Let’s talk about herbal tea or “tisanes”!
This is one of the most popular and accessible preparations, so I think it’s a great place to start… Anybody can do it!
Herbal tea or a tisane (tea-zan) is an infusion made from plants other than Camellia sinensis (used to make black, green or white tea), which is what we normally refer to as “tea.” Water-based extractions usually use the leaves, stem or flowers, but you can also use ground berries, roots or bark (cinnamon, marshmallow, dandelion root, licorice root, etc.)
Water draws out:
- vitamins and minerals
- starches, gums, sugars
- tannins
- acids
- some glucosides and volatile oils
To prepare a regular infusion, place dried or fresh plant parts into a teapot, large Mason jar, or any other container with a tight-fitting lid, and fill with boiling water; cover.
Allow to steep for 10 to 30 minutes. After herbs are strained, drink either cold, hot or at room temperature.
Some herbs that extract well fresh:
- angelica
- calendula
- catnip
- dandelion
- lemon balm
- lovage
- plantain
- self-heal
Herbal teas are a great way to incorporate herbs into your life. Inhaling the steam of a hot herbal tea is both relaxing and beneficial!
We encourage you to start experimenting with this today. Just pick an herb and get to know it – the smell, the flavor, the energetics. Learning by having an experience with the herb is the best way to cement it into your mind!
Let us know what you try! Join our community to connect with other herbalists.
Health & Joy
