Herbal teas & preparations
Infusions & decoctions
Plant blends grouped by wellbeing family. Click a preparation to see the detail, the composition in “measures” and the precautions.
Read before any preparation
These preparations belong to herbal tradition: they aim for comfort and support, do not “cure” anything and do not replace medical advice. Ask a doctor, pharmacist or herbalist before prolonged use, if under treatment, pregnant or breastfeeding, or for a child.
How to use
Quantities are given in “measures”: a measure is a free unit of proportion, a cup, a tablespoon or a teaspoon, the same throughout a recipe. What matters is respecting the proportions between the plants. For a medium-strength pot, count about 2 large cups of water (~500 ml) following the stated proportions.
Infusion
Pour boiling water over the plants (fresh or dried), leave to infuse for 10 to 20 minutes, covered, then strain.
Long infusion
In a heatproof jar, cover with boiling water and leave to infuse for at least 3 to 4 h (or overnight) for a stronger preparation. Drunk during the day, iced or gently warmed.
Decoction
For the tough parts (roots, barks, rhizomes): bring to the boil in a pan of water and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, then strain.
Solar infusion
Fill a glass jar with plants (half if fresh, a quarter if dried), cover with fresh water to the brim, place a muslin or a lid on top, and let the sun warm the preparation.
Winter
The body signals through symptoms its need to slow down and rest. The blends that follow are traditionally used alongside a cold or a flu-like state. The blend can be left to infuse overnight for a more concentrated preparation.
The breath of aromatics
An aromatic blend traditionally used for the comfort of the airways (sinuses, passing cough). Thyme, oregano and rosemary are rich in warming aromatic compounds. It can be sweetened with a squeeze of freshly pressed lemon juice or a little unpasteurised honey.
Composition
- 2 measuresthyme
- 2 measuresoregano
- 2 measuresrosemary
- 1 measurecinnamon bark
Precautions to read
See the preparationWhen winter persists
A blend traditionally drunk alongside a flu-like state. Prepare it as a strong infusion and sip it regularly for general comfort.
Composition
- 3 measurescleavers (leaves/stems/flowers)
- 2 measurescalendula (marigold) flowers
- 2 measuresechinacea (roots/leaves/flowers)
- 2 measureselderflowers
- 1 measurecinnamon bark
- 1 measureelderberries
- 1 measureorange peel, fresh or dried
- 1/2 measurelemon balm
Precautions to read
See the preparationWinter reserve
An infusion traditionally drunk during the cold season, in case of a chill, over a short period (echinacea is not taken long term). A touch of manuka honey can be added once the infusion has cooled.
Composition
- 2 measureselderberries
- 2 measuresechinacea (roots/flowers/leaves)
- 1 measurerosehips
- 1/2 measureginger pieces
- 1/2 measurecinnamon chips
- optionalmanuka honey
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe minty trio
A classic trio of yarrow, elder, peppermint, with a fresh, minty taste. Traditionally used in case of a chill, for respiratory comfort and a passing sensation of warmth.
Composition
- 1 measureyarrow leaves
- 1 measureelderberries
- 1 measurepeppermint
Precautions to read
See the preparationSoothing for the throat
A blend of plants traditionally reputed to be soothing, used to ease the throat and the comfort of the airways (sore throat, passing cough, irritation). Manuka honey optional once the infusion has cooled.
Composition
- 3 measuresmullein leaves
- 1 measuresage
- 1 measurethyme
- 1/2 measurelicorice root
- optionalmanuka honey
Precautions to read
See the preparationDigestion
Digestion is a good indicator of general health, and stress easily disturbs it (bloating, nausea, transit troubles, gas, reflux). The following blends are traditionally used to support digestive comfort. “The gut is like a garden”: you feed the soil, keep the undesirables away, sow good seeds.
When the belly drags
A blend traditionally used to support a sluggish digestion: it encourages intestinal movement and may relieve the discomfort of an overloaded belly.
Composition
- 2 measuresdandelion roots
- 1.5 measuresfennel seeds
- 1.5 measurescinnamon chips
- 1/4 measurelicorice roots
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe after-dinner calm
A gentle blend for the comfort of a bloated, air-filled belly, pleasant after dinner and conducive to a good night's sleep.
