The preparation of herbal teas

The preparation of herbal teas: the first step

The preparation of a good herbal tea is not so simple, first of all you need to be well informed about the specific properties of each plant, about the possibility of using its various parts (flowers, roots, woody parts, bark, leaves) and their combination.

Once the specific characteristics of medicinal plants are known through readings and books on phytotherapy or courses and self-study, you can try combining the various parts together. However, if you think you do not have enough patience or desire or time to go into the subject, it is always a good idea to rely on your trusted herbalist for the preparation of herbal teas.

The preparation of herbal teas: the mechanics of phytocomplexes

The good preparation of an herbal tea continues with the effective combination of the individual parts, which gives the possibility of making the most of the phytocomplexes contained in each individual plant. But how do you know which parts or herbs to combine? Take for example a pyramid: at the base there is the basic remedy, which is the herb that contains the active principle, effective for the disorder you want to cure. In second place is the adjuvant, or one or even more herbs that are able to work in synergy with the basic remedy to enhance its effects.

In third place, climbing towards the apex of the pyramid, there is the complement, that grass capable of giving the herbal tea a pleasant taste, and finally the concealer, that herb which improves the organoleptic characteristics of the herbal tea.

Preparation of herbal teas: chopping

When chopping and chopping the herbs that make up the preparation of herbal teas, it is important to follow a careful procedure. The herbs should be picked at the right time, left to dry and then shredded thoroughly, using a mortar preferably in stone or marble, as was done once, without the grass coming into contact with blades or metal parts that can alter the components . The preparation of herbs for herbal teas is carried out correctly if the various parts are chopped into the right size: the herbs must not become dust, otherwise it would be difficult to drip them.

As much as the preparation, it is very important then the preservation of the prepared teas: in glass jars hermetically sealed and away from light.

The preparation of herbal teas: infusion, decoction or maceration?

The final preparation of the herbal teas requires the use of water to activate the properties of the phytocomplexes. You can act in three different ways: infusion, decoction or maceration. For the infusion just boil the water, put the herbs and let it rest for a few minutes, or for a specific time for each plant; for the preparation of the decoction it is necessary to boil the water again after putting the herbs and let it rest.

For maceration, the herbs are left in cold water for a few hours, sometimes overnight, and the mixture is drunk cold.

Important : the herbal tea should be drunk immediately, only in this way the important parts do not evaporate with steam, which is why some cups for the herbal tea have a lid!