10 Vital Herbs that Work

 

                                                Sarah Aries
                                             Holistic Herbalist 

 

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  2008 Sarah Aries All Rights Reserved 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapters	Page
Introduction	4
10 Vital Herbs that Work	5
Quiz	7
What’s in a Name	8
Getting the Most from the Herbs	9
To Start With	10
Vital Herbs that Work List of Herbs	11
Bupleurum Root	12
Burdock Root	13
Chamomile Flower	14
Cnidium Seed	15
Dandelion Root	16
Hawthorn Berries	17
Lycium Fruit (Goji Berries)	18
Nettles Leaf	19
Pau D’Arco	20
White Peony Root	21
Storage of Herbs	22
Chart of Brewing Times	23
Steps for Brewing	24
How to Make a Decoction	25
Fun Projects	26
Terminology	28
Final Thought	30

INTRODUCTION

 

Fellow Herb Lover,

 

10 Vital Herbs that Work is an e-book, with a purpose of teaching about herbs.  When I personally first started out with herbs, I had so many unanswered questions, but nowhere to turn.  I went to bookstores, the library, and every seminar I could get to, just to learn more about herbs.  I was always worried about the dosage and frequency of certain herbs.  The herbs were not herbs to me they were like green pharmaceuticals.  The how they work and why they work, were still a mystery to me.  Finally though when I was in terrible pain, I sat down, and read one book in about six hours.   I was determined to get myself better.   Then I got it.  Herbs are nature’s pharmacy.  My pantry, as well as my garden is now full of herbs.  When I started my business, called 1stChineseHerbs.com, my main thought was “Why don’t more people use herbs? “  I really do owe my life to herbs and their healing properties.   Now my hopes are that some of my love and enthusiasm for herbs comes through in this ebook. 

 

Stay Healthy

Sarah Aries
Holistic Herbalist

 

 

10 VITAL HERBS THAT WORK

 

I walked into my first herbal store over 20 years ago, and even then it was fascinating to see all the seeds, roots, twigs, flowers, and fruits.   There were so many questions…

Which herbs are best for me?

How do I use them?

How much to use?

Are there side effects?

My head was spinning, and confusion was starting to grab hold.   I knew right then, that I needed help, in choosing which herbs would be beneficial for the extreme back pain I was experiencing. 

 

So I went in search of the Health Food Store associate, who could give me guidance on how to use this array of herbs.   After explaining my debilitating back pain as the result of 400-pound shelf falling on me, she pointed to a shelf and said,  “that” should help. 

Walking over to the area in which she pointed, I found myself in front of Saw Palmetto, Sarsaparilla, Strawberry Leaf, Tansy, Turmeric, and Uva Ursi.  Once again, the feeling of confusion, and stupidity, came over me.  None, of the herb jars have any useful information on them, excluding the name. 

 

“I can reason this out.  It can’t be this difficult”, I thought to myself.  Saw Palmetto, I don’t know what that is, so try the next one, Sarsaparilla.   Sarsaparilla is in root beer, (no that is sassafras) so that can’t be an herb, which would help my back.  Strawberry Leaf, maybe strawberries, but not the leaf, I thought.  Tansy, no way, I spend months pulling that from my garden.  Turmeric, that is a spice I use, that wouldn’t have anything in it to help my back pain.  Lastly Uva Ursi, have no idea, even how to say it.   More bewilderment, and by now from standing for so long the pain in my back is starting to increase.  I picked Saw Palmetto, not knowing if it was right or wrong. 

 

I went up to the counter, with my pound of Saw Palmetto and asked  “Is this correct for my back pain? “  I thought the clerk was going to need a glass of water, because she was laughing so hard.  Finally after her laughter died down, and my embarrassment grew, she mumbled the words.  “Saw Palmetto is for Male Prostrate.”   Then continued to giggle.  Needless to say, I walked out, no better off than when I walked in.  In fact, I was in more pain. 

 

On the drive home I deliberated on how I was supposed to get better.  The doctors were giving me more and more pain medicine, which seemed to wear off in a short time.  The pain was terrible, just terrible. I absolutely had to make a change, so I drove into a bookstore.  I limped to the door and walked over to the Natural Medicine section.  There I found books on herbs, supplements, back exercises, and natural remedies.  Ahhhh! I can get rid of this pain.   My journey to vibrant health had just begun. 

