BREWS Brews, also known as potions, may be as prosaic as herb tea, or as mystical as rainbow infusion. They stem from early magikal, ritual, and medicinal preparations, and are as affective today as they were thousands of years ago. In herb majik, brews are little more than herbal infusions or teas. They needn’t be prepared over an open fire in a forest clearing; your own stove or backyard will do nicely. The type of water used in brewing is of some importance. Well, spring and distilled waters are preferred over that which pours from your kitchen sink. You can buy these bottled or collect them from the source, so long as it’s unpolluted and free running. Rain water is ideal for use except when gathered in smoggy areas. Tap water can be used as a last resort, but consider buying the bottled variety in the future. Sea water and mineral water aren’t recommend due to their high mineral content. Brewing The Heating Fire, gas flame or stove coils will do for the heat source. If you’re the old fashioned kind, try making a brew in the fireplace or even outdoors over a blaze. The Vessels It’s best if the water and herbs don’t come into direct contact with metal while brewing, however there are a few exceptions, Cauldron brewing, which is little practiced today, and Herbal products prepared with double boilers may also require metal pots. But in general, avoid metal. Clear glass jars work well for Solar Infusions. Simply place the jar with the water and herbs, in direct sunlight, preferably outdoors, and leave it for most of the day. Some brews included here are made with glass jars of various colors. The Brew Not every brew included here is made in the following manner; Use specific instructions where given. For a basic brew: gather, grind and mix the herbs. For brews to be drank, use a separate culinary mortar and pestle for grinding. Empower the herbs with your majikal purpose. Heat about two cups of water to boiling, place about one handful of mixed, empowered herbs in a teapot or some other heat proof source. Pour the water over the herbs. Cover with a lid. Let the herbs brew for about thirteen minutes. Strain through cheesecloth or a bamboo strainer, and use as directed. Brews should be used as quickly as possible. |
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