Herbal Infusions & Decoctions
I am crazy about DIY blends of herbal infusions & decoctions and once you get a little practiced I know you will too. I know a lot of people find them confusing at first and thus prefer to just use tea bags but that's too bad because making your own blends can be so much fun. It will cost you less and be more nutritious and tasty and offer up more diversity of flavor and less waste. (I always feel bummed out when I go to a cafe and the only herbal tea choices are only mint and chamomile(!) There is so much possibility!
Infusion - we infuse herbs that are more delicate - mostly leaves and flowers. This requires pouring boiled water on top of the herbs, leaving covered to steep (away from heat). I usually do this in a ceramic or glass bowl and cover, to steep.
Some herbs can be left for hours (even overnight) while some really need (and prefer) a short steep or they could go rancid. (Nettle tends to be one of those herbs that likes a short steep, while oat straw you can really steep for ages.)
Once you have strained your infusion, you can put your “tea” in the fridge or drink it room temp/warm. You can also water your plants with herbal teas, they love the extra nutrition too (just don’t do this if you have added milk, lemon, sugar, etc).
You can also make yourself magical moon and sun teas - where you leave your herbs to steep in a glass quart jar (covered) under the full or new moon, or in the sun.
My favorite herbs for infusions are oatstraw, hibiscus, peppermint/spearmint, rosehips, nettle, dandelion leaf. You can create a blend or enjoy them individually, as you prefer. You can drink them hot or cold. They are also great to add oomph to a smoothie or your fire water.
Decoction - this is the method preferred when you have dry roots, bark and berries - they are tougher to extract the nutrients with just a simple steep/infusion, so we cover them with filtered water in a pot, bring to a boil then reduce the heat (to low) - and leave to simmer (anywhere between 20 and 60 minutes).
My favorite herbs for decoctions are ginger, turmeric, elderberries,ashwagandha, dandelion root…
Combining Infusions & Decoctions:
So if you decide you want to have a recipe that includes ginger, turmeric, elderberries AND hibiscus, peppermint, oatstraw (for example) you would make your decoction first, with the roots and berries - then when that is done simmering, remove it from the heat and add your more delicate herbs. Stir well - leave covered for up to an hour (depending on the herbs). Strain and enjoy.
If you are looking for sweetness, you might like to add licorice root.
Here is more information from Mountain Rose Herbs:
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/traditional-remedies-herbal-infusions