🫖 How to Prepare Teas Correctly: Infusion, Decoction, and Other Methods

Did you know that the way you prepare your tea directly affects its therapeutic properties? Each part of the plant—leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, or bark—requires a different method to extract its active compounds properly.

In this post, you’ll learn the main methods: infusion, decoction, maceration, and digestion—with homemade recipes and practical tips to get the most out of your herbs.

🌿 INFUSION – For leaves and delicate flowers

How to do it:

1. Boil water and turn off the heat.

2. Pour over the herb (1 tsp per cup).

3. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Strain and drink.Examples: Chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint

👉 Soothing Tea Recipe

• 1 tsp chamomile flowers

• 1 tsp lemon balm

• 200 ml hot water→ Steep for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy before bedtime.

🌱 DECOCTION – For roots, bark, and hard seeds

How to do it:

1. Add the herb to cold water.

2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.

3. Cover, let rest for 5 minutes, then strain.Examples: Ginger, cinnamon stick, pau d’arco

👉 Digestive Tea Recipe

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 250 ml water→ Boil for 15 minutes. Strain and drink after meals.

💧 MACERATION – Cold water extraction

How to do it:

1. Soak the herb in filtered water for 6 to 12 hours.

2. Strain and use.Examples: Flaxseed, marshmallow, mallow

👉 Cough Relief Drink

• 1 tbsp flaxseeds

• 1 cup water→ Soak for 8 hours. Stir and strain. Drink throughout the day.

🔥 DIGESTION – Gentle heat extraction (water bath)

How to do it:

1. Place herb in a double boiler with water.

2. Simmer gently for 30 to 60 minutes.Example: Barbatimão bark (for external use)

👉 Uterine Bath Decoction

• 2 tbsp barbatimão bark

• 500 ml water→ Simmer in a water bath for 40 minutes. Strain and use warm as a sitz bath.

📏 Ideal Dosage Guide:

• Leaves/flowers: 1 tsp per cup

• Roots/bark: 1 tbsp per cup

• Seeds: 1 tbsp for maceration

🌸 Final Tips:

• Always cover the cup or pot while steeping.

• Use filtered or spring water.

• Consume your tea fresh—preferably the same day.

• For therapeutic use, consult a qualified professional