 

When I began reading these books, I looked up the herbs that had been so vaguely introduced to.  It turned out that I did need Turmeric after all.   The most active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent.  After drinking a small cup of Turmeric tea three times a day, for two weeks the pain reduced.  The nagging pain, which had been with me for over a year, was finally subsiding.  

  

QUIZ ON HERBS

Most people know at least some information about herbs.  Below is a quiz, which will help you to determine your level of knowledge on herbs. Draw a line matching up the Action of the Herb with the Name of Correct Herb.  These are the 10 Vital Herbs that Work, and discussed in detail.

 Hint! Herbs have several uses.  Neem leaf, for example is classified as relieving flatulence, removing phlegm from bronchial tubes and increasing secretion of urine.  However this description would be correct for fennel seed as well.   Let the Quiz begin!  Answers do not have to be in the form of a questions…for those of your who are Jeopardy fans.

HERB                                                                ACTION

1.   Pau D Arco	A.  Diuretic
2.   Chamomile	B.  Regulates menses
3.   Lycium Fruit (Goji Berries)	C.  Boost Libido
4.   Bupleurum root	D.  Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial
5.   Nettles Leaf	E.  Kidney and Liver Tonifer
6.   Dandelion root	F.  Acne and Boils
7.   Burdock Root	G.  Hypertension
8.   Cnidium seed	H.  Combat Urinary Infections
9.   Hawthorn Berries	I.   Liver Protectant
10. White Peony Root	J.  Anti-Spamodic

 

ANSWERS                                              

1.   Pau D Arco	D.  Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial
2.   Chamomile	J.  Anti-Spamodic
3.   Lycium Fruit (Goji Berries)	E.  Kidney and Liver Tonifer
4.   Bupleurum root	I.  Liver Protectant, Liver Tonic
5.   Nettles Leaf	H.  Combat Urinary Infections
6.   Dandelion root	A.  Diuretic
7.   Burdock Root	F.  Acne and Boils
8.   Cnidium seed	C.  Boost Libido
9.   Hawthorn Berries	G.  Hypertension
10. White Peony Root	B.  Regulates menses

 

THE RESULTS

8-10 Correct	You’re a pro! Great job!
6-7 Correct	Good job, but keep learning.
4-5 Correct	Fair. You should try more herbal teas.
0-3 Correct	It’s okay, because you’ll be a pro by the time you’ve read this book!

 

 Did you enjoy this quiz?  This  type of quiz is a Favorite Feature in our Newsletter called Vital Vibes (http://www.1stchineseherbs.com/newsletter.html, sign up today) which can be found at http://www.1stChineseHerbs.com

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

We get calls all day, here at 1stChinese Herbs, and at times, the questions are problematical to figure out.  For example someone called and asked if we had whortleberry, or hurtle berry.   We had no idea what these could be, so we asked for a botanical name.   The botanical name was Vaccinium myrtillus, which are bilberries.  Without the botanical name we would have not known which herb we were looking for.   Or another example of how important botanical names are; is as simple as Sarsaparilla Root with the Botanical Name of  Hemedesmus indicus. 
Common Uses: Useful for rheumatism, scrofula, skin diseases and thrush.   Wait! There is another Sarsaparilla Root, with the Botanical Name of Smilax medica.  Common Uses: A fine tonic and blood purifier that is said to attack and neutralize toxins in the blood.  As you can see they are different.   Another example is Ginseng.   This chart explains the difference in ginsengs. 

 

Notice the differences in the three ginsengs appearance, and the properties, which the three types of ginseng have.   Using the correct ginseng is important to insure the proper results for balancing the body is achieved.

Subtle differentiations in the names of herbs make all the difference in prescribing remedies for ailments. 

That’s what is in a Name.

 Getting the Most from the Herbs

Ever wonder why someone will use an herb like Pau D Arco, and get great results, but then you try it and it does not work as well as it did for your friend. 

 

Each of us is our own Chemistry Set.  Several factors come into play when dealing with herbs:

 

• Digestion and assimilation: How well your body breaks down and absorbs the herb.

