Care Use and Storage of your Herbal Products

Storage

If possible, store your dried herbs in a glass container, which will keep them fresh longer. Keep all forms of herbal products in a cool, dark location, even your cooking spices. Many people store cooking spices above their stove. The heat from the stove will rapidly cause the herbs and spices to lose their vitality, rich flavor and potency. And, as with cooking herbs, freshness makes a difference in how well the herb will work for you.

How to Make Tea

Leafy (soft textured) herbs – use 1 tsp. herb to 1 cup of water. Boil the water. Remove from heat. Add the herb, cover and let steep for 10-20 minutes. Do not boil the herb. Strain the herb matter out and enjoy! This is the “infusion” method. Use this method when using leaves, flowers, aromatic seeds (such as Fennel and Anise) and other more fragile plant parts. You will also use this method when using Goldenseal Root and Valerian Root, as they have a high concentration of volatile oils.

Rooty (hard textured) herbs – use 1 tsp. herb to 1 cup of water. Place the herb in the pot with cold water. Cover, and bring to a low boil. Simmer at a low boil for 15-30 minutes. Strain, and cool to the desired temperature to avoid a burn. Enjoy! This is the “decoction” method. You will use this method when using tougher parts of the plant, such as roots, barks and non-aromatic seeds.

Combination Leafy & Rooty herbs – using only the root part of your tea, make the tea according to the directions under “rooty (hard textured) herbs” above. After allowing your tea to simmer at a low boil for 15-20 minutes, remove from heat and add the leafy part of your tea. Cover and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

Medicinal – to make a medicinal tea, fill a Ball or Kerr canning jar half full with root or dried herb, or filled to the top with loosely packed fresh herb. Fill the jar to the top with boiling water, cap tightly and let it sit overnight. Strain and enjoy! This method will result in a stronger tea, which is more medicinal in nature than either of the other methods described above.

Other Helpful Information

Do not use aluminum or copper pots or utensils when making your teas. All others are fine. All teas can be made in large quantities and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Do not reheat your teas in the microwave! This will kill the medicinal and beneficial qualities. You may add honey (never give honey to a child under 1 year of age), lemon, orange, or other flavorings as desired, and you may drink them hot or cold. Enjoy and have fun with your tea!