Nature's Gift of Healing Plants: Teas and Decoctions for Winter

Do you ever get the winter blues? Worry about your immune system during Germ Season? There are teas and decoctions that come from plants which can help brighten your gloomy days and boost your immunity. Many of these brews not only help you, but also taste delicious. Break your hot beverage routine and try something healthy and new!

There are so many wonderful ideas and recipes out there. Sometimes it is difficult to choose something to start with. Herbalism, the study or practice of the medicinal and therapeutic use of plants, is making a comeback. People are beginning to again see the value of healing plants. Once you learn a few basic terms and techniques, you will be on your way to making something new and enjoying some of these benefits yourself.

When it comes to herbal teas, there are two main types which are classified by how they are made: infusions and decoctions. An infusion is much what we are familiar with in terms of “herbal tea.” Typically made from dried leaves or flowers, an infusion is made when more delicate parts of a plant are steeped in boiled water. Boiling water is added, but no additional heating takes place. This is how most of us make tea. A decoction is a little different. In a decoction, more robust parts of the plant are boiled for a period of time to coax out the flavors and beneficial compounds of a plant. Roots and twigs are commonly used in decoctions.

Let’s get started! We will list a few examples of infusions and decoctions below; along with some notes on possible benefits, flavor notes, and suggestions on where to find them.

• Aloe Vera (Infusion:) The top health benefits of aloe vera tea include its ability to optimize digestion, help to regulate blood sugar, relieve inflammation, and boost the immune system. Much of these health benefits are attributable to the many vitamins and minerals found in this tea, particularly vitamins A, C, and E, all of which can act as antioxidants within the body. (www.organicfacts.net)
  • Caution: take oral medications 1 hour prior to using aloe orally, it can slow absorption of orally administered medications (Mountain Rose Herbs)
  • Flavor: This one is a mystery flavor!?
  • How to get: dry the leaves of your plant at home, or purchase
• Cinnamon (Infusion but can be a decoction with cinnamon sticks): One of the world's most prized spices, cinnamon has many possible health benefits. The range includes helping to regulate blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and even helping menstrual cramps.
  • Flavor: warm and cinnamon-y
• Hibiscus (Infusion): Antioxidants, anti-inflamatory, might even help lower blood pressure. (7 Benefits of Hibiscus Tea – Cleveland Clinic)
  • Flavor: tangy, subtly sweet. A little like cranberry juice
  • How to get: dried hibiscus can be found in the Mexican section of many grocery stores. Often labeled as “Jamaica.”
• Lemon Ginger (Infusion): Lemon is a powerful astringent high in vitamin C believed to help regulate blood sugar, and ginger is prized for digestive health. Put them together, and the possible health aids of lemon ginger tea include: weight control, anti-nausea properties, possible anti-cancer properties plus an immunity boost.
  • Flavor: Lemony and gingery, this one is common in the tea section at most grocery stores
  • Want to make this at home? (Decoction) Slice a whole lemon, and boil with some sliced ginger (peel or don’t peel, up to you). Add to a pan of boiling water, boil until both the lemon and ginger have softened. Once softened, blend in a blender until it forms a smooth paste. Put a tablespoon or two in a mug, add honey, and fill the rest of mug with water. Option: add some turmeric (powdered or root) to the boil if you like. Enjoy!
• Linden Flower (Infusion): Tillia tomentosa blooms. Good for your heart? Contains Quercitin, believed to reduce inflammation specifically in the cardiovascular system. Also classified as a hypotensive herb, possibly helping lower blood pressure. (webmd)
  • Flavor: Sweet, floral
• Sassafras (Decoction): One of the USA’s very first exports to Europe and Asia, Sassafras has a long history of use as an Indigenous beverage. Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and promote a general feeling of healthiness. Used as a daily tonic by many Americans.
  • CAUTION: Do not drink if pregnant or nursing. FDA does not recommend sassafras tea for consumption, based on the presence of Safrole, a compound considered poisonous.
    • Flavor: Spicy and root beer like
• Spicebush Twig (Decoction): Considered a diaphoretic, promoting sweating in the body. Can be used to help in treating fevers with chills. Mild stimulant was used during civil war as a tea substitute in the South during siege.
  • Flavor: Warm, spicy
  • Caveat: don’t boil this decoction for too long, can develop an unpleasant flavor. Taste it every minute or so during the boil.

Local sources for purchase: Jungle Jim’s Market, any local natural remedy or herb store Mail order: Mountain Rose Herbs: https://mountainroseherbs.com/

Written by Gia Giammarinaro