
How to make a Medicinal Herbal Tea!
Dried cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus), Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, San Francisco, California
Recommendations
Start with dried, cut or chopped herbs. Powders can be used but make a thicker tea. Use less powder.
Aerial parts: Leaves, flowers, stems
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Ratio: 1 Tablespoon of herbs per 8oz of water.
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Method: In a tea kettle or pot, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and pour over herbs in a mug or tea pot. You can use a tea ball, tea bag or just loose leaves.
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Steeping: Steep in the water 20-30 mins. For a full strength tea, strain and enjoy! If it is too cool, just re-heat.
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Daily Batch: To make enough tea for a day (about three cups), use 3 Tbsps. or slightly under 1/4 cup of herbs to 3 cups water. You can make your daily teas at night as well. Simply follow instructions for a day’s worth, let it steep overnight and strain the morning. Reheat if you like.
Roots, Seeds, and Barks
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Ratio: 1 Tbsp herbs per 8oz of water. Add a little more water to account for evaporation.
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Method: In an uncovered pot, combine herbs and water. Bring to a boil and turn down to a low simmer. Continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain into a mug or pot and enjoy!
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Daily Batch: To make enough tea for a day (about three cups), use 3 Tbsps or slightly under 1/4 cup of herbs to 4 cups water.
Medicinal Mushrooms
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Ratio: 1 Tbsp mushroom pieces per 10oz of water. For reishi slices, use about 2 of the larger slices.
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Method: In an uncovered pot, combine mushrooms and water. Bring to a boil and turn down to a low simmer. Continue to simmer for 30-45 mins., the water will evaporate to 8oz of tea. Strain into a mug or pot and enjoy!
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Daily Batch: To make enough tea for a day (about three cups) use 3 tbsp. or slightly under a quarter cup to 4-5 cups water (it will cook down to 3 cups).
All strained herbal teas are good in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Or freeze in ice cube trays and heat as needed!