Composition
- 2 measureschamomile flowers
- 2 measurespeppermint
- 1 measurelicorice roots
- 1 measurerosehips
- 1 measurefennel seeds
- 1/4 measureginger pieces
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe pre-meal bitter
A bitter preparation traditionally taken about 20 minutes before the meal: the bitterness stimulates the digestive secretions that help break food down.
Composition
- 1.5 measurescinnamon chips
- 1 measuredandelion roots
- 1 measuremotherwort (leaves/flowers)
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe astringent
A very astringent, soothing blend, traditionally used in case of passing loose stools to help regulate transit.
Composition
- 1 measureyarrow leaves
- 1 measureraspberry leaves
- 1 measurechamomile flowers
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe powerful bitter
A bitter, aromatic formula from herbal tradition, with minty notes. A powerful taste. Plants traditionally reputed to be antimicrobial, to be handled with caution and over short periods.
Composition
- 3 measurespeppermint
- 2 measuresthyme
- 2 measureschickweed
- 1.5 measuressage
- 1 measureoregano
- 1/2 measurewormwood (flowers/leaves)
Precautions to read
See the preparationVitality
The “fire” of vitality we carry is sometimes weakened: fatigue, chronic stress, exhaustion. The following blends are traditionally used to support energy and inner glow. Important: anxiety, depression and burnout call for medical care, these teas are no substitute for it.
When reserves run low
A blend traditionally used to support the body in times of fatigue, with gotu kola and licorice (plants of the adaptogen tradition) and lemon balm. A comforting drink when reserves are at their lowest.
Composition
- 2 measuresgotu kola leaves
- 2 measureslemon balm
- 1 measurelicorice root
Precautions to read
See the preparationSetting down the shoulders
A gentle blend traditionally used to encourage calm and relaxation in case of passing mental agitation.
Composition
- 2 measurespassionflower
- 2 measuresoat straw
- 1 measurechamomile flowers
- 1/2 measurerosehips
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe step aside
A blend traditionally used to ease tension and stress, built around tulsi (holy basil), passionflower and lavender.
Composition
- 3 measurestulsi
- 2 measurespassionflower
- 1 measurelavender flowers
- 1/2 measuresage leaves
Precautions to read
See the preparationSt John's herb
A blend built around St John's wort, a “solar” plant traditionally associated with good spirits, rounded out with lemon balm and oat straw.
Composition
- 3 measuresSt John's wort (flowers/leaves/stems)
- 3 measureslemon balm
- 2 measuresoat straw
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe grey days
A comforting blend traditionally used in moments of melancholy: motherwort and rose petals, warmed by cinnamon and cardamom.
Composition
- 2 measuresmotherwort (leaves/flowers)
- 2 measuresrose petals
- 2 measurescinnamon chips
- 1 measurecardamom pods
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe meadow bouquet
A long infusion traditionally reputed to be rich in minerals and vitamins (notably B and C, iron, calcium), conceived as a daily nutritional complement, to drink hot or iced.
Composition
- 3 measuresraspberry leaves
- 2 measuresred clover flowers
- 1.5 measuresnettle leaves
- 1 measureoat straw
- 1 measurepeppermint
- 1 measuregoji berries
- 1/2 measurerosehips
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe light momentum
A blend traditionally used to dispel gloom and regain drive, built around yarrow, tulsi and rose.
Composition
- 3 measuresyarrow leaves
- 2 measurestulsi leaves
- 1 measureyarrow flowers
- 1 measurepeppermint
- 1 measurerose petals
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe cycle and its plants
A tonic blend traditionally used in support of female balance, built around lemon balm, nettle and plants of the herbal gynaecological tradition.
Composition
- 2 measureslemon balm
- 2 measuresnettle leaves
- 1 measuremotherwort (leaves/flowers)
- 1 measuremugwort (leaves/flowers)
- 1 measuresage
- 1/2 measuredried lemon zest
Precautions to read
See the preparationSummer red
An infusion traditionally reputed to be rich in nutrients and antioxidants, ideally “solar” (infused in the sun's warmth). A touch of honey softens it.
Composition
- 3 measuresraspberry leaves
- 2 measuresred clover flowers
- 1/2 measuredried orange peel
- 1/2 measurerosehips
- 1/2 measurehibiscus flowers
- optionalhoney
Precautions to read
See the preparationNettle and oat
A very simple nettle, oat straw duo, traditionally reputed to be remineralising and restorative in case of fatigue. Honey or a touch of molasses can be added for taste and minerals.
