How to Make Teas, Infusions, Decoctions and Extracts

Teas: Teas are not as potent as infusions or decoctions. If you are looking to heal an ailment, the teas are not strong enough to administer the necessary medicinal dosages. Many people have given up on herbal medicine after trying a "healing" tea. Herbal teas are beverages used to give subtle healing properties in small regular dosages. For healing of a specific illness or ailment, you will need to use an infusion, decoction, tincture, extact or capsule in the proper dosages for your age, weight and health. To make a tea, you use 1 tsp of herb (leaves, flowers, tender stems) to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 minutes. If using barks, woody stems, or roots, boil the tea for 3 minutes and let steep for 2.

Infusions: This method is used for the tender parts of the plants: leaves, flowers and tender stems. Bring a pint of water to a boil and remove from heat. Add 1 ounce to dried herb. Cover pot tightly and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Strain and press herbs.

Sun Infusions: Sun infusions are fun to make and can be very potent. Use a 1 quart, clear glass jar with tight fitting lid. You add 1 pint of water to 1 ounce of herb. Set outside in bright direct sunlight for 3-5 hours. Shake every hour to evenly distribute herbs. Some herbalist let them sit in the sun for an entire week, but I have found this unnecessary and am concerned about bacteria growth for internally ingested recipes.

Decoctions: This method is used for the tougher parts of the plants: roots, woody stems and barks. Similar to the infusion, but the herbs are boiled because properties of the tougher parts of plants are not easily transferred to the water. Put 1 ounce of herb in one pint of water. Bring to boil and then let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain. Refrigerate if you will not use within 24 hours. If refrigerated, use within 48 hours.

Extracts: Fluid extracts are more potent than tinctures. They are basically concentrated herbal tinctures. They are made by boiling herbs and evaporating liquid to the desired concentration and are usually commercially made. When using extracts, use approximately half the dosage you would in a tincture. Commercial preparations can vary greatly, so use wisdom and discretion.

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