Lost River Naturals

My hand-crafted herbal teas are fresh, colorful, and wonderfully fragrant with a depth that is hard to find in pre-packaged brands.  Herbal teas can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet, providing beneficial nutrients with every cup.  There are many flavors to explore!   I will blend your choice upon ordering to ensure the freshest quality. 

Most people prefer between one and two teaspoons of tea per 8 oz. cup of water.  Start with a rounded teaspoon and adjust accordingly.

                                                                   ~Twilight Tea~

  * STORE AWAY FROM HEAT AND LIGHT FOR MAXIMUM

            FRESHNESS AND NUTRITIONAL BENEFIT *

                   Stainless mesh infusers are available for $3 each.

      Choose from a 2 1/2 inch, round tea ball or a single cup,

                          mesh infuser with handle

                              ~Tea cups are $3~

        Honey makes an excellent sweetener to any of my teas.

"When I drink tea

I am conscious of peace

The cool breath of Heaven

rises in my sleeves, and

blows my cares away"

~Chinese poet - Lotung

Hippocrates was once quoted as saying "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food."  Herbal teas can be considered a concentrated food; sipping herb tea is an excellent way to enjoy the healing properties of herbs in your daily diet.  They provide natural energy, protection and joy. 

As folk herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has said "the mere act of making and drinking tea involves you in the healing process and awakens an innate ability for self healing in the body."

Teas can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature or chilled.  They are delicious blended with fruit juice for children, or frozen into herbal pops.  You do not need any fancy equipment to make tea.  All you really need is a quart size jar with a lid, your selected herbs, and boiling water. 

Once brewed, store your herbal tea in the refrigerator and keep for no more than 3 or 4 days.

If you choose to use herbal teas medicinally, it's a good idea to make them by the quartful instead of by the cup.  This way, you can take small sips every 30 minutes for acute symptoms such as colds, headaches, or stomach discomfort until the symptoms subside.  Or for chronic ailments or as a tonic, drink a small cup of your chosen herbal tea 3 to 4 times a day.

Please consult with your health care provider before using herbs.  Make sure that your discomfort is not a sign of a serious problem.

                                                                 ~Lemon Ginger Tea~

Infusions and Decoctions

INFUSIONS are made by steeping herbs for 20 minutes to one hour after water has been brought to the boiling point.  The proportion of water to herb and infusion time varies.  Start with 1 teaspoon of herbs to one 8 oz. cup of water and let your senses and taste buds guide you.

The more delicate parts of the plant such as flowers and leaves must be steeped rather than simmered (as in a decoction) because they release their medicinal properties more easily than the tougher roots, seeds and bark.

DECOCTIONS are made from the more tenacious parts of the plant such as roots and seeds.  To make a decoction, place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.  Heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20-45 minutes.  The longer you simmer, the stronger the tea.  Use a mesh tea ball to contain the herbs or place the herbs directly in the water and strain after simmering time is complete.

Suggested Dosages for children: (when giving herb teas)

When adult dosage is one cup (8 oz)

age younger than 2 years: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon

2 to 4 years: 2 teaspoons

4 to 7 years: 1 Tablespoon

7 to 11 years: 2 Tablespoons

Please remember that these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and it is always wise to consult with your health care provider before using any herbal preparation.

For acute ailments (colds, fevers, tummy aches, etc) use small dosages several times per day until symptoms subside.  Consider weight and overall health of the child when determining dosage.