Composition
- 1 measurenettle leaves
- 1 measureoat straw
Precautions to read
See the preparationElimination comfort
The body handles elimination naturally through its dedicated organs (liver, kidneys, intestines, skin). The following blends are traditionally used to support digestive and eliminative comfort, especially after excess. Note: plant “detox” is not a scientifically established concept, these teas accompany a healthy lifestyle, they do not “cleanse” the body on their own.
Root decoction
A decoction of roots and rhizomes traditionally used to support digestive comfort and the work of the liver and gallbladder.
Composition
- 1 measuredandelion roots
- 1/2 measureturmeric rhizomes
- 1/4 measureginger pieces
Precautions to read
See the preparationAfter the excess
A blend traditionally used to support the liver, eliminative comfort and vitality, built around rooibos, nettle and dandelion. Rooibos and hibiscus lift the taste and bring antioxidants.
Composition
- 3 measuresrooibos
- 2 measuresnettle leaves
- 1 measuredandelion roots
- 1 measureoat straw
- 1/2 measurehibiscus flowers
Precautions to read
See the preparationNettle chai
A caffeine-free “chai”, traditionally reputed to be nourishing: nettle for the minerals, spices for the warmth, a comfort against lethargy. Prepare it by combining a long infusion of the nettle with a decoction of the other ingredients.
Composition
- 2 measuresnettle leaves
- 1/2 measurecinnamon chips
- 1/2 measureginger pieces
- 1/2 measurecardamom pods
- 1/2 measurestar anise
- 1/4 measurecloves
- 1/4 measurepeppercorns
Precautions to read
See the preparationThe golden spiced
A spiced blend traditionally reputed to be soothing in case of inflammatory discomfort (joints, for example), rich in antioxidants. Black pepper accompanies the turmeric to aid the absorption of curcumin; the citrus brings warm flavours.
Composition
- 2 measuresrooibos
- 2 measuresturmeric rhizomes
- 2 measurescinnamon chips
- 1 measurerosehips
- 1/4 measuredried orange zest
- 1/4 measuredried lemon zest
- 1/4 measurewhole peppercorns
- 1/4 measureginger pieces
Precautions to read
See the preparationCalendula and echinacea
A blend traditionally used in support of the lymphatic system and the skin's glow.
Composition
- 1 measurerooibos
- 1 measurecalendula (marigold)
- 1 measurecleavers (leaves/stems/flowers)
- 1 measuremullein leaves
- 1 measureechinacea (roots/flowers/leaves)
- 1/2 measureginger pieces
Precautions to read
See the preparationSleep
Peaceful, restorative sleep is one of the most essential forms of care, best not negotiated. Good sleep hygiene starts with an evening ritual that slows the pace and welcomes calm; a cup of comforting tea is an ideal way to prepare for rest.
The evening trio
A gentle, comforting trio, traditionally reputed to be soothing for the nervous system. Perfect for unwinding and welcoming the evening's “yin energy”.
Composition
- 2 measuresoat straw
- 2 measureslemon balm
- 1 measurechamomile flowers
Precautions to read
See the preparationPassionflower and valerian
A synergy traditionally used in case of light, restless sleep, built around passionflower, lemon balm and valerian. Prepare it as a strong infusion.
Composition
- 2 measurespassionflower
- 2 measureslemon balm
- 1 measurevalerian roots
Precautions to read
See the preparationAll in flowers
A blend all in flowers, traditionally used to gently accompany falling asleep.
Composition
- 3 measurespassionflower
- 1.5 measureschamomile flowers
- 1 measureCalifornia poppy (flowers/leaves/stems)
- 1/2 measurelavender flowers
Precautions to read
See the preparationMugwort and dreams
An evening blend rooted in a tradition that links it to intuition and dreams. A gentle infusion, to sip at bedtime.
Composition
- 2 measuresgotu kola leaves
- 1 measurechamomile flowers
- 1 measuredried orange zest
- 1/2 measuremugwort (leaves/flowers)
Precautions to read
See the preparationSource: Formulas from the Western herbalist tradition, knowledge passed down, not a clinically validated protocol. The texts of this collection are Permagora's own; each plant's precautions draw on its known safety data (EMA, ESCOP).