How to make tea (infusion)
The simplest, gentlest extraction — water near boiling poured over delicate plant parts. Best for aromatic herbs and volatile compounds.
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What it is and where it comes from
Documented for 4,000+ years across Chinese, Egyptian, and European herbal traditions. The simplest preparation — pour hot water over plant material, steep, strain.
Best for: Aromatic leaves and flowers (lavender, chamomile, mint, lemon balm). Volatile compounds + flavonoids extract well at brewing temperature.
Standard ratio
1 teaspoon (~1g) dried herb per 250ml water · 5-10 min steep covered
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The method step-by-step
- 1Boil water + remove from heat
Aim for ~95°C. Boiling water destroys some volatile compounds; near-boiling preserves more.
- 2Add herbs to a covered vessel
1 tsp dried per 250ml water. Use a teapot with lid or cover the cup — keeps volatile oils from evaporating.
- 3Steep 5-10 minutes covered
Longer for tougher leaves, shorter for delicate flowers. Tannins increase with longer steep — bitter after 15 min.
- 4Strain and drink warm
Sweeten with honey if desired (not for infants < 12 months). Skip milk for medicinal teas — proteins bind active compounds.
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Safety non-negotiable
Read before preparing
- Pregnancy: avoid emmenagogue herbs (parsley, mugwort, pennyroyal) — see each plant's safety profile.
- Children under 3: most herbal teas not recommended without practitioner advice.
- Drug interactions: St. John's Wort tea interferes with many medications.
- Allergies: ragweed-sensitive people may react to chamomile (Asteraceae family).
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Plants with documented tea (infusion) dosage
7Each plant below has a published tea (infusion) dose in our catalogue. Click through for the full profile, mechanism, and safety.
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Want to combine plants?
Tea (infusion) is the form. Mixology is the formula. If you want to combine multiple plants in one preparation — checking compatibility, dose, and synergistic mechanism — use the Mixology Engine.
Open MixologyVI
Frequently asked
What is tea (infusion)?
The simplest, gentlest extraction — water near boiling poured over delicate plant parts. Best for aromatic herbs and volatile compounds. Aromatic leaves and flowers (lavender, chamomile, mint, lemon balm). Volatile compounds + flavonoids extract well at brewing temperature.
How long does it take to make tea (infusion)?
5-10 minutes steeping.
Is tea (infusion) safe?
Pregnancy: avoid emmenagogue herbs (parsley, mugwort, pennyroyal) — see each plant's safety profile.
How long does tea (infusion) keep?
Best fresh; drink within 30 min for full aromatic profile.
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