Herbal Teas  

Herbal tea is also known as a "Tisane". Infusions are made when using the flowers or leaves of a plant. Flowers and leaves only need this gentle form to extract their goodness into the water.

How to make a herbal tea

The standard way to make an infusion, is to pour a cup of boiling water over the material to be infused, let it stand for 5 - 10 minutes, strain it, and drink it.

Using Fresh Flowers or Leaves

When the recipe refers to fresh plant material to be used, a 1/4 cup fresh material is used in the above way.

Using Dried Flowers or Leaves

When the recipe refers to using dried material, use 2 teaspoons of material when making it.

Remember to always cover the container you are making your herbal tea in as many plants contain essential oils which evaporate very quickly so by covering, you keep the majority of these oils and get to drink them. A few examples of plants that contain essential oils include Camomile, Rosemary, Lemon Balm (also known as Melissa), Fennel Seed, Lavender, Peppermint, Basil, Sage, and Thyme.

Bark or seeds

If using the bark, seed, or root of a plant it is necessary to use a stronger method of extraction. Should the recipe call for bark or seeds to be used, use 2 teaspoons of seeds or 1 tablespoon of bark.

You can sweeten herbal teas with honey, or add a dash of fresh lemon juice to enhance the taste.