Medicinal tea is one of the simplest and most traditional ways to work with herbs. Unlike brewing a single cup of tea simply for flavor, medicinal infusions generally use a larger amount of plant material and sufficient steeping time to create a stronger preparation. Teas focus on extracting water-soluble constituents out of plants. Temperatures matter for some constituents so please follow the specific method discussed in your session.
If you have been given a custom herbal tea formula, you may notice that the individual herbs are listed in “parts.” Before you begin making your daily tea, the first step is to use those proportions to create one bulk blend. Once your blend is prepared, making your daily infusion becomes quite simple.
Step 1: Understanding “Parts” in an Herbal Formula
A part is simply a way of describing the proportion of each herb in a formula. It does not represent a specific measurement.
For example, a formula might contain:
Herb 1 — 4 parts
Herb 2 — 3 parts
Herb 3 — 1 part
Together, this formula contains eight total parts.
You can choose the size of your “part” depending on how much tea blend you want to make. If one part equals one ounce, you would measure 4 ounces of Herb 1, 3 ounces of Herb 2 and 1 ounce of Herb 3.
If one part equals one tablespoon, you would use 4 tablespoons, 3 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon.
You could even use cups when preparing a particularly large batch.
The measurement itself isn't what matters. The ratio between the herbs is what matters. As long as you use the same unit for every herb, the proportions of the formula remain the same.
Step 2: Creating Your Bulk Herbal Tea Blend
Once you have chosen the measurement you will use for one “part,” measure each individual herb according to your formula.
Place all of the measured herbs into a large, clean, dry bowl.
Mix the herbs thoroughly. Because dried leaves, flowers, roots and other plant materials can differ considerably in size and weight, take a little time to gently turn the mixture until the different herbs appear evenly distributed throughout the blend.
Transfer your finished tea blend into a clean, airtight container. Label your container and store it in a cool, dry location away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and moisture.
Now you have one bulk blend containing your entire formula in the proper proportions. Instead of measuring each individual herb every day, you can simply measure from your prepared blend.
Step 3: What You'll Need to Make Your Infusion
You don't need elaborate equipment to make medicinal tea.
You simply need a container capable of comfortably holding one quart, or 32 ounces, of hot water and the herbs.
Some convenient options include a:
Quart-size Mason jar with a lid
French press
Teapot with an infuser
Other heat-safe 32-ounce container
An electric kettle or regular kettle can be used to heat your water.
You'll also need a strainer if your brewing container doesn't already have one built in.
Step 4: Measure Your Daily Tea
For this preparation, the basic daily ratio is:
4 heaping tablespoons of bulk tea blend + 1 quart (32 ounces) of water
Measure four heaping tablespoons directly from your prepared bulk blend and place the herbs into your brewing container.
From here, you can prepare either a hot infusion or a long infusion.
Both methods begin in essentially the same way—with hot water. The difference is primarily how long you allow the herbs to remain in the water before straining them.
Method 1: Hot Infusion
Place 4 heaping tablespoons of your bulk herbal blend into your one-quart heat-safe container.
Heat fresh water and pour approximately 32 ounces of hot water over the herbs.
Cover the container. Keeping the infusion covered while it steeps is especially useful when working with aromatic herbs because it helps retain volatile constituents that might otherwise escape with the steam.
Allow the herbs to steep for a minimum of 15–20 minutes.
Once your infusion has finished steeping, strain out the plant material.
Your tea can be enjoyed warm, or you can allow it to cool and drink it throughout the day.
Method 2: Long Infusion — Overnight
A long infusion begins exactly the same way.
Place 4 heaping tablespoons of your bulk herbal blend into a one-quart container.
Pour approximately 32 ounces of hot water over the herbs and cover the container.
Instead of straining the herbs after 15–20 minutes, leave the herbs in the water as the infusion gradually cools and continues extracting for several hours or overnight.
For an overnight infusion, the covered container can be left to cool and steep on the counter or in the refrigerator, depending on the preparation instructions you have been given and your preference.
In the morning, strain out the herbs.
Your finished infusion is now ready to drink throughout the day.
How Much Should You Make?
The goal for this method is approximately:
1 quart — 32 ounces — per day
You do not need to drink the entire quart at once.
Once strained, simply pour yourself a serving and work your way through the infusion over the course of the day. It can be enjoyed warm, room temperature or chilled according to your preference.
If you prepare your infusion the night before, you'll wake up with your day's tea already waiting for you.
Once you become accustomed to the process, the entire routine becomes quite simple:
Blend once. Measure 4 heaping tablespoons. Add 1 quart of hot water. Infuse. Strain. Enjoy throughout the day.
Medicinal tea preparation doesn't need to be complicated. Preparing your formula as a bulk blend ahead of time makes it easy to incorporate your herbal tea into your daily routine while maintaining the proportions of your individualized formula.
Always follow the specific preparation and dosing instructions provided with your herbal formula during your consultation. Different herbs and plant constituents may require different preparation methods.
