Making
an Infusion of herbs is just like making a cup of
tea. It is also known as a "Tissane". Infusions
are made when using flowers or leaves
of a plant. If using the bark, seed, or root of a
plant it is necessary to use a stronger method of
extraction, however flowers and leaves only need this
gentle form to extract their goodness into the water.
To make one
cup of herbal tea, you need one small handful of
the herb or herb mix if it is fresh (always
the best) or one heaped teaspoon if it is dry
and one cup of boiling water. If you want to
make three cups use 25 grams of the herb to
1/2 a litre of boiling water. There are various
ways you can make it. You can make it in a teapot,
or in a cup with a saucer covering the top. Leave
5 to 10 minutes and then strain off the herb and drink
your cup of tea while it is still hot.
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
Chamomile, Rosemary, Lemon Balm (also known as Melissa),
Fennel Seed, Lavender, Peppermint, Basil, Sage, and
Thyme to name just a few.
To just enjoy
a cup of herbal tea, try to experiment with different
plants. If you wish to treat yourself medicinally,
then you need to drink one cup of the herb or herbal
mix specifically for your health problem, three times
a day at least over a period of time.
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