Herbal tea, infusion, or decoction? If those all sound like the same thing, don’t worry — this is the very first skill I teach every beginner, and it changes everything about how well your herbs actually work. Let’s discuss water extractions today! Here’s the difference: HERBAL TEA (also known as tisane)— the quick, light method. Hot water over leaves or flowers, steeped 10-15 minutes. Gentle extraction, perfect for everyday sipping. Delicate flowers and leaves 5-7 mins is fine. Green tea 2-4 mins or it can get really bitter♥️ INFUSION — tea’s stronger cousin. More herb, steeped much longer (4 hours to overnight) in a covered jar. Same soft parts — leaves and flowers — but concentrated for medicine, not just flavor. Usually 1-2 tablespoons of herbs. I like to use 1/3-1/2 cup of the finished infusion with equal part hot water or you can drink it cold. Use within 24-36 hours. DECOCTION — the heavy-duty method. Roots, bark, seeds, and mushrooms won’t release their medicine in a quick steep. Start them in cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer 20-40 minutes to break down the tougher plant structure. Drink it right away or within 24-36 hours. The rule to remember: Soft and delicate (leaves, flowers) = INFUSE. Hard and dense (roots, bark, seeds) = DECOCT. Match the method to the plant part — or you’re leaving medicine behind. This is what going back to the old wisdom looks like. It’s not complicated. It’s just remembering what our great-grandmothers knew, and what God provided from the very beginning. Save this so you have it next time you brew. 🤍 “…and the leaf thereof for medicine.” — Ezekiel 47:12 . . . #herbalremedies #fyp #christianherbalist #herbswithjen #howtouseherbss - @herbswithjen