This herbal tea decoction is a simple way to extract beneficial plant properties.
If you’re making a tea from leaves or flowers, you’ll want to make an infusion (a tea steeped in boiling water, then strained). But if you’re using a plant’s roots, bark and/or berries, you’ll need to prepare a decoction in order to extract the plants’ beneficial properties.
How to Make an Herbal Tea Decoction
- Measure out approximately 1 ounce (1/2 cup) of dried herbs per quart of water (if using fresh herbs, use 2 ounces).
- Place herbs in a pot and pour water over them. Bring to a boil.
- Stir, cover and reduce heat to simmer.
- Simmer for 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the strength and flavor of the herbs. For very hard or woody herbs, such as astragalus, simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
- Strain, sweeten, if desired, and drink.
Source: Pollak, Jeanine. Healing Tonics. Pownal, Vermont: Storey, 2000.
Read more about the health benefits of herbs: How Herbs Improve Your Health.
