4 Ways To Brew Loose-Leaf Herbal Tea (And Tea Infusers to Brew Them in)

In the world of herbal tea, the brewing method you choose can significantly impact the potency and flavor of your tea.

Whether you opt for a simple hot infusion, overnight or long infusion, or the distinct character of cold infusion and decoction, each method offers a unique way to indulge in the benefits of loose-leaf herbal tea.

In this article, we explore different brewing methods to ensure you extract the most medicinal value from every cup of herbal tea.

Table of Contents:

• Method 1: Hot Infusion
• Method 2: "Long" Hot Infusion
• Method 3: Cold Infusion
• Method 4: Decoction

Method 1:  Hot Infusion

The classic "hot infusion" represents the standard approach to brewing a pot of tea. This quick brewing method is best used with herbs that can be easily extracted, like chamomile, skullcap, and tulsi (holy basil). The volatile oils and therapeutic properties of these herbs can be more easily infused into your cup, resulting in a shorter steeping time. 

For this method, you can use a French Press, teapot, infuser mug, the classic tea bag, or a fancy tea brewer like the one pictured above. Depending on which option you choose, you may have to strain the herbs at the end of the process. 

Simple “Short Hot Infusion” brewing instructions: 

1. Add 1 tablespoon of herbs to your brewing apparatus. My personal favorite for an eco-friendly brewing process is this porcelain infuser mug; the built-in strainer simplifies the brewing process and cleanup is quick and easy. You can also use a French press, tea pot, or compostable tea bags. 
   

2. Pour boiled water over the herbs (if you want to boil water quickly, use a stainless steel kettle) until the herbs are completely covered.
   

3. Cover your herbs for anywhere from 5-30 minutes. This allows the tea to “steep” without losing the volatile oils in the herbs. Most strainer mugs come with a lid for this purpose, but if using a tea bag, you can cover your cup with these adorable silicone lids. If brewing a MediTea blend, suggested steeping times can be found on the product labels. The longer you steep, the more potent and flavorful the tea will be. 
   

4. Strain the herbs. If you make a large batch, you can store it in the refrigerator for several days. 

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Method 2:  "Long" Hot Infusion (Overnight brewing) 

A great way to enjoy delicious tea all day is to prepare your brew the night before. This technique extracts the comprehensive therapeutic properties of the herbs by extending the soaking time of the herbs. The result is a deeply restorative and rejuvenating elixir. Any herbal blend can be soaked overnight as a hot infusion. 

Overnight Infusion brewing instructions: 

1. Add ½ - 1 cup of herbs to a 32-ounce mason jar.
   
2. Fill the jar with boiling water. Make sure herbs are completely covered. 
   
3. Close the jar and leave it on your counter overnight. 
   
4. The next day, strain and enjoy! You can add a splash of boiling water to each cup as a means of heating up the tea. 

Method 3:  Cold Infusion

Great for delicate, nutrient-dense herbs with high vitamin & mineral content.

This method involves steeping your loose-leaf herbal tea in cold water over an extended period, typically 4-12 hours. Not only does this method capture delicate flavors and aromas, but it also minimizes bitterness and tannins. 

Cold Infusion brewing instructions: 

1. Place a generous amount of loose-leaf herbal tea in a large mason jar. A typical ratio is 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water, but you can adjust this based on how strong you’d like your infusion to be. I typically add 4-5 tablespoons in a 32-ounce mason jar. 
   
2. Cover with water; this can be cold or room temperature water, and seal the jar.
3. Place the jar in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours or overnight.
4. Strain the tea to remove the leaves and enjoy your naturally flavored, cold-infused tea.

Best blends to use for this method: 
Marshmallow Root, Nutritive, Ginger Aid

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Method 4:  Decoction

Powerful method for extracting roots and barks.

A decoction is a method that involves simmering the herbal tea leaves to extract the more robust flavors and health benefits of hardy herbs and roots like dandelion root or pau d'arco bark. These herbs require more intense heat to release their medicinal properties. It is typically brewed in a larger batch, so you can store it in the fridge & enjoy it when desired. 

Decoction brewing instructions: 

1. Add 10 cups of water to a large saucepan. Add 1 cup of herbs and let soak for at least 30 minutes. 
   
2. Turn on medium / high heat and bring to a quick boil. Reduce to low heat, then cover and simmer for 1 hour. 
   
3. Turn off the heat and let the tea cool with the lid still on. This will help preserve the volatile oils in your tea. 
   
4. Strain and refrigerate. The tea will last for about 10 days when refrigerated. 
   
5. When ready to enjoy a cup, add a little boiling water to heat up your tea.