Method: Steeping in hot (not boiling) water.
Goal: Preserves delicate oils and nutrients.
Feel: Mild, aromatic, and nourishing.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HERBS
Infusion (The Gentle Extract)
Best For: Flowers, leaves, and aerial parts.
Think of this as an elevated tea ritual. Because leaves and flowers are delicate, boiling them can damage their beneficial essential oils and volatile compounds.
The Method:
- Pour hot (approx. 85°C–90°C) water over your herbs.
- The Time: Cover and steep for 5–15 minutes. Covering is key—it prevents the plant's aromatic oils from escaping with the steam.
- Best For: Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and delicate floral blends.
Cold infusions
Herbs best suited for cold infusions are those high in mucilage (like marshmallow root) or those with delicate, volatile oils (like peppermint and lemon balm). Steeping these in cold water overnight extracts their maximum benefits and flavours while preventing bitterness and preserving sensitive phytonutrients.
How to Prepare
Prep: Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of dried herb (or 2 tablespoons fresh) per 1 cup of cold, filtered water.
Steep: Combine in a glass jar, cover tightly, and leave at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 6 to 12 hours (overnight is ideal).
Strain: Strain out the herbs thoroughly before drinking, warm water can be added to the drink if warm liquids is your preference. Do not heat in microwave.
Decoction (The Deep Extract)
Best For: Roots, bark, seeds, and woody stems.
Method: Simmering in water over heat.
Goal: Softens tough fibres to release compounds.
Feel: Concentrated, earthy, and potent.
How to Prepare (The "Simmer")
This is a more intensive process for tougher materials. Roots, barks, and woody seeds are "locked" behind dense cell walls; a simple soak isn't enough to get the goodness out.
The Method: Place your herbs in a pot with cold water. Slowly bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer.
The Time: Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Keep the lid on to maintain the potency.
Best For: Yellow Dock, White Willow Bark, Wild Yam, and woody roots or dense seeds.
Herbal Poultice
- Place the recommended amount of dried herbs into a bowl.
- Add just enough boiling water to moisten the herbs, creating a thick paste.
- Allow the mixture to cool until it is comfortably warm (not hot enough to burn the skin).
- Spread the herbs evenly onto a clean piece of muslin, gauze, or cotton cloth and fold the cloth over to enclose the herbs.
- Apply the warm poultice directly to the affected area for 15–30 minutes, or as needed.
- Remove the poultice and discard the used herbs. Prepare a fresh poultice for each application.
Helpful Tips
Do not apply to broken skin, open wounds, or infected areas unless advised by a qualified healthcare practitioner. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.
