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 For certain healing tasks, special brews called infusions and decoctions are sometimes most beneficial. Don't let the names scare you away—preparing an infusion or decoction is not much different than brewing a cup of tea. To make an infusion (also known as a tisane), simply steep (but don't boil) one ounce of dried herb (usually the flowers, stems, and/or leaves) in 1 pint of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, to extract its benefits, then drain. For a decoction, boil 1 ounce of herb (usually tougher parts like roots, woods, bark, dried berries or seeds) in 1 pint of boiling water, then simmer, covered, for about 10 to 20 minutes.
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Mints add fresh flavor, cleansing scent and synergy to tea blends. Peppermint is the most popular of the mints, and the strongest. Spearmint helps meld other flavors, and wintergreen is mild and woody.
Lemon verbena, lemongrass, lemon balm and lemon peel are refreshing, fragrant herbs that excel in tea blends.
Roses and chamomile are fragrant and relaxing, while hibiscus ads a zing (and a lovely shade of red) to tea blends.
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A touch of a familiar spice like cinnamon, cloves, fennel or allspice adds a comfortable quality to blends.
For teas with "body", start with a root such as licorice, sarsaparilla, or the coffee-like dandelion and chicory.
Raspberry, cranberry, rosehips and blackberry add lovely color and a fruity taste that combines beautifully with more subtle herbs.
Anise provides a sweetness reminiscent of root beer or candy, while cinnamon adds a satisfying spicy-sweetness.
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