Plants have accompanied man since the dawn of time. Edible plants, poisonous plants, medicinal plants, they play an essential role in maintaining health. At a time when many people are turning to natural solutions for everyday ailments, herbal teas are on the rise. Discover the good gestures for a quality infusion full of benefits.
When to harvest herbs for herbal teas?
Il est préférable de récolter les plantes fraîches par temps sec, si possible juste après l'évaporation de la rosée. Quant aux racines, elles regorgent de principes actifs au printemps, juste avant que la sève ne monte. Les écorces et résines se ramassent en hiver uniquement quand la végétation est en sommeil. Enfin, les feuilles se récoltent quand elles sont jeunes.
In order to preserve the environment and to avoid the disappearance of a species, the picking must be done in a responsible and reasoned way: not to take off the roots if one needs only the leaves, not to collect all the plants in only one and same place, to vary the spots of picking etc...
How to preserve the harvested plants?
- Les plantes The plants will be hung upside down or flat and spaced sufficiently,
- in the open air,
- and away from sunlight .
This can be in a garage, an attic, a shed... It is also possible to use a dehydrator or a dryer.
Afterwards, they will be stored for 1 year in a kraft paper bag, a tinted glass container or in a stainless steel airtight box
How to prepare the dry plants?
Une fois séchée, la plante est prête à être infusée. Once dried, the plant is ready to be infused. However, most plants can only be used once because the active ingredients infuse in the water and once consumed, there is no more left. Thus, in case of cure, it is preferable to constitute a good reserve beforehand!
The infusion
The infusion is the most classical and most used method . It concerns :
For a successful infusion, pour a volume of previously boiled and then slightly cooled water on the plants. Cover and let infuse several minutes.
The decoction
La décoction est une technique de préparation spécifique pour les racines et les écorces comme la badiane (ou anis étoilée), la réglisse, la cannelle, le gingembre... Afin d'extraire les principes actifs :
- Plonger les racines dans une casserole d'eau froide puis la faire chauffer jusqu'à ébullition.
- Let simmer for about 20 minutes for an intense result.
- Strain the mixture and your therapeutic beverage is ready to be consumed!
Maceration
Maceration consists in soaking a fresh or dry plant in a volume of cold water for a defined time (generally one night). Some preparations require maceration in alcohol such as brandy or even vinegar.
These macerations in alcohol, vinegar or syrup can be kept for several months and can be used as a remedy or in cooking.
How to enjoy the benefits of infused plants?
For a therapeutic infusion to be effective, you must drink at least 75 cl per day for several days. This is called a cure. However, it should not last too long because some plants can create a form of addiction or have side effects (increase in blood pressure with licorice, for example).
Thus, it is advisable to set up therapeutic windows between two cures and to vary the plants for the same problem.
Beware, plants are not without danger
Although we talk about natural medicine or treatment, this does not mean that it is safe. In fact, we must remember that the healing power of plants lies in their toxicity! Rosemary stimulates the liver because it is toxic to the liver. It is therefore important to be careful not to exceed the doses recommended by your naturopath, doctor or pharmacist.
In addition, there are interactions and contraindications to the use of certain plants. For example, lemon balm is contraindicated in case of hypothyroidism or licorice in case of high blood pressure.
Before any self-treatment, it is recommended to get the right information in order not to aggravate your health condition.