"Tea, also known as herbal infusions, may be the simplest way to consume your herbs but still yield a therapeutically active preparation. The heat of the water used to infuse your herbs will release it's therapeutic properties.

Infusions are suited for the aerial parts of plants: their leaves and flowers. These are the more delicate plant parts. Generally, between one and two teaspoons of the dried, chopped herbs are used per cupful of hot water to prepare an infusion. You can add a blend of herbs to a teabag or you can use gadgets like a tea-ball.

The simplest option is to add the herbs to a jug, pour in the hot water, cover the jug to stop volatile oils from evaporating away, and allow the herbs to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. The tea can then be strained and ready to drink hot.

You can also allow the tea to cool if a cold infusion is preferable. You can make a cold infusion by steeping your herbs in a jug of cold water overnight in the fridge. Strain the cold tea and it will be ready to drink.