From harvesting to drying, infusing, and decocting plants requires careful preparation.
Whether dry or fresh, loose or in bags, many plants are used to prepare herbal teas with multiple health benefits. Herbal teas can be prepared using two methods: infusion and decoction. But just like tea, this beneficial drink requires precision and know-how.
Choosing plants for infusion
If you want to do your own harvesting, it is essential to know how to identify plants. Most medicinal herbs are collected from the end of February to the beginning of November. Depending on the active part used, there is an optimal time for harvesting. Flowers are picked at the beginning of blooming, leaves before and during blooming, roots in spring and autumn, and fruits when fully ripe. Be sparing in your harvesting, collect according to your needs, and do not damage your picking areas… think about next year.
Choose healthy plants that grow in areas far from pollution. Collect flowers and plants that you know well. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist.
Drying and storing medicinal plants
Whether you gather dandelion, thyme, rosemary, or chamomile, you can make herbal teas from fresh plants. But of course, the point of harvesting herbs is to build a home pharmacy of medicinal plants and draw from your reserves throughout the year.
After a quick cleaning, chop your plants and place your harvest on a clean cloth in a warm, ventilated room. For harder, woodier parts (roots, barks), artificial drying is possible in an oven not exceeding 35°C (95°F). Once your harvest is fully dry, store it in glass jars, cardboard boxes, or paper bags.
Preparing herbal tea from fresh or dried plants
Herbal tea is reserved for the delicate parts of plants: flowers and tender leaves. Fresh plants are chopped and placed in a cup or teapot made of glass or porcelain—metal should be avoided. Boil spring or filtered water and pour it over the plants. Allow a quick infusion (maximum 1 minute) for fresh plants. Dried plants need a longer infusion (2–3 minutes). The tea should retain a pale color: yellow or light green.
The amount of plant needed for ¼ liter of water is one teaspoon.
Avoid sweetening herbal teas whenever possible. If you wish to sweeten them, use good organic honey.
Decoction of medicinal plants
For the harder parts of the plant (roots, bark), decoction is preferred, as it extracts all the active principles. Chop the plant carefully. Place it in cold water and bring it to a boil for a few minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.
But don’t worry—if you don’t have the opportunity to prepare your own herb reserves, “organic” herbal teas are available commercially in individual sachets.
Sources:
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La pharmacie du Bon Dieu, Fabrice Bardeau, Le Livre de Poche
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La santé à la pharmacie du Bon Dieu, Maria Treben, Ennsthaler