Things You'll Need:
- Fresh or dried herbs
- Non-reactive pot made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel.
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Step 1
Educate yourself about the herbs you are using with an herbal, which is a reference book on herbs. Brew herbs using methods that are best for the particular type of herb you are using.
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Step 2
To make an herbal infusion, boil one cup of water and then turn off the heat or remove from the microwave. Transfer the water to a teapot with a ceramic, glass or other non-reactive surface if the pot in which you boiled the water is made of aluminum or has a reactive surface, including a non-stick surface.
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Step 3
Add 2 teaspoons of dried, crushed herbs or 4 teaspoons fresh herbs and cover. Let the infusion steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain the herbs and retain the water in the pot. Let cool to room temperature, covering the pot so as to avoid letting too much of the aromatic steam escape. Store it covered in the refrigerator. The herbal infusion will stay fresh for 24 hours.
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Step 4
To make a decoction, boil 3 cups of water in a non-reactive saucepan or teapot. Break up one ounce of hard dried herbs into small pieces and add them to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer it covered for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let it steep for another 10 minutes.
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Step 5
Strain the decoction. Cover it and let the reserved liquid cool. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