 

• How it is taken and what method is used: Such as in liquid, tablet, capsules, or inhaled.

 

• Body Mass and Body weight:  A person weighing 50 pounds is going to take a lot less of the herbs than someone who weighs 250 pounds.

 

• Liver Function:  If the liver is congested, or has decreased liver function, the supplements will not be absorbed.

 

• Supplement Interaction:  Other supplements you may be taking may decrease or increase the effectiveness of the herbs.  Medication and herbs don’t always mix well.  Always check with your physician 

  

Before taking new herbs for the first time.

 

Before taking any new herb, always start off slowly.  I always start off with ½ capsules, or 1/8^th of a teaspoon if in powder.  Take the dose in the morning with food, and then wait 24 hours.  After the 24 hours, if I have not had any side affects, (side affects could be loose bowels, head ache, stomach ache, hives, running eyes and nose or even just a weird feeling) then I will take one full dose.  I will wait again for 24 hours, making sure I have not had any adverse affects.  Then if all goes well I will take a recommend dose, which is on the bottle.  Though I have to tell you, I take Royal Jelly, and even though the bottle says 1 capsules 3 times a day. I only take 2 capsules.   When I take three, I find myself having difficulty in sleeping.    Another factor I have noticed is if I take my supplements spread out throughout the day, I seem to get more benefit from them, instead of taking the supplements all in the morning.   As you can imagine I do take loads of supplements to help support my body functions.  After the 400 hundred pound shelf fell on me, and years of recovery, the proverb of, "Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year." - By Franklin P. Adams, is my motto.

  

To Start With

Before starting this learning adventure on these ten herbs, let me make things a little easier for you with a short explanation of how to use herbs.

 

Ø      DECOCTION is a mixture of herbs and water, which are boiled until the volume of water has been reduced by half its original amount.  The decoction I then drank two to three times a day

Ø      LIQUID EXTRACT (also known as TINCTURE) is an herb or herb mixture which has been put into an alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin base to be taken up to three times a day.

Ø      SOUPS are soups which are made from the herbs for medicinal purposes.  Usually eaten twice a day.

Ø      OINTMENTS or SALVES contain oils and/or fats, but no water added. An ointment is used as a protective layer over the skin. The ointment can be either healing or comforting. Ointments are used as necessary.

Ø      POULTICE is a moist, usually warm or hot mass of plant material applied to the skin (or with cloth between the skin and plant material) to instigate a medicinal action.

Ø      CAPSULES are empty gel caps which are filled by you. Filling your own capsules can save you over 50% in contrast to store-bought products. Here are some examples of how much just one pound of powder will fill in “size 00” capsules. (The milligram weight [mg] differs due to the consistency of the powder. Some powders are extremely fine and fluffy, while others will pack easily into the capsules.)

 

HERB	MILLIGRAMS OF POWDER	NUMBER OF CAPSULES
Bitter Mellon	478 mg	949 capsules
Cat's Claw	491 mg	924 capsules
Damiana	472 mg	961 capsules
Hawthorn	686 mg	661 capsules
Milk Thistle	668 mg	679 capsules
Pau d'Arco	541 mg	839 capsules
Ziziphus	636 mg	713 capsules

 

 10 Vital Herbs that Work List of Herbs

 

The 10 Herbs for Vibrant Health in no particular order are:

Bupleurum root

Burdock root

Chamomile Flower

Cnidium Seed

Dandelion Root

Hawthorn berries

Lycium Fruit (also known Goji berries)

Nettles Leaf

Pau d’ Arco

White Peony Root

These 10 simple herbs will cover a variety of healing properties that will benefit overall health.   The health benefits will range from sexual health, cardiovascular health, urinary health, colon health, kidney health, liver health, eye health, nervous system health, men’s health, women’s health, and immune system health.   The topics will also suggest the most effective way of using the herb. Further information will include: Successful herbal combinations, for each herb, brewing times, Common names, botanical names, pharmaceutical names, and toxicity of the herb.   Even though there is a lot of information on this book, feel free to call me any time for more detailed information

 

888-842-2049

1stChineseHerbs.com

Ask for me by name ….Sarah

 

 

 1. Bupleurum Root

 

