The Book of Herbal Teas: A Guide to Gathering, Brewing, and Drinking

For The Book of Herbal Teas, the title tells all. It does not, however, convey the calm and engaging tone of this modest yet comprehensive and refreshingly illustrated volume. The heart of the book is a compendium of everything worth knowing about the 40 most common herbs and other plants used to make tea. Along with botanical and medicinal information, Sara Perry provides a treasure trove of cultural and historical background for each plant. The book provides guidance for growing your own herbs in the garden or indoors, for buying fresh herbs, and for wildcrafting. After explaining decoctions and infusions, Perry also suggests how to use herbs for decorative, cosmetic, and culinary purposes. Paired with a bouquet of herbs or boxes of herbal tea, this book makes an appealing gift.