Recommendations:
The Water: Use filtered water, spring water, or purified water. The amount of hardness, minerals, and chlorine in tap water can dull the tea flavor. Leafy herbs & flowers should not be boiled but you still need very hot water to draw out the benefits. I bring the water to the point of "almost boiling" --you know when the little bubbles start forming at the bottom of the pan. Turn it off, then get your cup and tea bag ready and pour it over. *If the water did boil before you caught it, let it set 1-2 minutes before pouring over tea. If you're using a thermometer your water should reach between 180-200' for most tea.
The delicate parts of a plant, leaves and flowers. Different Teas use different steep times, and of course, there is your personal preference.. The longer you steep --letting the tea sit in the water, the stronger the drink and more benefits are extracted, but it can also make your tea taste bitter. I provide a general steeping time for each tea depending on the ingredients. if you like strong tea go for the longer time, if not, steep the shorter time. Each Tea is different. i.e. I steep my Black Tea only 3-4 minutes, but my Inner Goddess Tea 5-6 minutes. I personally don't like strong Tea but if that is your preference, Great, you will extract more of the benefits.
Tea Tips: As your figuring out your steeping time preference take notes so you know how to make the adjustments the next time. When you get it right, write it on the bag. *Use caution when steeping as some tea will get bitter the longer you steep it.
Root & Bark Teas: if you are making root or bark teas like Ashwagandha or Dandelion Root, use boiling water, 210', and steeping time is 10 minutes or more for maximum benefits.
Other: I make Tub Teas, Not for consuming, and they have a whole other set of instructions. Simmering them on the stove for 20 minutes before adding to a bath.
Exact directions for each tea will be on the product bag.