Select leaves that are not decayed or discolored and gather them when they are dry. Take care not to disturb the area, avoid leaving trash and litter behind, and do not take all of the plant; harvest only a portion of what there is. Take only what you need. Attention to these considerations has an effect on your own state of mind toward the healing virtues of the plant.
Drying and Storing Leaves
Lay the leaves on a rack or screen or hang them in small bunches from pegs or strings in an airy place that is as warm and dry as possible, but not in direct sunlight. If your climate is hopelessly damp and humid or the plants too succulent, you may need to use a warm oven to hasten drying.
After the leaves are brittle they should be stored in airtight glass or tin containers in a dark, dry place that is cool. Don't crumble the leaves into smaller pieces than necessary.
Making Tea
If you wish to extract more of the material from dried leaves, and you have a good fine paper or cloth filter, you may wish to use a mortar and pestle to grind the leaves into powder just before you make tea.
Otherwise, it is usually sufficient to break up the leaves into small pieces with your fingers and put in a preheated glass container. Pour freshly boiled water over the leaves, cover the pot or cup with a lid to keep the temperature high and to prevent aromatic materials from escaping with the steam, and steep for three to five minutes.
While the tea is steeping, and while you are sipping it slowly, it is highly recommended to be quiet - not reading, working, or bustling around. Most tonic teas are best taken on an empty stomach rather than with meals. And if there is a specific reason for using medicinal tea, meditating upon the healing you desire to take place while you sip the tea may promote the good effect.
Copyright © 1987 by Eleanor G. Viereck