DIY herbal tea: Dorothy Canote leads herb study group in session about medicinal teas

The local Backyard Herb Group exists, in large part thanks to Dorothy Canote.

She created the email list of about 60 in 2014 because "I had customers with questions about herbs," said Canote, 71, of Harrisburg. Under the name of Harvester, Canote is a vendor at the Columbia Farmers Market where she sells herbs, cut flowers and specialty produce, such as figs, ginger, turmeric and Jerusalem artichokes.

In 2016, the herb group became more official by electing officers. It meets once a month in the community room of Boone Electric Cooperative, Olivet Christian Church or a member's home.

At the Feb. 19 meeting, members wanted Canote to show them which herbs to use for teas for medicinal purposes. Canote, a former biology, chemistry and environmental science at Hickman High School, has been selling herbs at the farmers market in 2007.

She recreated the steps for making your own teas and bags for this story in a later interview and photo shoot.

Herbs can be used for culinary seasoning, medicinal or aesthetic purposes, she said. They contain beneficial nutritional substances, bring out the full flavor of other foods and can replace the need for salt or sugar in the diet.

"The infusion method is the most common method of making tea for herbal remedies," Canote said. Hot water is poured over the flowers of leafy parts of plants. Other methods include decoction, tincture and syrup. Canote provides some recipes using decoction methods below.

Preparing tea in glass, stainless steel, ceramic or porcelain containers is best. Do not use pots containing reactive materials, such as Teflon or aluminum, she said.

Canote is quick to note that she is not a doctor and in offering herbs for sale she tells her customers that a particular herb "traditionally can be used" for colds, flu or to help one sleep. She is careful not to say that a particular herb will "cure" an ailment. Plus, she cautions that some herbals can interfere with the effect of over-the-counter or prescription medicines. She also advises not to consume herbs from a location that has been sprayed or is dusty.

For those who wish to embrace the herbal life, Canote recommends books written by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. Other favorite authors include:

"The Complete Medicinal Herbal" by Penelope Ody (Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1993)

"The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal" by David Hoffmann (Element Books Limited, 1996)

"The Herb Book" by Arabella Boxer and Philippa Back (Octopus Books Limited, 1980)

Digestive blend 1

1 part dried goldenrod leaves

1/2 part ginger root, ground

Prepare an infusion of the above ingredients. Steep in hot water for 15 to 30 minutes. Add honey to taste.

Digestive blend 2

1 teaspoon ginger, ground

1 teaspoon turmeric, ground

Combine ingredients in 2 to 3 cups hot water.

Tea for colds and flu

2 tablespoons elderberry syrup

Combine ingredients in 1 to 2 cups water and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain. Store in refrigerator. Best if used within a week.

Source: DIY herbal tea: Dorothy Canote leads herb study group in session about medicinal teas