Articles
 Here are
some tips and hints on how to use dried and fresh herbs, so as to get the most out of
plants and flowers.
Dried herbs are very versatile and can be used in many ways.
The simplest way is to just make them into teas to drink. They can also be made into
decoctions or tinctures, or essential oils,
which are stronger concentrations
of plant essences. In addition, they can also be used in cooking delicious and healthy dishes.
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How To Brew A Cup Of Fresh Herb Tea or Other Tea
 Always
make fresh tea to drink, and drink it at one sitting.
Use only china or glass cups and teapots.
Allow one cup or 200ml of water per single serving of herb.
Bring the water to the boil.
Measure 1 rounded teaspoon of the herb or tea leaves per cup.
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Put the herb or tea leaves into the clean, warmed cup or teapot and pour the correct amount of
freshly boiled water over it.
If you wish, you may place the herb or tea leaves into a clean unbleached teabag before
pouring in the boiled water.
Cover the cup or teapot and leave to brew for 5 to 10 minutes.
A little honey may be added to sweeten. Alternatively, add a pinch of salt.
Drink and enjoy the tea while it is still hot.
For a refreshing drink in hot weather, add ice cubes to freshly-made tea.
Choosing Herb Teas
 Herbs contain natural
chemical phyto-substances which produce a wide range of actions on animal
and human physiology.
Most of these substances help our health by supporting many of the body's biological functions and its
natural healing processes. Many of them also help in improving our mental health and psychological
well-being by calming and soothing our nerves, and by easing
tension in our muscles so as to give overall relaxation.
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Select a suitable tea according to your preference, for your particular requirement, or for
a health condition.
Teas of the flowers and fruits of plants are very pleasant to drink for relaxation. They also
contain the plants' essences which act on our bodies and minds to relieve stresses, calm
anxieties and encourage good health.
Some universal herbal tea favourites are
Lavender,
Chamomile,
Peppermint,
Rose, Lemon, Orange,
Elderflower, Chrysanthemum,
Cinnamon and
Cardamom.
The ever-popular Earl Grey Tea is flavoured with the essential oil of
Bergamot, a citrus fruit native to and cultivated in Italy.
Many herbs taken for health reasons are from the stems, barks and roots of
plants, as these parts contain higher concentrations of the active components.
Common herbs usually taken for health are
Thyme, Sage,
Peppermint,
Rosemary,
Oregano, Clove, Aniseed,
Liquorice,
Green Tea,
Ginseng,
Lemongrass,
Hawthorn,
Mallow,
Verbena,
St John's Wort and Feverfew.
Herbal teas are best drunk singly to appreciate their real flavour. This is
especially so if the tea is drunk for relaxation.
You can also mix herbal teas to get the benefits from each of the teas.
However, a blend of only 2 or 3 types is recommended in order to achieve the desired effects
and still make for a pleasant drink.
For treating health problems, you can mix several types of herbal teas
together to get a holistic effect. Use about 1 teaspoon of each herb in the mix. Drink
the tea mix 3 times a day for at least 1 week, and up to 1 month for best results.
Certain herb teas should not be consumed during pregnancy, during breastfeeding
or in conjunction with certain proprietary medication. Check for cautionary info, warning
labels or ask your health care provider for guidance.
Stop drinking any herb tea if you experience an adverse reaction to it. Many
herbs provide multiple actions, and it should be possible to substitute the reactive herb
with another non-reactive herb.
Drinking Herb Teas For Best Results
 Drink herbal
teas between meals, or before bedtime.
Make a fresh lot of herb tea each time it is drunk.
Use only good quality dried herbs which has not gone past its 'best by' date. Or use fresh herbs,
preferably organic.
Herb teas for better health are usually taken 3 times a day.
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Regular drinking of herb teas improves our bodies' lymphatic and circulatory systems, and supports
the natural detoxifying processes of the body.
To get the best effects of a herbal tea when taken for health reasons, drink
the tea daily for at least 1 week and up to 1 month.
How To Substitute A Dried Herb With The Fresh Herb
 To use fresh herbs in place of the dried herb,
use 3 times the same fresh herb as the amount of dried herb required.
That is, instead of 1 teaspoon of dried herb, use 3 teaspoons of the fresh, chopped-up herb.
Chopping the fresh herb finely will release the oils and components contained within the plant.
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Instead of chopping it, the fresh herb can be pounded lightly in a mortar, or crushed or bruised with the hands.
Use the substitute to make a tea infusion in the same way.
When Drinking Herb Tea After A Meal
 Herb
tea has long been a favourite brew for taking after rich or heavy meals.
Add one of the following to herb tea if drinking it after a meal. These herbs and spices
will expel wind, calm the stomach and aid digestion.
Two or three of the herbs together will give a
chai-type tea.
©Microsoft
- 1 or 2 slices of fresh ginger, or small pinch of
ginger powder
- Several mint leaves, crushed, or a pinch of
dried mint leaves
- A pinch of cumin seeds, crushed
- A star aniseed, crushed
- A cardamom pod, crushed
- A cinnamon quill or a pinch of cinnamon powder
- 2 or 3 cloves, lightly crushed
- A pinch of dried basil or a sprig of fresh basil
- A stalk of fresh lemongrass root, crushed
How To Store Dried Herbs
 Buy enough to
last for about 1 month, then get a fresh lot.
Keep any unused portion of dried herbs or teas in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
Portion out herbs from the air-tight container as quickly as possible, and re-seal the container
immediately, to prevent condensation, which will cause the herb to ferment faster.
©HerbalSenseLife
Herbal teas can keep well for up to 6 months if refrigerated.
Discard any herbs which show signs of fermentation or oxidation.
What To Do With Used Tea Leaves
 If you use tea bags to make
your herb tea, take the bags out of the cup or pot, let them cool down and place still damp over your
closed eyelids. Relax for 5 to 10 minutes. This is a time-tested way of freshening up tired eyes.
Used herbal tea leaves also make excellent compost for your house plants. Spread around the plant but not in
contact with it. Mix into the soil lightly.
©Microsoft
Wash tea leaves well and strain them. Lay out on a tea towel or kitchen paper towels in the sun to dry thoroughly
and completely, occasionally stirring them.
Add several drops of your favourite essential oil to about half a cup of the dry, clean tea leaves and mix in the oil
thoroughly. Place in cloth bags and sew up to seal. Use as moth repellant or air fresheners in cupboards and drawers.
Washed and dried tea leaves can also be mixed with your favourite essential oil and placed in a saucer or small dish
to use as a room air freshener.
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