How to Brew Herbal Tea, Guide to Infusions, Decoctions & More
Brewing herbal tea isn’t just about pouring hot water over herbs—each plant part needs its own method to unlock flavor and benefits. Whether you're steeping delicate flowers or simmering hardy roots, this guide breaks it all down for you in plain English.
☕ What’s the Difference Between Herbal Tea and True Tea?
Herbal teas (also called tisanes) come from herbs, flowers, roots, seeds, and fruits—not the tea plant.
True tea comes from Camellia sinensis (green, black, oolong, etc.).
Each type of tea or herb benefits from a specific method of preparation—let’s explore the most useful ones.
🍵 Common Tea Methods Made Simple
1. Infusion (Hot Steep) Leaves & Flowers
Use for: Leaves and flowers (like chamomile, mint, lemon balm)
How to do it: Pour hot water over herbs, cover, steep 5–15 min
Tools: Mug with infuser, teapot, French press
Shelf life: Best fresh; refrigerate up to 24 hours
2. Decoction (Simmering) Roots Bark, Seeds
Use for: Roots, bark, seeds (like ginger, cinnamon, elderberry)
How to do it: Simmer herbs in water for 15–30 min, then strain
Tools: Saucepan, pot, mesh strainer
Shelf life: Store in fridge up to 3 days
3. Cold Infusion Heat Sensitive or Mucilaginous Herbs
Use for: Heat-sensitive or mucilaginous herbs (like marshmallow root, hibiscus)
How to do it: Steep herbs in cold water 4–12 hours in the fridge
Tools: Mason jar or pitcher
Shelf life: Drink within 24–36 hours
4. Overnight Infusion - Nutritive (Vitamin Rich) Herbs
Use for: Nutritive herbs (like nettle, oatstraw, red clover)
How to do it: Steep in hot water overnight (4–12 hours)
Tools: Mason jar with lid
Shelf life: Store up to 2 days in fridge
5. Solar Infusion (Sun Tea)
Use for: Gentle, aromatic herbs (like rose, lemon balm, mint)
How to do it: Place herbs and water in a clear jar; sit in sun for 3–6 hours
Tools: Glass jar with lid
Shelf life: Drink same day; refrigerate max 24 hours
6. Double Extraction
Use for: Mushrooms and medicinal roots (like reishi, chaga)
How to do it: Simmer herbs, then combine with a tincture made in alcohol
Tools: Pot, glass jars, dropper bottles
Shelf life: Final product lasts 6–12 months
🍃 What About True Tea (Camellia sinensis)?
True teas (green, black, oolong, etc.) come from one plant: Camellia sinensis. Each type needs specific temperatures and times:
| Type of Tea | Temperature | Time | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | 160–180°F | 1–3 min | Light, grassy |
| White | 160–185°F | 4–5 min | Soft, floral, sweet |
| Oolong | 185–205°F | 3–5 min | Smooth, roasted |
| Black | 200–212°F | 3–5 min | Bold, malty |
| Pu-erh | 200–212°F | 3–5+ min | Earthy, mellow |
🧊 Storage Tips
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Always cover while steeping to trap essential oils.
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Strain and refrigerate leftovers in clean glass jars.
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Most teas are best consumed within 1–3 days (stronger ones like decoctions last longer).
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re brewing for taste or wellness, how you prepare your tea makes all the difference. Try different methods and find what works best for your herbs—and your rhythm.