Infusions: Plant parts that are delicate, such as flowers and leaves, are best prepared as an infusion.

Hot: This is the most common method for brewing an infusion:

{ Pour pure boiled water over your chosen herb or herbal mixture.

{ Cover the container to retain the volatile oils.

{ Steep for a minimum of fifteen minutes.

Cold: This is the preferred method for herbs which are rich in mucilage. It also works  quite well for plants in the Mint (Lamiaceae) family.

{ Place herbs in a container and cover with pure room temperature water.

{ Let the infusion sit for two to twelve hours, depending upon the herbs used and the desired strength of your brew.

Lunar: Lunar infusions will help to strengthen your intuitive nature. They are particularly well suited for women who have a natural tie with the moon and her cycles.

{ Fill a crystal or clear glass bowl with pure water and float your herbs on top.

{ Place the bowl outside beneath a full moon.

{ In the morning, preferably at dawn, collect your infusion and strain.

Solar: This is your basic “sun tea”. Infusions prepared in this manner have a warm and expanding energy and will help to promote balance.

{ Place herbs in a clear glass container and cover with water.

{ Let steep in the sun for two to eight hours, depending upon the herbs used and the desired strength.

Decoctions: Plant parts that are tough, such as roots, barks and berries, are best prepared by this method.

{ Cover your chosen herbs with water.

{ Bring to a boil slowly, using medium heat – this is a slow and gentle process.

{ Reduce the heat and let simmer for at least twenty minutes

Additional Notes:

{ You may wish to use distilled water for your preparations, especially if you are using herbs that are rich in  minerals. Distilled water is known as “hungry water” and extract a greater portion of the nutrients from the plants.

{  Always use ceramic, glass, stainless steel or enamel to prepare your herbal medicines. Other materials may leech into your preparations.

{  As a general rule, one measure of a dried herb is equal to three measures of the fresh plant.