixes. Most come in dark glass, 1/2 oz bottles with dropper lids.
Herbal Salves and Balms
Herbal oils form a great basis for salves and balms, or you can use a plain vegetable oil such as jojoba or olive. While homemade salves take a bit of practice, once you start making and enjoying them you will never go back to storebought.
Quick Salve: (a bit tricky to make, but good when you need something fast )
- Step 1:Fresh or dried herbs are covered with spring water, brought to a boil in a enamel or stainless steel pot.
- Step 2: After the mixture comes to a boil, simmer for 30 minutes. Strain out herbal matter, and reserve liquid herbal infusion.
- Step 3: Add to to remaining liquid an equal amount of olive or safflower oil. Return to the pot and simmer until the water is gone. You can tell when the water is gone, because the mixture stopps bubbling and spitting.
- Step 4: Add enough beeswax to give a thicker consistency, heating just until beeswax melts. Stir and bottle will still hot.
- Step 5. When the mixture has cooled a bit, add essential oils if desired for increased fragrance and potency.
- Step 6: Pour the melted oil and wax while still warm into jars or tins.
Herbal Tinctures
Menstruums :There are three basic menstruums, or solvents used to extract the chemical compounds of herbs in tinctures, alcohol, glycerin, and vinegar. Alcohol is the most used because it can extract fats, resins, waxes,most alkaloids, and some of the volatile oils, as well as many other plant compounds. Water is also necessary to extract the water soluble plant chemicals. Using an 80 to 100 proof alcohol such as vodka, brandy and gin provides the alcohol-water ratio you need without having to add anything. If pure grain alcohol ( 190 proof) is used, water will have to be added. Don't use city tap water that contains chlorine, use either distilled or pure spring water
Herbs: Either fresh or dried finely chopped herbs can be used. Use of one pint of menstruum to two ounces of dried herbs, or about two handfuls of fresh.
The important thing is to completely cover the herbs, leaving a couple of extra inches of liquid about the herbs to allow for swelling as the herbs absorb the liquid. Leave some headroom in the jar. If using vinegar, warm first before pouring it over the herbs.
Procedure for making an easy tincture:
- Chop herbs finely
- Place in a glass jar, labeled with the current date and name of the herb
- Add sufficient liquid menstruum to completely cover the herb
- Cap with a tight fitting lid, put the jar in a dark place at room temperature, and shake at least once daily.
- After 2 to 3 weeks, strain the contents through several layers of cheesecloth.
- Allow to settle overnight in a clean jar
- Restrain through a filter paper
- Store in a labeled, amber glass bottle away from light and heat.
The Chinese macerate herbs for months sometimes even years. For stronger tinctures a suggested time can be 4 to 6 weeks. The duration depends on the mixture and on your patience, in time you will develop your own style. I use a kitchen cupboard that I open on a regular basis, so I don't forget the shake the bottle. Tinctures will keep for 6 months. The standard dose is one tablespoon in a wineglass of water once or twice a day.
Liniments are made exactly the same as herbal tinctures, except they are meant for external use. Make sure and label your liniments "FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY" , when using a solvent that is inedible such as rubbing alcohol.
Using vinegar to tincture herbs. Alcohol has mostly displaced vinegar as a menstruum for making liquid herbal extracts, as it is far more efficient in extracting and preserving the medicinal properties of herbs. Vinegar is however passable solvent and useful in cases where you wish to avoid alcohol. When used in conjunction with alcohol, vinegar can sometimes assist in the extraction of alkaloid (base) substances from herbs. Such an extract containing both vinegar and alcohol is known as an acetous tincture.
Herbal Bath
When adding the essential oils to the hot bath, wait until the water has stopped running, so they don't evaporate. You can dilute the oils in a base oil or honey, or add them neat, using a total of 10 to 14 drops per bath as a general rule. When using fresh herbs, put them in a muslin bag. To soften skin and remove impurities, dissolve 1 cup of epsom salts in the bath water.
Standard bath: Aromatic baths with herbs and essential oils are an important part of hydrotherapy (water therapy), benefiting both the body and the mind aspects of conditions such as stress, troubled skin, and arthritis.
Sitz Baths : Referred to as hip baths because only the pelvic region is immersed in the water, good for treating cramps, lower back pain, vaginitis and hemorrhoids.
Foot Dipping: The many blood vessels in the feet are able to carry the herbal or aromatic remedy all over the body.
Herbal Vinegar
The basic steps in making herbal and fruit vinegars are quite simple. Your goal with herbal vinegars is to add flavor and zest to your diet, however, herbal vinegars are so healthy some proclaim them a miracle cure all, especially for cases of arthritis, and digestive problems.
Experiment with various herbs to develop your favorite flavor. Any consumable herbs can be used alone or in combination. Use a basic white or red wine, or cider vinegar.
You will find many combinations that not only offer great taste, but extra added health benefits as well.
Experiment with various herbs to develop your favorite flavor. Any consumable herbs can be used alone or in combination. Use a basic white or red wine, or cider vinegar.
You will find many combinations that not only offer great taste, but extra added health benefits as well.
- Remove any dirt and debris from fresh herbs, and use only the best leaves, discarding those that are discolored, or have been munched on by insects. Spray wash, spread on newsprint and let the leaves wilt and dry on the stems. This step also lets any unwanted visitors clinging to the leaves depart.
- Remove leaves from stems and cut into small pieces. When making rosemary vinegar, conserve the woody stems for the kindling box.
- Heat the vinegar gently till hot, (not boiling). Pour heated vinegar over herbs and let infuse in a covered container for 2 to 3 days, or weeks depending on the recipe. If you are interested in extracting medicinal properties from herbs, the infusion time will be in longer rather than shorter.
- Infuse at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Kitchen cupboards are ideal for this. Shake the bottle every few days.
- Strain - remove all organic materials, then pour herbal vinegar in a clean dry bottle and cork. Vinegar causes metal to deteriorate, so if you can't find a plastic or cork to fit the bottle of your choice cover the opening with wax paper before screwing on the lid. You can add back some sprigs of herbs or berries for decorative purposes, but make sure they stay submerged in the vinegar. Most flavored vinegars will last for months when stored in a cool, dark place. (refrigerator is fine), but for optimal flavor use within 3 months.
Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information on the above herb is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects.
The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These supplements mentioned are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent disease. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.
Kelab Rakan-Rakan Herba KK Sabah does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence.
Site design and webmaster : Ganesan. T Questions or concerns can be directed to the webmaster at [email protected]
The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These supplements mentioned are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent disease. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.
Kelab Rakan-Rakan Herba KK Sabah does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence.
Site design and webmaster : Ganesan. T Questions or concerns can be directed to the webmaster at [email protected]