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Tea Time: Medicinal Herbal Tea's
Tea Time: Medicinal Herbal Tea’s
Tea is a time-honored and widespread preparation method used by cultures around the world today – for at least the past 3,000 to 5,000 years, as well. This makes sense because teas utilize the most popular and available liquid substance in the world: water. Water at its boiling point {212 degrees F} will remove, or extract, most if not all of the valuable active chemicals from a herb,…
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Apothecary Lesson #3: Herbal Decoction Vs. Herbal Infusions
Hello everyone, it’s Davide. Today, I wanted to touch on a very simple, yet overlooked and integral part, of Apothecary: infusions and decoctions. Most of the time, they are used interchangeably, and at times the lines between their differences can blur, however, I’m going to teach you how to not only create both, but also give some combinations as to what herbs should, and could, be used for both infusions and decoctions. Alright, now let’s get started!
Firstly, we should cover the differences between an infusion and a decoction. Infusing is the steeping of dried, “fragile,” parts of herbs, such as the flower, bud, and leaves. Decocting is the boiling of the “heartier” parts of the herb, such as the stem, root, bark (depending upon the plant), and leaf. The crossover is the instance of leaves in both decoctions and infusions, however, whether you decoct leaves or infuse them just depends on whether or not you’re using fresh leaves or dried ones--that is, if the leaves are all that is being used in your recipe. For instance, fresh Echinacea leaves tend to be waxier than their dried counterparts, and therefore, it might take a longer time for the plant’s properties to be transferred to the water, so if using fresh Echinacea leaves, a recipe might call for you to decoct, and for dried Echinacea leaves, the recipe might call for you to infuse it instead. However, whether you decide to infuse or decoct your herbs is up to your personal preference on the potency of the herbs in your recipe. Execution of any recipe is key. I suggest experimenting with what you feel is best. For instance, for dried mint leaves, I prefer infusing them, however, for fresh mint leaves, I prefer decocting them. For dried peppermint leaves, I prefer to decoct them, as the stems tend to still be attached to the leaves. For the fresh peppermint leaves, I also decoct. Now, onto the instructions!
Recipe One: Herbal Infusion
Ingredients:
3 parts water
1 parts herb (by volume, not weight)
Utensils:
Medium sized pot
Stove-top
Tea Strain (completely optional)
Instructions:
Set your stove to low
Pour your water into the pot, and set upon the stove; wait until you reach a light simmer.
If you have the tea strain, place the herbs into it, and drop into the pot of simmering water. Immediately turn the stove off, and let the herbs steep for 5 minutes.
If you do not have a tea strain, turn the stove off first before putting the herbs into the pot. Let steep for 4 minutes. this change usually is very minimal and doesn’t affect the final product, however, as a self proclaimed perfectionist, this slight change tends to go a long way--at least for me
Herbal Infusion Combinations:
Nettles + Calendula + Basil = Hair Care
Lemon Balm + Lavender + Yerba Santa = Tension Tamer
Hibiscus + Echinacea + Sage = Antibacterial Rinse
Recipe Two: Herbal Decoction
Ingredients:
3 Parts Water
1 Part Herbs
Utensils:
Medium sized Pot
Stove Top
Cheesecloth/Fine Mesh Sieve
Container to hold Decoction in
Instructions:
Set stove to medium low heat
Place pot on the stove, and pour in water. Once the water reaches a simmer, pour in your herbs, and cover.
Set heat to low, and wait until the water reaches a second simmer (approximately 4-5 minutes). Take the water off of heat, and let herbs steep for approximately three minutes.
Once the herbs are done steeping, the water should have drastically changed in color and possibly even transparency, depending upon the herbs used.
Using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve, strain decoction into your container, removing herbs and any particles left in your decoction.
Enjoy!
Herbal Decoction Combinations:
Saigon Cinnamon (Whole) + Ginger + Astragalus Root = Circulatory Aid
Marshmallow Root + Rosemary + Ginseng = Cell Repair
Citrus Peel & Pith + Wild Cherry Bark + Slippery Elm Root = Nasal Passage Aid and Expectorant
Thank you all so much for reading, and I hope this template formula helps you in all your apothecary endeavors! Cheers!
