If you forget what to do with your herbs you can get a refresher here, or email me at kentonfcobb@gmail.com

Teas

Infusions are made by steeping the plants in hot water, and are usually made with leaves or other easily-extracted parts. Whether you are drinking a cup or a quart a day, the process will be the same.

This does not have to be precise to the point of stress! The important thing is just to drink some herb in some amount regularly!

1. Boil one quart of water a pot. ( A quart is a large mason jar, 32 oz., about 4 medium coffee cups). Once the water boils, turn off the heat and,
2. Add the herb to the pot in the specified amount (a typical amount is ½ to 1 ounce per quart, or 2-3 heaping tablespoons) and cover the pot to keep the volitile oils and water from evaporating.

   OR

Add the herb and the hot water to a french press or covered quart mason jar.

3. Allow the herb to steep (sit in the water) for a minimum of 10 minutes. In most cases, the longer you let it sit, the better the extraction will be. You can make a quart in the evening and let it infuse overnight.
4. Strain the herb out and pour your tea into a jar or vessel.

Decoctions are made when the herb is tough to extract, such as with roots, barks, berries and fruits, which all tend to be harder than the leafy plant matter suited for infusions.

With an infusion, the goal is to keep on a consistent low simmer for a longer amount of time.

1. Add one quart of water to your pot along with the specified amount of herb. Cover the pot to keep in the volatile oils and water from evaporating.
2. Bring the water to a low simmer. Try to avoid a rolling boil, but its not ruined if it happens!
3. Set a timer or phone alarm so you can leave the kitchen but don’t forget completely! A typical time is 30-45 minutes unless otherwise discussed.
4. Once the time is up, you can let the tea sit and continue to infuse (eg. For hours to overnight) OR
5. Strain the herb out and pour your tea into a jar or vessel. Whether you wait or not, some water will have, so add water to bring the volume back to the original amount (in this example, one quart). This will keep the dosages consistent.

Depending on the suggested amount of daily tea, you may decide to make two or three times the amount at once, refrigerating half for the next day or two. Tea will keep in the fridge for a few days.

If you have trouble with drinking your tea, or if you want change it up, its fine to add other teas and flavors to your blend. Some favorites are; Peppermint, Spearmint, Ginger, Chamomile, Fennel, Chai, Rooibos, Sassafras, and Green or Black Tea.