By Decoction: boil the seeds, herbs or bark (whatever is required) in water for about 20 minutes to really draw out the flavour. Strain and drink.

ANGELICA TEA

3 teaspoons of fresh chopped leaves to each cup.

Good for insomnia prevention, indigestion, coughs, colds, flatulence and rheumatism.

(Warning: this should not be taken by diabetics or pregnant women).

BASIL TEA

3 teaspoons of fresh chopped leaves to each cup. Reduces nausea (good for morning and travel sickness).

BERGAMOT TEA

3 teaspoons of leaves and flowers to each cup. Helps with sore throats and chest ailments.

CARAWAY TEA

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of crushed seeds and let steep (stand) for 5 minutes. Strain and drink. Beneficial to kidney function, the glands and digestion.

CHAMOMILE TEA

Add dried or fresh chamomile flowers to a saucepan of boiling water, cover and simmer for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes before straining and drinking. Excellent bedtime drink, relieves tension and menstrual pain.

DILL TEA

Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of crushed seed and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink. Aids poor digestion, flatulence and stomach upsets. Is also a mild tranquilliser, so helps with insomnia.

FENNEL TEA

Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of crushed seed, steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink. A mild diuretic (helps combat fluid retention) and laxative. You can also soak cotton wool in cooled tea and dab on tired eyes.

(Warning: large amounts of fennel might be harmful during pregnancy).

LEMON BALM TEA

Infuse 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Relieves headaches, toothaches, as well as tension. Helps relieve symptoms of colds.

LOVAGE TEA

Infuse 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water. A very mild diuretic, also good for kidneys and will stimulate appetite.

MINT TEA

Infuse 3 teaspoons of fresh spearmint or peppermint in a cup of boiling water. Clears the head, sweetens the breath, and is good for digestion.

PARSLEY TEA

Infuse 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water. Drunk hot, parsley tea is a diuretic and will help those with an iron deficiency.

ROSEMARY TEA

Infuse 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water. Relieves headaches, improves memory and is an excellent bedtime drink.

Please note: I am not responsible should one of the site viewers misuse any poisonous plants and to always check with an herbologist and pharmacist before ingesting anything.