References:
https://www.herbaffair.com/herbal-properties-guide/
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/traditional-remedies-herbal-infusions
https://theherbalacademy.com/herbal-decoction/
A Witch’s Guide to Medicinal Teas
A Witch's Guide to Medicinal Teas is a straightforward (and notably handsome) guide to preparing and drinking medicinal-strength herbal teas. Includes brief descriptions of herbal tea preparations (simples, hot infusions, decoctions, and cold infusions), as well as detailed illustration of herbs and short recipes throughout.
Written and designed by community herbalist Brittany Ducham. Published through Spellbound Herbals. 12 pages, half-letter size.
Hello sir,namaste, now a days many people are interested in ayurveda and natural therapies, but one has to be cautious ,like i saw in net an articles about adverse effect of heavy metals esp lead in ayurvedic medicines,now i wish that you please suggest regarding the same,ie any way in india where we can be safe before taking ayurvedic medicines,any special ayurvedic medicine which contains more of these heavy metals esp lead and how to go practically in using ayurvedic medication, regards
The medicines insystem of Ayurveda are produced in accordance with formulas prescribed inclassical pharmacopoeias. Rasa Tarangini and Bhaishajya Ratnavali are two ofsuch classical compilations. These medicines were produced in limitedquantities with best of the raw materials and best of the purifying processesby few pharmacies. The medicines were prepared under supervision of experiencedVaidyas (Physician and Pharmacist). The pharmacies operated with traditionalearthen furnaces and alloy utensils that were considered best fit for preparingthese medicines. These medicines were in form of bhasma (potentiated powder)and decoctions (herbal liquid with self generated alcohol). The efficacy andhealing potential of such medicines was unparalleled. The Ayurveda physiciansprescribed these medicines to the patient in set quantity to be taken for a specificperiod.
However, the recentsurge in demand has led to mass production of Ayurvedic formulations bypharmacies that do not follow any purification methods or traditional preparationpractices. These medicines are prepared in factories. The ingredients are mixedin set quantity and packed in form of tablets. This is the reason for presenceof heavy metals in these preparations. Moreover, the efficacy of thesemedicines is not even 10% of medicines prepared by traditional processes. In myexperience of usage and prescribing, I have found the medicines produced byDivya Pharmacy, Himalaya, Sri Sri Ayurveda as worth a trash. The medicinesprepared by Dabur, Zandu, Baidyanath and few other renowned pharmacies are alsomass produced but are better than medicines produced by new entrants. The pharmacies like Unjha, Gurukul Kangri, Dhootapapeshwar and ones inKerala are still producing medicines with traditional methods. Their medicineshave a greater efficacy. You may not find these medicines in every store due tolimited production but they are available with good stockist and retailers.
The last thing I wouldlike to mention is to follow the dosage prescribed by the physician. Do not take ayurvedicmedicines like OTC medicines available for headache and fever. Most ayurvedicmedicines are prescribed for duration of few weeks to maximum of three months.The physicians change the formulation by factors like climate, season and stateof tridosha (vata, pitta and kapha) in the body.
Check out my book on practical detoxification techniques.The Morning Cleanse is available on Kindle App and Kindle device.
WHY A DECOCTION TINCTURE?
WHY A DECOCTION TINCTURE?