Common Name	Bupleurum root, Hare’s Ear, Red Thorowax root
Botanical Name	Bupleurum chinense
Method / Brewing	Capsules, Liquid Extracts, Decoction. Cooked in soups,
Herbal Combinations	Zingiber officinale rhizome-fresh, Pinellia ternata rhizome, Silybum marianum, Cinnamomun cassia
Toxicity of Herb	None
Cautions / Warnings	Drug interaction with Tolbutamide, Ofloxacin, Interferon Discuss with your doctor before using Bupleurum with these Drugs
Action and Indications	Anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiviral, astrigent, Hepatic, enhance immune function, anti-tumor, anti-lipid, Sedative
What does it look like
Side Note	In general one of the better ways to use Bupleurum root is in a decoction.   It is a bitter, cool herb, but most people are able to tolerate the taste.  Has been know to have better results in helping the liver than Milk Thistle

 

Bupleurum root has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Reducing Fevers

ü      Menstrual Irregularity

ü      Liver

ü      Digestion

ü      Gallbladder

 

 2. Burdock Root

 

Common Name	Burdock Root, Turkey burrseed
Botanical Name	Arctium lappa
Method / Brewing	Capsules, Decoctions, Soups, Compress, Poultice, Ointments
Herbal Combinations	Yellow dock, Dandelion root, Nettles Leaf, Red Clover
Toxicity of Herb	None known
Cautions / Warnings	None Known
Action and Indications	Alterative, Anti-tumor, Carminative, Laxative, Diuretic, Hepatic, Tonic
What does it look like
Side Note	Burdock root is high in Iron

 

Burdock root has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Acne

ü      Blood Cleanser

ü      Constipation

ü      Gallbladder

ü      Gout

ü      Kidney problems

ü      Lymphatic Congestion

ü      Rheumatism

ü      Tumors

 

3. Chamomile Flower

 

Common Name	Chamomile flower, Ground Apple, Whig Plant,
Botanical Name	Matricaria recutita
Method / Brewing	Tea, Eye Pillow, Poultice, Capsules
Herbal Combinations	Catnip, Hops, Lady’s Slipper
Toxicity of Herb	People with allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family should avoid chamomile. Examples include: aster, chrysanthemum, mugwort, ragweed and ragwort. Cross-reactions may occur with celery, chrysanthemum, feverfew, tansy, and birch pollen. Individuals with allergies to these plants should avoid chamomile. Contact skin allergy has been reported
Cautions / Warnings	Should not be used with codeine, alcohol, or barbiturates.
Action and Indications	Analgesic, Antibiotic, Calmative, Nervine, Sedative, Vermifuge
What does it look like
Side Note	When I was growing up, Mum, would rub chamomile on the bug bite to stop it from swelling and itching.

 

Chamomile Flower has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Anxiety

ü      Bites

ü      Calming

ü      Insomnia

ü      Menstrual disorders

ü      Parasites

ü      Stomach Upset

 4. Cnidium Seed

 

Common Name	Cnidium seed, Wild Carrot Seed
Botanical Name	Cnidium Monnier
Method / Brewing	Tea, Capsules, Powder Concentrate
Herbal Combinations	Horny Goatweed, Schizandra fruit, Damiana leaf
Toxicity of Herb	None Known
Cautions / Warnings	Do not use with Antibiotics
Action and Indications	Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial, Astringent, Aphrodisiac, Vermifuge
What does it look like
Side Note	One of the more effective Male Enhancement Herbs

 

Cnidium Seed has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Eczema

ü      Fungal Infections

ü      Kidneys

ü      Parasites

ü      Sexual Enhancement

 5. Dandelion Root

 

Common Name	Dandelion Root, Lion’s tooth
Botanical Name	Taraxacum officinale
Method / Brewing	Decoctions, capsules, salves, ointments
Herbal Combinations	Red Clover, Milk Thistle,
Toxicity of Herb	May cause allergic reaction in some people due to the resins
Cautions / Warnings	Do not take with pharmaceutical diuretics.   Dandelion may have a lowering effect on blood sugar, taking it may increase the effectiveness of medications used for the treatment of diabetes. Individuals, who are using insulin or taking oral medications for diabetes, should talk to their doctors or pharmacists before using dandelion.  Do not take dandelion with Tagamet, Zantac, or any other similar product
Action and Indications	Blood Purifier, Galactagogue, Hepatic, Nutritive, Stomachic
What does it look like
Side Note	Dandelion root has diuretic affects, but will not deplete the system of potassium, like other products will

