Making Medicinal Teas

Medicinal teas are easy, natural ways to help relieve numerous ailments such as PMS, hot flashes, mood-swings, and fatigue. Here is how to brew your next batch.

For dried herbs and supplies, try

Jean’s Greens

or

Mountain Rose Herbs

.

Single Ingredient Teas



Leaves and Flowers


Pour a quart of boiling water over 4 tablespoons of the herb, cover and steep for 20 minutes, and strain.

Roots, Berries, or Bark


Simmer 4 tablespoons for 20 minutes, then strain.

Tea Blends


For teas that call for multiple ingredients, you’ll save time by making a large batch of dried herbs.

To make a blend, follow the ratio in the recipe, using 1 ounce of dried herb per “part”; for example, if a formula calls for one part each of nettle and oat tops and 1.4 part peppermint, combine 1 ounce each of the first two ingredients with 1.4 ounce of the last. Mix well, and store your blend in an airtight glass container.

To make a quart of tea, a good daily dose for many conditions, pour boiling water over 4 tablespoons of the mixture in a quart-sized heat-proof jar (such as a Mason jar). Cover and steep for at least 20 minutes. Strain the herbs out. Will keep refrigerated for two to three days.

First Published: June 2008