I'm making a herbal tea from SRATCH, to extract the most amount effect out of the herbs, how long should I?

4 responses so far ↓

• 1 Sue R // May, 2008

  When making herbal tea it is best to steep for only 5 - 7 minutes. Also, do not use boiling water. Bring the water to boil, then let cool down for a minute or two.

• 2 Lardiver // May, 2008

  a good thing is boil bones to get the calcium out add a little vineger to get the calcium out of the bones and make soup with the water,feed the bones to the dog after. you have the calcium in the water.

• 3 Sarah9847 // May, 2008

  Depending on the herbs being used, you should let it steep for 2 - 7 minutes. Again, its just going to depend on the herbs being used.

  Make sure the water you are using is fresh, thats one important bit. Also, don't pour boiling hot water over the tea! Let it cool for a minute or so, then pour it over and let the steeping begin!

• 4 Janet S // May, 2008

  This depends on the herb being used and the part of the plant used. It can vary widely — from steeping in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes, to boiling for 10 minutes and letting it steep overnight. Extra-long steeping doesn't necessarily mean getting more helpful properties — sometimes only produces more tannic acid or bitterness. And a few herbs only extract well in alcohol, like Black Cohosh.

  Typically, for leaves and flowers you would pour boiling water over them, cover to prevent steam escaping and let steep for about 5 minutes, strain and serve. For roots and seeds, you would put them in a saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer 5 minutes, remove from heat, cover and let steep another 5 minutes, strain and serve. That's just a general guideline.

  Here's one source of bulk herbs. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkherb/a.html
  This link takes you to the page starting with "A." Click on the link to any herb's "contemporary info" to get guidelines for how to prepare and how much to use.

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