 

Dandelion Root has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Acne

ü      Anemia

ü      Boils

ü      Blood Cleanser

ü      Blood Pressure

ü      Gallbladder

ü      Hepatitis 

ü      Hypoglycemia

6. Hawthorn Berries

 

Common Name	Hawthorn Berries, May Bush,
Botanical Name	Crataegus laevigata  or Crataegus Pinnatifida Fructus
Method / Brewing	Teas, Liquid Extracts, Tablets
Herbal Combinations	Ginkgo, Cayenne, Garlic,
Toxicity of Herb	None Known
Cautions / Warnings	If diagnosed with angina, cardiac arrhythmias or congestive heart failure, use Hawthorne Berry only under the supervision of a physician.  Large amounts (more than the recommended dosage) of Hawthorne Berry may result in sedation or dramatic drop in blood pressure.  Signs of overdose include hypotension and arrhythmias.   Taking Hawthorne and medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots together may cause your blood to be too thin, making you bleed or bruise more easily.  Also, taking Hawthorne and Sulfinpyrazon (which is used to treat gout and may also be used to treat certain blood diseases) together may cause your blood to be too thin.
Action and Indications	Astringent, Circulation, Digestant, Hypertensive, Hypotensive, Cardio Tonic
What does it look like
Side Note	Native Americans used this herb as it grows in abundance

 

Hawthorn Berry has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Arteriosclerosis

ü      Cardiovascular

ü      Heart Disease

ü      Stomach  

ü      Stress

7. Lycium Fruit (also known Goji berries)

 

Common Name	Lycium berries, Wolfberries, Goji berries
Botanical Name	Lycium barbarum fruit
Method / Brewing	Raw, Teas, Soups, Baking, Powder
Herbal Combinations	Rehmannia, Chrysanthemum, Angelica root
Toxicity of Herb	None Known
Cautions / Warnings	Not enough research has been done regarding the side effect profile of lycium berry
Action and Indications	Immunostimulant, Hematological, hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, hypotensive
What does it look like
Side Note	Lycium Fruit, is a wonderful addition to home-made trail mix.  Can be used instead of raisins, or in addition to.  Excellent source of Vitamin C

 

Lycium Fruit has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Poor Vision

ü      Burns

ü      Fertility

ü      Kidney

ü      Lack of Energy

ü      Liver

ü      Sexual Inadequacies

 

 8. Nettles Leaf

 

Common Name	Nettles Leaf, Stinging Nettles
Botanical Name	Urtica urens
Method / Brewing	Tea, Hair Rinse, Liquid Extract
Herbal Combinations	Cayenne
Toxicity of Herb	None known
Cautions / Warnings	Nettle has a diuretic effect and should not be taken in combination with other diuretic medication
Action and Indications	Astringent, expectorant, galactagogue (milk producing), tonic, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and diuretic properties
What does it look like
Side Note	High in silica, potassium, Vitamin A and C.  In Scotland nettles leaf was produced for use as a durable linen like cloth.

 

Nettles Leaf has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Alleviate Allergies

ü      Stop Bleeding

ü      Neutralize Uric Acid

ü      Blood Purifier

ü      Menstruation Problems

ü      Diarrhea

 9. Pau D’ Arco

 

Common Name	Pau d’ Arco, Taheebo, Ipe roxo
Botanical Name	Tabebuia avellanedae
Method / Brewing	Decoction, extract, pills, topical, creams, tincture
Herbal Combinations	Red clover, Echinacea, Neem, olive leaf, burdock root,
Toxicity of Herb	If taken in Excess Loose Bowels
Cautions / Warnings	It is generally safe to drink Pau d’Arco tea and take Pau d’Arco extract at the recommended dosages. Too much, however, may cause nausea. There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that Pau d’Arco interacts with any conventional medications
Action and Indications	Anti-viral,  Anti-fungal, Anti-Inflammatory Anti-microbial, Astringent, Parasiticide, analgesic
What does it look like
Side Note	Called the lapacho tree "Tajy," meaning "to have strength and vigor," or simply, "The Divine Tree."

