How to Make Tea From Saw Palmetto Berries

Native Americans along the Southeast Coast have long been fans of saw palmetto berries. The shrub is found growing throughout South Carolina and Florida, across the Gulf and into Texas where clever locals have been using the berries to treat everything from hair loss to the common cold. Recent anecdotal evidence suggests saw palmetto may actually be beneficial in the treatment of prostatitis and may be nature's answer to Viagra. A tea made from saw palmetto berries creates a mild diuretic that washes harmful bacteria from the system while soothing inflamed mucous membranes. These actions may assist the body in recovery from infection. To make saw palmetto berry tea, follow the instructions below.

Things You'll Need

• Saw palmetto berries
• Spices, such as allspice, cardamom, cinnamon or ginger (optional)
• Non-aluminum pan with lid
• Water
• Honey
• Vanilla or almond extract
• Strainer

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Instructions

• 1

  Place 1/4 cup or fresh berries (or 2 tbsp. dried berries) into a small, non-aluminum pan with a lid.

• 2

  Add 2 cups of boiling water and stir.

• 3

  Cover and allow the mixture to stand for 15 minutes.

• 4

  Stir in 1 tbsp. of honey and ¼ tsp. vanilla or almond extract or add a pinch of stevia if desired, to make the brew more palatable.

• 5

  Strain the tea into a cup and drink. Reserve the berries to re-use for a second batch.

• 6

  Alternatively, you can place the berries in cold water and bring them to a boil over low heat. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Let the tea cool for 24 hours, strain and drink. Many people believe you extract more useful compounds out of the berries when they are prepared this way. If you choose this method, the berries can only be used once.

• 7

  To prepare a large batch of tea, measure your berries and place them in a pan. Add any accompaniments you wish to include. Cover the berries with water, using 2 cups of water for every 1/4 cup of berries and soak for two hours. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Leave overnight to cool. Strain and drink.