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Page 27
| shred or grind any hard or tough plant material before soaking. |
| To brew a decoction, recommended for most roots, bark or hard, woody material, use the quantities given above and place the herbs and cold water in a stainless steel pan, cover and heat to the boiling point. Lower the heat, simmer the tea for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand another 5 minutes before straining and serving. |
| Example: To brew a mild circulatory tonic with a diuretic effect, mix equal parts of prickly ash bark, dandelion root and powdered ginger, combine 2 cups cold water with 1 to 2 Tbsp. herbs and proceed as above. The bark of the prickly ash tree is a mild circulatory stimulant that appears in many teas and tonics for the heart. Dandelion root, a diuretic herb, helps rid the body of excess fluids. Dried ginger root, a mild stimulant, should be simmered for best results, although powdered ginger can be used in infusions with good results and fresh grated ginger works very well in infusions. |
| Combined infusion/decoction. To make a tea that contains both flowers and barks or both leaves and roots, start by simmering the ingredients that should be decocted (most roots, seeds and barks), then after 10 to 15 minutes, remove from heat, add the ingredients that should be infused (most leaves, stems and blossoms), cover and let stand an additional 10 minutes. |
| Example: For improved circulation, especially if the hands and feet are cold, combine 3 parts prickly ash bark with 1 part dried chopped or powdered ginger. In a separate container, combine 3 parts hawthorn berry with 2 parts gotu kola leaf. For each cup |
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