Herbal Teas for Healing

An herbal tea is any beverage made from the infusion or decoction of plant material in water. Roots, bark, stems, leaves, fruits, buds, flowers, and seeds are all used in herbal tea making. The use of herbal teas for healing is likely as ancient as human beings’ presence on the planet.  Herbal teas can promote healing and shore up the body's natural healing capacity in an incredible variety of ways.

The Foundation
Herbal teas start with two key ingredients: the herb and the water. The water being used should be pure and free of contaminants. Filtered tap water, spring water, reverse osmosis or distilled water, stored or sold in glass or stainless steel containers, are all good choices. Do not make a habit of drinking or using water sold or stored in plastic, especially thin plastic or plastics that contains BPA (bisphenol A), a known disruptor of hormone balance.  

The herb needs to pass a few tests as well. It is important to always use herbs from a trusted company or source that is highly knowledgeable about herbal medicine and ethical about their growing & harvesting practices. This will ensure that the herbs being used are properly identified, safe, effective, and sustainably grown and harvested.  Timing of harvest, parts being harvested, growing conditions, drying process & storing conditions will all affect the healing properties and indications of the herbs being used. Some medicinal plants are in danger of extinction due to overuse. It is important to avoid using herbs that are struggling to survive themselves for our own healing benefits. 

Preparation
There are two main ways to prepare herbal teas, by infusion or decoction. An infusion is the preferred method when using more tender plant parts, like leaves, stems, flowers, and sometimes, fruit. A decoction is the preferred method when using more hardy plant parts, like roots, bark, seeds and sometimes, fruit. 

Infusions can be made with cold or hot water and can be prepared in a French press, stainless steel or glass pot, ceramic or glass teapot with a built-in strainer, or in a mug or glass jar using a tea strainer, tea ball, fillable tea bag, or straining tea straw. If using glass, it is important that the glass is room temperature and not cold when pouring in hot water to prevent the glass from breaking. 

The most common type of infusion is a hot infusion. It is made by bringing the desired amount of water to a boil, taking the water off the heat, pouring it over the herb, and letting it sit, covered, for five to thirty minutes, depending on the herb being steeped. The herb is then strained, pressed from or removed from the liquid and the tea is ready.  A cold infusion is made by pouring cold water over the herb and steeping the mixture in a covered, well sealed container for six to twelve hours. Sun tea is a type of cold infusion where the well sealed container is placed in direct sunlight, typically for four to eight hours. This is my favorite type of infusion for busy people. 

Decoctions can be made in a stainless steel or stove-top safe glass pot. Pots with lids with built in strainers are especially convenient. To make a decoction, place the herb and water in a pot and bring the water to a boil, careful not to boil over. When the water reaches a light boil, reduce to a simmer and let simmer, with the lid on, for fifteen to thirty minutes, longer for hardier plant parts or a stronger brew. The herb is then strained from the liquid and your tea is ready. 

Both infusions and decoctions can be drunk immediately, or cooled to room temperature & refrigerated. They will typically keep for two to three days in the fridge and can be re-heated. If herbal teas are part of your daily wellness plan, making a large batch ahead of time will help with compliance. 

Benefits
Regular consumption of herbal teas can be part of a healing plan to help restore healthy function to the body and ease the symptoms of disease. They can also be used to prevent disease and protect the body from damage and dysfunction. Herbal teas may contain one herb or a variety of herbs. They can be custom blended with different herbs for an individual based on their unique constitution and needs in a given moment or season. 

While herbal teas offer many direct healing benefits and promote balance in the body, they also offer many wonderful, beneficial “side effects”.  Herbal teas can help keep us hydrated throughout the day. They can reconnect us with an ancient healing art while we experience the unique appearance, tastes, smells, and textures of our healing friends from the plant world. They can encourage us to slow down and be present, an important part of healing in the fast-paced culture we live in. They provide a non-toxic way of bringing medicine into the body and are safe for children when prescribed by a knowledgeable professional. They bring us closer to the earth, closer to nature, and closer to the whole source of many of the drugs, bottles and pills that are prevalent in the dominant “healthcare” system and very often, derived from plants themselves.  They can help replace unhealthy habits with healthy rituals. They can provide empowering tools and partners in self-healing and positive change. 

Blending, brewing and enjoying herbal teas can be super fun, sensual and really tasty. Enjoy a cup today and take a moment to appreciate the brewing process and the look, taste, texture, and smell of your self-made medicine! If you'd like to try one of our custom tea blends, blended by our very own Dr. Mottola from her years of experience as clinician helping clients all over the world- please visit our Online Apothecary to view one of our many offerings. 

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