Working with herbal medicine includes developing a relationship with the herbs.  We recommend honoring the herbs by honoring yourself, our planet and all that the plant kingdom provides.  Welcome the spirit and medicine of the herbs into your body.  Acknowledge their desire to assist you in your personal healing, and give thanks. 

• Treat your herbs with respect. By treating your herbs respectfully, they will help you to cultivate respect in all things. Respect yourself, your body, and all of life. Respect the Mother Earth and all the gifts She provides for our care. Set an intention to become a little more respectful every day.
• Prepare your tea with intention. As you are brewing your tea, welcome its aroma into your field of awareness. Notice the different smells and qualities the herbs are giving. Is there a response in your body to the aromas? Acknowledge that the herbs are here as your partners to assist toward greater health, clarity and well-being.
• Drink your tea with awareness. The herbs are here to help you. Be aware that with each sip of your tea you are doing something wonderful for yourself. Give thanks to yourself, and to the herbs.      

Three Methods for Preparing Two Moons Herbal Teas

1.  Hot Water:  Boil distilled or filtered water, remove it from heat.  When bubbles subside add one teaspoon of herb per cup of water or one tablespoon per quart.  Allow tea to steep for ten to twenty minutes.  Strain and sip.

2.  Soaking:  Add one tablespoon of herb to one quart of distilled or filtered water at room temperature.  Cover and soak for at least four hours, but no more than twelve hours in a glass container.  Strain off the herbs and sip throughout the day.   This method works well for overnight soaking.

3.  Sun Tea:  In a glass jar, add herbs to distilled or filtered water (one tablespoon herb to one quart of water).  Place jar in morning sun for two to three hours but no longer than four, before noon. This method cannot be used on cloudy or rainy days.

Important Notes about Preparing and Drinking Two Moons Teas

• Use level teaspoons or tablespoons when measuring herbs. There is no need to use more herbs than what is called for. The measured quantities deliver as much nutrition as the water can hold.
• Distilled water is preferred because it allows more nutrition from the herbs to saturate the water. Spring and filtered water are also acceptable.
• Do not boil tea or use boiling water on the herbs. Wait until the bubbles subside before steeping your tea.
• Glass is preferred for steeping and storing your tea. Stainless steel, ceramic and Tupperware are acceptable but avoid use of other metals and plastics when steeping, storing, or straining you tea.
• You may drink teas iced, warm or room temperature. The exception is Old Crow Blend which should be drunk hot to derive benefit from the oils in the herbs. (Note: you will need a hot plate or insulated tea pot to keep Old Crow tea hot while drinking.)
• If you want to sweeten your tea, we recommend tupelo honey or agave syrup.
• Teas are best used during the day they are prepared.
• Use stainless steel, bamboo, paper, cotton, cheese cloth, or ceramic strainers.
• Allow at least twenty minutes between food and teas, except Coexistence and Little Brave which are best used with meals (15 minutes before or after).
• Allow 15 minutes between teas and other nutritional supplements.
• Do not mix tea blends together.
• Avoid setting tea on cement or concrete while steeping.
• When drinking a quart a day of any of our Two Moons Tea blends, we suggest taking three days off at the end of a 30 day cycle before beginning again. This allows the body to rest and integrate.
• It is recommended for women to suspend drinking Two Moons Tea blends during menses with the exception of Women's Blend which may be drunk as needed.