Gilbert, Arizona, United States
Drink to your health
Herbal teas are a favorite way of using herbs medicinally, they have been used for centuries for their healing benefits. Alicorn Apothecary hopes to bring this ancient tradition back into the lives of many by creating refreshing & nourishing medicinal tea blends. The pure act of infusing tea involves you in the healing process & awakens an innate ability of self-healing!
Herbal teas nourish our mind & body, though medicinal teas are not as potent or as active as tinctures, they are the most effective medicines for chronic, long-term imbalances. I prefer to allow every batch of raw material to give me all it has to offer, the best way to reap each benefit is a longer brew. However, if just starting out, this is a good time to become acquainted with your herbal teas, get the feel of it, allow your body to adjust & slowly build tolerance to the strength of your blends. If you find your tea weak, increase brewing time, if it is too strong, use less/cut with water etc. A bit of experimentation will result in the perfect brew. Soon, you will know the exact potency & measurements for your daily dose of well-being!
Here’s how to make the perfect herbal medicinal brew! Trust me, you can do this, let your taste buds & your senses guide you. Herbal medicine is very forgiving!
Medicinal herbal infusions & decoctions are therapeutic & contain medicinal constituents. Be sure to simmer or steep with a tight fitting lid. Steeping with a lid keeps the volatile oils & beneficial plant constituents inside your tea instead of allowing them to escape with the steam.
Once you combine the hot water to herbs, the magic begins! After a few minutes, it’s no longer just the water acting with the herbs, the water itself changes as the herbs are infused. Releasing compounds, antioxidants & oils. This is why it’s so important to steep for a decent amount of time. With most herbs you can steep a second or third time. Especially if the brew time was short. Brew longer with each successive brew.
Herbal teas can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature or iced. You can store your herbal tea in the fridge 4 days. Sweeten with local raw honey.
For a quick cup of tea, a tea ball infuser is great. Add 1 tsp. of herb to the tea ball, lightly packed, allowing the water to circulate around the herbs. Steep for 5-20 minutes.
I recommend you brew longer to truly get the most out of each herbal blend. Allow to macerate, infuse/decoct 20 min – 4 + hours or over night.
Other constituents begin to release at this time.
Medicinal infusions - Quart mason jar - Drink & Enjoy All Day!
· Put about 1 oz. (approx 6 TSP) of the herbal material in the bottom of a quart size mason jar (32 oz.)
· Pour flash boiled water over the top to within about an inch and a half from the top of the jar.
· Put a lid on. Steep 4+ hours or all night.
· Strain & store in mason jars in the fridge.
*I personally brew herbal teas in bulk, steeping on the stove in large pot (add plant material, add cold water, heat - do not boil, infuse on low) for up to 4 hours & or overnight. Strain & store in mason jars in the fridge. Grab & Go!
*Each blend requires different dosing and preparation: please refer to herbalist recommendations.
i.e. potty please/BE rested vs. allergy and or inflammation blends require different preparations.
*Refer to your herbalist guidance for further medicinal dose & daily consumption requirements.
* Use spent herbs on indoor and outdoor plants for their nutritional values/mulch!
The availability of formulations & pricing may vary depending on apothecary inventory.
What You Need
The Vessel & Supplies
large pot/with lid, french press, tea pot, mason jar, strainer, selected herbs/herbal blend
Filtered Water
fresh filtered/spring water is best
Measurements
Cup: 1 tsp of plant material to 8 oz. of H2O
Bulk Brew: 4-6 tsp (1 oz) to 1 QT (4 cups)
Infusion Time
Get acquainted & find the perfect balance of flavor & therapeutic benefits
25 mins/4 hours/overnight
· Flash boil, simply letting your water boil for a second, immediately turning it off, allow it to cool slightly below boiling point. This is the best temperature for herbal teas so as not to burn the leaves & to preserve the most enzymes in each brew
*approximately 1 oz. of tea will make an average of 15 cups (30+ if you are rebrewing). Depending on the strength/medicinal or enjoyment sipping brew, the volume of an oz. of loose leaf tea can vary. Some teas are light and fluffy & others or dense.
*Local Farmer's Market*
Small Batch Handmade Herbal Remedies.
Targeted Plant Combinations Formulated & Blended for their distinct therapeutic properties that address particular imbalances or ailments! Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, herbal medicine is tailored to individual's unique needs, symptoms, & constitution!
Medicinal Tea, Tinctures, Magnesium Spray, Fire Cider, Poultices, Salves & MORE! Come See Us!
GreenHouse Gardens - Saturdays 9-Noon