Herbal teas are a very simple yet elegant preparation which uses the curative value of herbs to treat ailments. It is cheap, and requires only about a teaspoon of each herb per cup of tea. It is to be consumed at least thrice a day for an effective remedy. Also, many herbal teas are best taken when hot. This increases their effectiveness.

Herbal tea remedies can be prepared in various ways, such as:

* Infusion, where hot water is poured over herbs and is steeped for five to ten minutes using saucepan, teapot and cup. Covered utensils are used to help the herbal tea remedy retain the natural oils. These are made using mostly leaves and flowers.

* Decoction, where the herbs are simmered in water for fifteen to thirty minutes to prepare the herbal tea remedy. Roots and barks are used to make this kind of herbal tea remedy, because the high heat releases more substances.

* Cold infusions, where the herbal tea remedy is prepared by soaking the herbs in cold water for eight hours or more. This used for very delicate herbs which would lose their natural oils if heated.

* Tinctures. This herbal tea remedy consists of concentrated liquid herbal medicinal extracts. The tea can be made instantly by adding about a quarter teaspoon of this to a cup of water.
Herbal tea remedies exist for a wide variety of diseases and afflictions, including common cold, flu, stress, skin afflictions, headache, stomach upset, obesity, sleeplessness, tress, anxiety, insomnia, etc.

However, herbal tea remedies should not be consumed indiscriminately, as is true of any beverage or medicine. Excessive use may produce the very symptoms they are normally used to treat.