Guide To Herbal Infusions Tisanes and Teas

Welcome to our introduction to herbal infusions tisanes and teas. In this article you will learn the basis of how to uses herbs for medicinal purposes. Herbal teas are considered to be a favorite way of using beneficial herbs by various users. Even though medicinal teas may not generally be as strong as concentrated herbal remedies or tinctures, they are highly effective for treating chronic diseases.

Making of herbal tea, although considered as an art is quite simple such that even an individual with no experience in cooking can make a great cup of medicinal tea after following simple instructions and procedures. Essential factors like aroma, taste and color can be used to identify when an herbal brew is more effective and ready for use.

How to Make Herbal Tea

Herbal teas can be easily made from a variety of plants. All plant parts including the stems, leaves, fruits, flowers, berries and roots can be easily infused into unique herbal remedies by being steeped to release the essential oil in them. Those wishing to drink herbal tea can do so when it is at room temperature or when iced.

 Simple tools to use: Kettle, Teapot, Strainer, French press for herbs from the garden. Always use none metallic vessels to avoid chemical reactions. For best results use ceramic, glass.

 

Others can decide to blend the mixture with fruit juice or freeze it and give it to children as pops. Herbal tea users are advised to store their remedies in the refrigerator as it may turn sour¹ or turn flat with tiny bubbles when left at room temperature for a long period of time. The mixture when stored in the fridge, can remain in its original state for about 4 days.

The herb to water ratio used may increasingly vary depending on the overall quality of the herb, how strong the herbal tea is intended to be and whether one intends to use dried or fresh herbs. Medicinal tea must be administered in small dosages several times daily for it to be effective.

Herbal tea measurement ratio: For dry herbs use 1-2 tablespoons per cup, if using fresh herbs then double the amount of herbs. For most but not all herbs you will be using hot or boiling water. Use a closed container and leave to steep.

 

When treating chronic problems one should serve the concoction 3-4 times a day. When dealing with acute ailments like fevers, colds and headaches users are advised to take several small sips after every 30 minutes until the infection symptoms subside. For an example of making herbal tea see the exact steps to making Ginger Tea.

What is an Herbal Infusion

Herbal infusions are herbal remedies made from the most delicate plant parts including the flowers, aromatic parts and leaves. Herbal infusions normally provide a new but effective way for users to get acquainted with a new herb. Tisanes are herbal infusions that are made from any plant species excluding ‘Camellia Sinensis.’ The infusions are quite beneficial as they are full of health benefits, healing powers, and flavor.

Conventional Procedures for Making Herbal infusions

The fragile plants used to make herbal infusions should be steeped rather than simmered as they are known to give up their medicinal properties more easily than tougher parts including barks and roots. To make an effective herbal infusion simply mix and boil your concoction in the ratio of a single cup of water to 1 tablespoon of the herb and then steep for almost 30 to 60 minutes.

The quality and type of the herb may affect the amount of water used and the average time required to make the infusion. Novice users should start making their herbal remedies with the above proportions before they start experimenting more with time on their own.

Always let your senses and taste buds guide you while keeping in mind that using more herbs while increasing the steep time is likely to make your herbal brew even stronger.

Herbal infusion tea benefits:

• All herbal infusions except ‘Yerbe Mate’ are caffeine free.
• Tisanes offer a uniquely easy to digest form of plant nutrients and vitamins.
• The herbal infusions are credible as they have been therapeutically used for thousands of years.
• Most of the tisanes are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and nutrients.
• Herbal infusions can be made from various plants, offering different wellness benefits and flavor profiles.

What are herbal tinctures:

Herbal tinctures are unique concentrated herbal liquid extracts that are usually either diluted in juice and warm water or taken by the dropperfull. The highly potent herbal brews are highly concentrated, making it crucial for them to be administered sparingly and carefully. Alcohol is the primary extractant or solvent used in making make herbal tinctures.

Although an insignificant amount of alcohol is used in the process most people, especially those with children or sensitive to alcohol prefer other solvents, especially those made with apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerine.

How to make effective herbal tinctures

When using alcohol as the main solvent for making your herbal tincture, ensure that you use one that is 80-100 proof such as brandy, gin or vodka. Below is the traditional method for making herbal tinctures.

Requirements:

• Herbs.
• Solvent to use (Vinegar, glycerine or alcohol).
• Jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Procedure:

1. Select the herbs you want to use. Use either fresh or dry herbs where possible and place them in a clean dry jar.
2. Pour enough solvent to cover the herbs and continue pouring the menstruum until the liquid used rises to around 2-3 inches above the herbs. Cover the lid tightly after making sure the herbs are totally submersed in the solution. Kindly note that it is better to dilute vegetable glycerine with an equal amount of water or warming vinegar when using them as alternative solvents.
3. Take the jar and place it in a warm location where the herbs will soak for 4-6 weeks.
4. Continuously shake the bottle daily during the waiting period to keep the herb from packing on the bottom of the jar.
5. When the mixture is ready, filter the mixture to separate the herbs and the liquid. Bottle the mixture and keep it out of the reach of children.

The common herbal infusions used today

• Ginger – Used to treat morning sickness, appetite loss, and nausea.
• Yerbe Mate- Contains caffeine and is grown in South America.
• Chamomile- Such infusions provide a calming effect, hence can be used to promote restful sleep.
• Rosehip – Contains antioxidants and can be used to treat arthritis.
• Peppermint – The infusion when taken can aid in digestion and solve various stomach problems.
• Lemon balm- The infusion is considered an effective solution to anxiety and insomnia.
• Milk thistle- Highly effective for detoxification and helping in the appropriate functioning of the liver.
• Hibiscus – The favorite herbal infusion is enjoyed worldwide for its health benefits, tastes, and sweetness.

We hope you found are “Guide To Herbal Infusions Tisanes and Teas” interesting and informative, now go and make yourself some herbal tea. ENJOY…