If you have dabbled in making your own medicinal herbal remedies, chances are you have likely entered the world of tinctures. Those little dropper bottles of herbs you see in the natural food store rely on alcohol to pull key constituents from plants, and with most plant properties, alcohol does an excellent job. Tinctures are easy to take, keep for years, and act quickly because they absorb…
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Homemade Medicine
Guide to make your own simple, effective herbal remedies
Making our own herbal medicines and body care products can save money and improve our health, and it’s much easier than you may think. If you already make herbal teas, then making infusions, decoctions, tinctures, salves and poultices can quickly become part of your repertoire, too. Don’t worry if they sound confusing; you’ll soon discover…
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Springtime Herbs To Have On Hand
Springtime Herbs To Have On Hand
Traditionally, the days around the Vernal Equinox (mid to late March) and the month(s) after it was seen as a time of intense, rushing energy: days get longer and the sunlight more intense, the first signs of green growth emerge, and wildlife stirs again. Herbalists still consider this a time when the more inward, ‘congealing’ energies of Winter begin to transition into the more outward,…
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Most modern folk remedies use Chervil tea as a spring and fall blood-purifying tonic because Chervil stimulates the appetite. It also acts as a mild diuretic and is warming to the body.The 17th-century herbalist Culpepper and the Roman scholar Pliny would agree with this modern application; they both suggested using insurable to warm and please cold stomachs.Chervil was used widely in the Middle Ages. Chervil is a member of the Umbelliferae family, and became a mainstay for treating weaknesses that often comes with old age, memory loss, women's troubles, and the black plague. Despite its long history as a medicinal herb, Chervil shines best in the kitchen. It is slightly sweet and gives off the flavor and faint hint of anise. This makes Chervil ideal for adding depth to soups and sauces, potatoes, and egg dishes, thereby getting the additional benefit at the same time.Chervil is an excellent way of reawakening the spirits and increasing vitality. This herb will help to stimulate digestion and waste removal in a slow-acting and gentle nature. Therefore, it's best to use it over a long time. Recommended use should be every day for at least two months. Chop the leaves and scatter them over bread or hot steamed vegetables. If you can, add them to your salads as well.Chervil's gentle warming action may also be extremely helpful in stopping hiccups. Just chew a generous amount of leaves in your mouth. You can swallow the juices but spit out the pulp.Chervil's therapeutic effect will stimulate circulation, purifies the blood and urine, and will promote sweating. Digestive complaints can be reduced because of the essential oils found in Chervil. Together with bitters, the oils will positively affect the gallbladder and promote the secretion of gastric juices. Tea made from the leaves stimulates the kidneys and metabolism.Chervil has also been known to treat cough, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, eczema, gout, abscesses such as pockets of infection, and other conditions. However, there is insufficient evidence as to the rate of effectiveness of these conditions.Chervil is a good source of calcium and potassium. There really isn't enough information to understand how well it might work. Chervil and chervil extracts like those saved in tinctures are likely safe if you use them in food.The appropriate dose for use as a treatment depends on several factors. These will be a person's age and health at the time of dosing and several other conditions. There is not enough scientific evidence to determine the appropriate range of doses that should be considered for Chervil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always safe, and the amounts can vary. It would always be best to speak with the pharmacist or physician, or other healthcare professionals before using.At one time, Chervil was called Myrrhis because of the volatile oil that could be extracted from the Chervil leaves, which bears a very similar aroma to a substance called myrrh.Folklore has said that Chervil makes a person merry, sharpens the person, and can give more energy and youth to an older person. It also symbolizes sincerity. Its flavor and fragrance resemble the myrrh that was brought by the wise men to baby Jesus. Because of this and because Chervil represents new life, it is linked to Easter celebrations and parts of Europe where it is traditional to serve Chervil soup on Holy Thursday.There are various medicinal properties attributed to Chervil. It is recommended that you use not only the leaves but also the stems and roots as well. You can use them in cooking as a diuretic and purgative effects on the body. You should, in these conditions, take advantage of its health benefits because it's rich in vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, and vitamin B9, as well as trace elements and minerals.Chervil can be used in the form of decoctions, infusions, poultices, and fresh juice. A poultice would be made from the decoctions of the tiny flowers that grow on Chervil. They are put on parts of the body to soothe, and the herb also alleviates breast engorgement for breastfeeding mothers and kidney congestion.Chervil poultice can also be used with rheumatism as it can calm the ailment. It is a very relaxing rub and a powerful decongestant. It can relieve insect bites and contusions. Its antiseptic properties are used for treating wounds. Fresh herbal sap will assist in closing wounds quickly. Chervil can also rid you of specific dermatitis and skin rashes.Chervil's main use is an herb. Its primary use is in culinary kitchens. It's recommended not to store shareable for too long. Best to consume it after it was harvested. You can eat shareable raw if you are treating for hick-ups. It's also used to season mixed salads, soups, fish, shellfish, meat, and omelets.
