 INFUSIONS: Leaves, Flowers, Herbs and other thin materials should be prepared as an infusion. Pour 1 cup boiling water, over 1 teaspoon of herb, cover with tight fitting lid to avoid evaporation, let steep for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Do not boil! Strain out botanicals or remove teabag or infuser from the tea, and drink it lukewarm or cool.** Infusions have a short shelf life, so use them soon after you prepare them. DECOCTIONS: Roots, Bark, Seeds and other coarse botanicals should be made as decoctions. Place 1 teaspoon of dried herb in enamel or glass container with 1 cup of pure water. Instead of steeping the mixture, boil it; 5 minutes if material is finely shredded, but if herb is hard or wood, 20 minutes is necessary to produce a good decoction. It helps if herb is first soaked in cold water, then brought to a boil! Decoctions should always be strained while hot. POWDERED HERBS: Use only ¼ teaspoon, poor 1 cup boiling water over the powder, and let steep 3 to 5 minutes. The powder will not dissolve, but will lay on the bottom of the cup. This sediment may be consumed if you wish to do so. *St. Michael the Archangel’s will answer any questions regarding products, however, we cannot, by law, diagnose, prescribe, suggest, or recommend any herbs. Please consult an Herbalist or herb book. We also carry some great herbal books for you reference. |