 

Pau d’Arco has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Infections

ü      Analgesic Effects

ü      Candia – Yeast infections

ü      Laxative Effects

ü      Blood Purifier

ü      Immunity Booster

ü      Dermatitis

ü      Psoriasis

 

 10. White Peony Root

 

Common Name	White Peony root
Botanical Name	Paeonia lactiflora root
Method / Brewing	Decoction, Tincture, Salve
Herbal Combinations	Rehmannia, Angelica root, Licorice root, Salvia root, Corydalis rhizome.
Toxicity of Herb	None known
Cautions / Warnings	Do not use if you have eczema or rashes, it will intensify the problem. Do not use with insulin.
Action and Indications	Analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, activates blood immunomodulating, sedative, antispasmodic
What does it look like
Side Note	White peony contains a unique glycoside called paeoniflorin.  Paeoniflorin’s major effect seems to be to calm nerves and alleviate spasm.

White Peony root has been used over the centuries for the following issues:

ü      Muscle Cramping

ü      Spasms

ü      Fever

ü      Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

ü      Leg Pain

ü      Restless Leg Syndrome

ü      Asthma

ü      Blood Purifier

ü      Anti-Inflammatory

ü      Dizziness

ü      Night Sweats

 

As I am sure you have noticed some of our herbs at http://www.1stChineseHerbs.com are Certified Organic Herbs.

 

Storage of Herbs

Q: What is the best way to store herbs and spices? How long can I store the herbs for?

A: Shelf life varies from one herb to another. A powdered herb will loose its properties much faster than a whole or cut herb.  This is due to the small surface area.   Those with volatile oils (usually full fragrant herbs)  like peppermint will loose their freshness much sooner than those without the oils. Roots have the longest shelf life as they are much denser than leaves.  The flowers have the shortest shelf life, because they are so delicate.  In very general terms, each herb, has different shelf life.  One great example is my nutmeg.   I have had whole (not powdered) nutmeg for over 2 years.   It is sealed in a glass jar with a rubber seal.   I used some just the other day, and still very fragrant, and full body.    Then again, there is my lavender which I put in my closets.  Those sachets are changed every year, because the aroma is gone, and the small buds have started to disinagrate. 

In general, keep the herbs in air-tight colored containers, in a cool dry place, and never expose them to direct light or heat unless in use. 

A cool dry place does not mean refrigerator.   It means in a cupboard away from the stove, or heat of the refreigerator motor.  Most people will store their herbs in the same area as they store their pototoes.  

One last thought on colored glass containers.   The glass containers need to be washed and sterilized before using.  (Do not use old pickle jars)   The jars need to be boiled, just as if they were going to be used for canning.   Then air dry completely.   Colored glass containers maybe difficult to find, but not to worry.   Simply use a clear jar and wrap brown paper around the outside, to stop the light from destroying the herbs, spices, or teas. 

As a final step labeling of the jars.  I use my computer to make the labels.   Here is an example.  (Business Card Size)

			Herb Name                    Catnip Leaves   Purchased 02/15/2008 Quality Rate  8/10   Blend of Herbs               Nothing Added   Used For                         Beasley the cat’s toys   How to Prepare               Stuff into old socks.
	Herb Name  _______________________   Date Purchase __________Quality Rate_____   Blend of Herbs  ____________________   Used For _________________________   How to Prepare ____________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has helped me more than once especially when I have purchased more than one type of Lavender.  

 

 CHART OF BREWING TIMES

 

The chart below indicates brewing times of Green Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea and Black Tea.

