How to Brew Herbal Tea for Maximum Benefits (Hot vs. Cold Infusions + Sun Tea!)

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Herbal Tea?

Brewing herbal tea is more than just steeping herbs in hot water—each plant has unique compounds that extract best under certain conditions. Whether you’re looking for flavor, medicinal benefits, or a refreshing iced tea, choosing the right brewing method makes all the difference.

At Wild Faith Acres, tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a seasonal ritual. In winter, I love steeping a rich, spiced chai to warm my soul, while summer means a big jar of sun tea on the porch, waiting to be poured over ice. Each brewing method has its place, and today, I’ll walk you through how to get the most from every cup.

In this guide, I’ll show you the difference in hot infusions, cold infusions, decoctions, and sun tea, so you can make the most of your herbal blends—whether you’re cozying up with a warm cup or cooling down with a refreshing summer tea!

Hot Infusions (Best for Leaves & Flowers)

A hot infusion is the best method for delicate plant parts like leaves, flowers, and aromatic herbs. These parts contain volatile oils, vitamins, and delicate compounds that are easily extracted in hot water but don’t require long boiling.

✔ Best for: Soft plant material like chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, rose petals, mint, and tulsi.

My Go-To Hot Infusion:

One of my favorites on a chilly morning is Golden Harmony Tea—a soothing blend of tulsi, turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, and orange peel. It’s warming, nourishing, and perfect for a mindful moment before the day gets busy.

How to Make a Hot Infusion:

    1.    Boil water to around 190°F-200°F (just below boiling for most herbs).

    2.    Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs per 8 oz of water.

    3.    Cover and steep for 5-15 minutes (longer for stronger flavor).

    4.    Strain and enjoy!

Why This Method?

    •    Preserves essential oils (which evaporate if left uncovered).

    •    Extracts beneficial compounds without damaging delicate flowers and leaves.

    •    Quick & easy—perfect for daily tea-making!

Tea Tools I Love:

    •    Stainless Steel Tea Strainer (Easy for loose-leaf brewing)

    •    Glass Teapot with Infuser (Great for larger batches)

    •    Electric Kettle with Temperature Control (Ensures perfect brewing temperature)

Cold Infusions (Best for Minerals & Mucilaginous Herbs)

A cold infusion is a gentle, slow method ideal for extracting vitamins, minerals, and mucilaginous (soothing) compounds from herbs. Some nutrients break down in heat, so cold brewing helps retain them.

✔ Best for: Nettle (high in minerals), hibiscus (less tart when cold-brewed), oatstraw (deeply nourishing), marshmallow root (soothing, mucilaginous), and lemon balm (refreshing, lightly citrusy).

My Go-To Cold Infusion:

When I need deep nourishment, I reach for Spring Renewal Tea (coming soon)—a light, mineral-rich blend of nettle, lemon balm, elderflower, calendula, and lemon peel. Cold brewing this tea preserves all the delicate nutrients while creating a smooth, refreshing flavor.

How to Make a Cold Infusion:

    1.    Add 1-2 tablespoons of herbs per quart of cold water in a jar.

    2.    Cover and let steep for 6-12 hours in the fridge.

    3.    Strain and enjoy over ice or at room temperature.

Why This Method?

    •    Preserves heat-sensitive nutrients, like vitamins and minerals.

    •    Extracts soothing, mucilaginous properties (great for digestion & sore throats).

    •    Creates a naturally mild, smooth flavor without bitterness.

Must-Have Cold Brew Gear:

    •    Glass Mason Jars with Lids (Perfect for steeping overnight)

    •    Fine Mesh Strainer (For filtering out small herbs)

Sun Tea (Best for Slow-Brewed, Summer Refreshment)

When summer arrives, I can’t resist making sun tea—it’s part of my seasonal rhythm. My favorite sun tea? A really good-quality black tea with a smidge of fresh peppermint, steeped in the sun for a few hours, then finished with a squeeze of lemon and served over ice. There’s something magical about how the sun extracts flavors differently than heat does, creating a naturally mellow, sweet brew that tastes like summer itself.

Sun tea is a gentle infusion method that extracts the delicate flavors of flowers, fruits, and light herbs using the warmth of the sun instead of boiling water. It’s a great way to infuse fresh herbs in the summer while creating a naturally sweet, smooth tea.

✔ Best for: Hibiscus + Lemon Balm (cooling & citrusy), Chamomile + Mint (soothing & refreshing), Rose + Tulsi + Orange Peel (floral & uplifting), Nettle + Spearmint (mineral-rich & energizing).

Sun Tea Blends I Love:

    •    Summer Sunrise Tea (A citrusy, floral blend perfect for iced tea)

    •    Hibiscus & Lemon Balm for a naturally tart, refreshing blend.

How to Make Sun Tea Safely:

    1.    Fill a clean glass jar with 4 cups of filtered water.

    2.    Add 3-4 tablespoons of loose-leaf herbs or 4-6 tea bags.

    3.    Cover and place in direct sunlight for 2-4 hours.

    4.    Strain and refrigerate immediately after steeping to maintain freshness.

    5.    Serve over ice with honey or citrus for extra flavor!

Why This Method?

    •    Slow extraction allows for mild, naturally sweet flavors.

    •    Less tannins = smoother taste than hot-steeped tea.

    •    Perfect for summer herbal blends!

⚠ Safety Tip: Avoid brewing sun tea longer than 4 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always store in the fridge after steeping to keep it fresh.

Best Sun Tea Supplies:

    •    Large Glass Sun Tea Jar (For easy brewing)

    •    Reusable Tea Bags (For loose-leaf blends)

    •    Citrus Juicer (Perfect for adding fresh lemon or orange)

Decoctions (Best for Tough Roots & Barks)

A decoction is the best way to extract powerful medicinal compounds from tough plant parts like roots, barks, seeds, and berries. Unlike flowers and leaves, these plant parts require heat and time to break down and release their beneficial properties.

✔ Best for: Ginger root, cinnamon bark, licorice root, elderberry, dandelion root.

My Favorite Decoctions with Wild Faith Acres Teas:

    1.    Traditional Chai – Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves release their full-bodied flavor and benefits when gently simmered.

    2.    Decaf Chai – All the richness of chai, caffeine-free, perfect for a cozy evening decoction.

How to Make a Decoction:

    1.    Add 1-2 tablespoons of herbs per 16 oz of water in a saucepan.

    2.    Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-30 minutes.

    3.    Strain and drink warm or chilled.

Why This Method?

    •    Breaks down tough plant materials to extract deep medicinal properties.

    •    Releases stronger, more concentrated compounds than infusions.

    •    Great for immune support & deep nourishment.

Best Tools for Decoctions:

    •    Heavy-Bottom Saucepan (Even heat distribution)

    •    Reusable Tea Bags (Easy cleanup for simmered herbs)

Which Brewing Method is Right for You?

Each method extracts different properties from herbs, so consider:

✔ For a quick, flavorful cup? → Hot infusion

✔ For minerals & a smooth taste? → Cold infusion

✔ For refreshing summer tea? → Sun tea

✔ For deep extractions of roots & spices? → Decoction

If you’re not sure where to start, experiment! Try cold-infusing nettle for nutrients, simmering ginger for warmth, or steeping chamomile for a soothing tea before bed.

Final Thoughts

Brewing tea is an art and a science, and the best method depends on what you want to get from your herbs. Whether you’re sipping for pleasure or wellness, using the right technique can help you extract the best flavor and benefits.

Now I want to hear from you! What’s your favorite way to brew herbal tea? Comment below or tag me on social media with your tea-making process!

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