Herbal Tea Brewing Guide

The Art & Science of Herbal Tea

Brewing herbal tea is both an art and a science. While the science ensures you extract the beneficial compounds, the art infuses your tea with intention and transforms a simple beverage into a healing ritual.

"The water remembers your intention. The herbs remember the earth. Together, they create medicine."

Essential Equipment

Must-Haves:

• Glass or ceramic teapot/cup: Avoid metal which can alter taste
• Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser: For easy straining
• Kettle: For precise water temperature
• Lid or cover: To trap volatile oils during steeping

Nice-to-Haves:

• Temperature-controlled kettle
• Glass measuring cup for cooling water
• Dedicated herbal tea journal
• Beautiful cups that bring you joy

Water: The Foundation

Water quality matters more than you might think. Your tea is 99% water, so:

Temperature Guidelines

Different herbs require different temperatures for optimal extraction:

Delicate Flowers & Leaves (175-185°F):

• Chamomile
• Peppermint
• Lemon balm
• Rose petals

Most Medicinal Herbs (195-205°F):

• Nettle
• Red raspberry leaf
• Oatstraw
• Red clover

Roots, Barks & Seeds (Boiling - 212°F):

• Ginger
• Dandelion root
• Cinnamon
• Burdock root

Brewing Methods

1. Standard Infusion (Most Common)

Best for: Leaves, flowers, and delicate plant parts

1. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried herbs per cup of water
2. Pour hot water over herbs
3. Cover and steep 5-10 minutes
4. Strain and enjoy

2. Long Infusion (Maximum Extraction)

Best for: Nutritive herbs like nettle, oatstraw, red raspberry leaf

1. Use 1 ounce dried herbs per quart of water
2. Pour boiling water over herbs
3. Cover and steep 4-8 hours or overnight
4. Strain, refrigerate, and drink within 48 hours

3. Decoction (For Tough Materials)

Best for: Roots, barks, seeds, and hardy herbs

1. Use 1 teaspoon herbs per cup of water
2. Add herbs to cold water in a pot
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer
4. Simmer covered for 15-30 minutes
5. Strain while hot

4. Cold Infusion (Delicate Compounds)

Best for: Mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow root, slippery elm

1. Use standard proportions
2. Add room temperature water to herbs
3. Let sit 4-12 hours
4. Strain and gently warm if desired

Proportions & Timing

General Guidelines:

• Dried herbs: 1-2 teaspoons per cup
• Fresh herbs: 2-3 teaspoons per cup (double dried amounts)
• Steeping time: 5-10 minutes for standard teas
• Covered steeping: Always cover to preserve volatile oils

Creating Your Tea Ritual

Transform tea brewing from task to ritual:

1. Set Your Intention

Before you begin, take a breath and set an intention for your tea. What healing are you inviting?

2. Engage Your Senses

• See: Notice the colors and textures of your herbs
• Smell: Inhale deeply as you open your tea
• Touch: Feel the herbs between your fingers
• Hear: Listen to the water boiling, the pour
• Taste: Sip slowly, noticing all flavors

3. Create Sacred Space

• Light a candle
• Play soft music
• Sit in your favorite spot
• Turn off devices
• Breathe deeply

Enhancing Your Tea

Natural Sweeteners:

• Raw honey: Added when tea cools to preserve enzymes
• Maple syrup: Adds minerals
• Stevia leaf: For sugar-free sweetness

Therapeutic Additions:

• Lemon: Increases iron absorption
• Ginger: Enhances circulation
• Cinnamon: Balances blood sugar
• Milk of choice: For creamy, grounding teas

Storage & Freshness

Proper storage preserves potency:

• Store in airtight containers away from light
• Label with date and contents
• Use within one year for best quality
• Trust your senses - if it smells vibrant, it's still potent

Troubleshooting

Tea too bitter?

• Lower water temperature
• Reduce steeping time
• Use fewer herbs

Tea too weak?

• Use more herbs (not longer steeping)
• Check water temperature
• Ensure herbs are fresh

Tea tastes "off"?

• Check water quality
• Clean equipment thoroughly
• Ensure herbs are properly stored

Remember: The most healing cup of tea is the one you drink with presence and gratitude. May each sip bring you closer to wellness.