 

TYPE OF TEA	PLACE OF ORIGIN	BREWING TIME	FLAVOR
Darjeeling	North India	3-5 minutes	Delicate, slightly astringent flavor.
Assam	North India	3-5 minutes	Full-bodied with a rich, smooth, malty flavor. If you have never tried this tea before, you are really missing something.
Ceylon	Sri Lanka	3-5 minutes	Brisk, full flavor with a bright color. A wonderful taste for the Savvy tea drinker.
Earl Grey	China (sometimes a blend of China and Darjeeling)	3-5 minutes	Flavored with the natural oil of citrus bergamot fruit. (If you are a Star Trek fan, this is what Captain Picard orders, from the replicater.)
Oolong	China and Taiwan	5-7 minutes	Subtle, delicate, lightly flavored tea.  Oolong is the tea that is usually served at Chinese Restaurants.
Gunpowder	China	3-5 minutes	Clear amber liquor with a sweet aroma and a pungent tast. The reason this tea is called gunpowder is because the leaves are rolled into small, pellet-looking balls.
Rooibos	South Africa	2-4 minutes	Rooibos has captured the sun's energy and the soil's nutrients and given them to us in the form of the vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes, and most especially the enzyme superoxide dismutase, (SOD)  which appears to be the prime scavenger of free radicals.
Shu Mee White	China	1-3 minutes	White tea is the least processed tea. The leaves are simply withered and dried. White tea has a higher level of polyphenols that green tea. This tea brews to a light red color has a slightly sweet taste with no "grassy" undertones.

 

 STEPS FOR BREWING

 

1.      Start with cold water.

2.      Preheat your teapot by simply boiling enough water to fill the teapot one and a half times.  Pour the hot water into the teapot and swish it about.  This will heat the teapot up. Then pour the used water out. Many people do not do this. Without doing this step, your tea will become lukewarm quickly

3.      Measure into the teapot one tsp. of loose tea for every cup you plan to pour, 
plus one for the pot. Trust me on this, it will make a difference.

4.      For black teas, bring the water to a full boil. Remove the kettle from the heat as soon as the water begins to boil. Boiling all the oxygen out of the water will flatten the tea's flavor.

5.      For more delicate green teas, remove the tea kettle from the heat before the water begins boiling, at 165-170°F (74-77°C). Or, you can add one part cold water to four parts boiling water to cool it to the ideal temperature range.

6.      Before steeping, pour a small amount of the hot water over the tea leaves, to allow them to bloom, or open up, and release some of their bitter tannins. Drain immediately.

7.      Fill the pot with the boiling water. Keep the spout of the kettle close to the teapot, 
so the water does not cool as you pour it in. Cover the teapot and leave the tea to brew. In general, black teas are best brewed for 4 to 5 minutes; green teas should brew for no more than 3 minutes.

8.      When the tea is ready pour, avoid keeping leaves in contact with the hot water as over-brewed tea will become bitter and unpleasant. 

  

HOW TO MAKE A DECOCTION

 

The method of decocting is used for hard parts of the plants, such as twigs, roots, stems, and hard seeds. The decoctions extract mainly mineral salts and bitter constituents of the plant. Decoctions should be consumed within 72 hours. This is much unlike a liquid tincture, which can be stored up to 3 years.

 

Basic Decoction Recipe

1 oz of dried twig or root, about a palm full

1 pint water

 

1.      Cut or crush herb or root and add to water. 

2.      Simmer with the lid off until the volume of water is reduced by half of the original amount, which means half of a pint remains. 

3.      Cool, strain, and take in divided doses according to the herb’s use.

4.      Sweeten if needed

 

Learn to make a Tincture (liquid extract) by visiting us at http://www.1stchineseherbs.com/podcast.html and clicking on the icon.

  

Part of Plant	How to Brew	Time	Examples
Roots	Decoction	45 Minutes	Rhubarb, Licorice Root, Pau D’ Arco, Osha Root, Astragalus Root, Peony Root, Dandelion Root
Twigs	Decoction	45 Minutes	Cinnamon, Birch Bark, Anise Star
Fruits (soft seeds)	Steep	Up to 3 Minutes	Bilberry, Cranberry, Juniper Berries, Lycium Fruit
Flowers	Infusion	Up to 3 minutes	Lavender, Chamomile, Poppy Flowers, Chrysanthemum Flowers
Leaves	Steep	Up to 3 minutes	Peppermint, Ginkgo Leaf, Catnip, Lemongrass, Dandelion Leaf
Herbs	Infusion	Up to 3 minutes	Chives, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley Ginger, Cloves
Seeds	Steep	Slightly Crush Up to 8 minutes	Milk Thistle, Pumpkin seeds, Allspice