From Teas to Culinary Creations

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  Herbal teas are both easy to make and easy to drink.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Make a tea using the leaves, berries, flowers -- or all them combined. A typical infusion requires 1 ounce of herb to 1 quart of water, or 1 Cup of water to 1 Tablespoon of herb. Bring water to a boil before pouring over the herb. Allow to steep for 30 to 60 minutes. The longer the concoction steeps, the stronger the tea. Strain and consume 3 to 4 cups of tea daily for at least three weeks.
  
  
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  Tinctures are more powerful than home-brewed tea.Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Create a tincture using one or all consumable parts of the hawthorn tree. Most tinctures are made with alcohol, but if you have sensitivities or prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply use vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead. If you do use alcohol, use a quality grade of 80 to 100 proof. If using glycerin, dilute 50/50 with water. With vinegar, it works best to warm it. Chop your herbs finely. Fresh herbs are recommended over dried herbs, regardless of quality, as your ultimate goal in making a tincture is to preserve the freshness of the plant. Place chopped herbs into a clean, dry jar. Shoot for a ratio of 1 part herb to 2 parts alcohol (or chosen medium). Generally, there should be 2 to 3 inches of liquid above the herbs to insure total submersion. Cover with a tight fitting lid and place in a warm location for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the bottle daily. After the appropriate duration of time, strain your herbs and place the liquid in a colored, glass tincture bottle. Keep in a cool dark location. This tincture will keep almost indefinitely. Take 1 teaspoon of tincture three times daily for a month -- or more.
  
  
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  The benefits of many herbs can be preserved in preserves!Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Prepare culinary treats with hawthorn, especially with the berries. It's a good tasting plant that can be used in the making of jams, jellies, sauces, liqueurs and wines. Using hawthorn in this way retains much of the herb's nourishing features and allows you to enjoy the benefits regularly -- without carrying a medicinal connotation.