How should this herbal blend be brewed and when is it best to drink it? — Soothing herbal mixture 50g - Lekraset

LEKRASET Rahustav taimesegu comes as a loose herbal blend for making an infusion — not as capsules or a ready-made extract. This means the way it is brewed matters both for the taste and for the ritual itself.

According to the label, 1 tablespoon of the blend is covered with 200 ml of hot boiled water and heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The infusion is then cooled and strained, the remaining herbs are squeezed out and the volume is topped up to 200 ml with boiled water.

The infusion is taken as 1/3 of a glass 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, not only before bedtime.

A few practical points:

• Do not brew the blend several days in advance — a fresh infusion is preferable.
• The label does not state how long the prepared infusion keeps, so make it for one day: 200 ml is just enough for three servings of 1/3 of a glass.
• Keep the dry blend in a closed pack, away from moisture and direct light.
• If you take any medicines (especially sedatives or antidepressants), consult a specialist before drinking it regularly — St John's wort and valerian can interact with a number of medicines.