Using Herbs for Teas

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Using Herbs for Teas You can easily make herbal teas, tinctures, liqueurs and syrups that are healthy and inexpensive. They can be brewed individually or blended to create a range of aromas and flavors. You can drink herbal teas hot or iced, or combine them with juice or other beverages. Make herbal tea by the cup or in larger quantities. A pot made in the morning, for example, can be left on the stove for easy reheating, drinking at room temperature, or drinking iced later in the day. The recommended proportion of herbs to water is 1 teaspoon of dried herb or 2 tablespoons of fresh herb to 1 cup of water. If you're making a larger quantity of tea, the recommended proportion of herbs is 2-3 tablespoons of herbs per quart of water. The amount of herb can be varied according to taste, so don't be afraid to try different proportions. The methods for making tea -- infusion and decoction -- differ according to the part of the plant being used. Infusions Used to prepare the more fragile parts of the plant -- leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Methods 1. Put the herbs in a pot and pour boiling water over them. Quickly cover the pot with a tight fitting lid. Allow it to steep for 10 to 20 minutes. 2. To create a stronger medicinal infusion, place the herbs in a pan with cold water and cover with a tight fitting lid. Bring the water to the boiling point slowly over very low heat. Take the brew off the heat just before it begins to b oil. Strain with a cheesecloth or run through a coffee filter. Decoctions Used for brewing roots, barks, nuts and non-aromatic seeds. Methods 1. Bring water to a boil, add herbs, and simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. To prevent the escape of steam and important nutrients, keep a tight fitting lid on at all times. Remove from heat, strain and drink. 2. Put the herbs in a pan of cold water. Cover the pan and slowly bring the water to a boil over low heat. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, strain and drink. Herbal Brews Herbal Tinctures - Folk Method Fill clean jar one-half way with herbs, cover completely with vodka or brandy plus an inch more. (Check the next day, you may need to add more liquid). Steep in warm place for two to four weeks. Shake daily, strain through cheesecloth. Bottle in dark container, label. Herbal Liqueurs 2 cups vodka 3/4 cup dried herbs (1 1/2 cups fresh) Steep two to four weeks in a warm place, strain. Pour one cup water over the strained leaves, add one cup honey or other sweetener. Additional flavors may be added. Bottle and let sit 1+ months. SIP! Herbal Syrups 2 cups strong herbal tea (one cup herbs steeped in one quart water) 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup brandy 2 tablespoon glycerin While tea is still warm, add honey. Cool. Add brandy to preserve. Keep in refrigerator.

 

 

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