Excerpt from Herbal Teas by Twilightgirl
Autumn Equinox / Samhain 2008
Herbal Teas are made from the roots, bark, leaves, berries and seeds from a variety of plants and herbs. Unlike traditional teas, most herbal teas do not contain caffeine, so are safe to drink before retiring for the night or if you are simply trying to cut back on your daily caffeine intake. Herbal teas come in a wide range of delightful flavours (and some not so delightful depending on your taste buds!) and they can be drunk hot or cold. Herbal teas are reputed to have healing properties and these are absorbed into your body through the tea.
As with any herb or medication caution should be practiced. Herbs should never be used as substitutes for a doctor's prescription. If you are being treated for any illness and are taking prescription medication seek the advice and consent of your doctor prior to taking herbs. Children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should not take herbs without a doctor's consent.
The most convenient way to make herbal tea is to buy it already made up in a bag, plus you know that this way you're not going to get any surprises in your tea such as a boiled bug or caterpillar! However, if you want a pure flavour with more health benefits then opt for making your own herbal tea. This is easy to do and you can mix a variety of herbs together to form some unusual flavours.
Herbs can be bought either in dried form from the supermarket or local health store or you can grow your own herbs. If you're going to use fresh herbs, you should tear and bruise the leaves so the aromatic oils can be released into the water. You will also need to use more fresh herbs than you would with dried herbs. With most plants, you can just pluck off a few leaves whenever you want to make tea, although try not to strip your plant bare or you could end up killing it!
If you are making herbal tea consisting of leaves and/or flowers this is called an Infusion. To make an infusion place one or two teaspoonfuls of dried herbs into a tea ball and place this in your cup. Pour on boiling water and place a saucer or cover on top of the cup. Covering the cup enables the herbs to infuse. Leave for around 5-10 minutes. After several experiments you will discover the exact timing for your taste buds. Remove the saucer/cover and tea ball then sit back and prepare to enjoy your tea. You can also use herbs in a teapot. Place 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried herb per cup in a teapot, pour on boiling water and give the herbs a stir. Replace the teapot lid and leave for up to 10 minutes. When pouring the tea, use a tea strainer.