Commonwealth Alternative Care: A Premier Dispensary
Exploring Cannabis Dispensaries in Massachusetts: Spotlight on Commonwealth Alternative Care
Massachusetts has become a notable destination for cannabis enthusiasts since the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2016. With a growing number of dispensaries across the state, Commonwealth Alternative Care (CAC) stands out as one of the best dispensaries "near you." With locations in Brockton, Taunton, and Cambridge, CAC offers a welcoming environment, high-quality products, and a community-focused approach. Whether you're a seasoned cannabis user or a curious newcomer, CAC provides a diverse product selection and the expertise needed to enhance your cannabis journey. Discover what makes Commonwealth Alternative Care a premier choice for cannabis consumers in Massachusetts.
Locations and Accessibility
Commonwealth Alternative Care has strategically located its dispensaries to serve a wide range of customers. With locations in Brockton, Taunton, and Cambridge, CAC ensures that both residents and visitors have easy access to their top-notch cannabis products. Each location is designed to provide a welcoming and professional environment, making the cannabis purchasing experience enjoyable and hassle-free. If you’re searching for a "dispensary near me," CAC is likely to be conveniently situated.
Product Selection
CAC boasts an impressive selection of cannabis products to cater to all types of consumers. Whether you are looking for high-quality flower, potent concentrates, delicious edibles, or therapeutic topicals, CAC has you covered. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist customers in finding the perfect product to meet their needs, whether it's for recreational enjoyment or medical purposes. When looking for a "dispensary near me," CAC’s vast array of products makes it a go-to choice.
Quality and Safety
One of the hallmarks of Commonwealth Alternative Care is their commitment to quality and safety. All products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards. This includes testing for potency, pesticides, and other contaminants. CAC takes pride in providing safe, clean, and effective cannabis products to their customers. So, when searching for a "dispensary near me" with stringent safety standards, CAC is a reliable option.
Community Engagement
CAC is more than just a dispensary; it's a community-focused organization. They actively participate in local events, support community initiatives, and strive to make a positive impact in the areas they serve. This dedication to community engagement sets them apart from many other dispensaries and fosters a sense of trust and loyalty among their customers.
Educational Resources
For those new to cannabis or looking to expand their knowledge, CAC offers a wealth of educational resources. From in-store consultations to informative blog posts and guides, CAC aims to empower their customers with the information they need to make informed decisions about cannabis use. Their staff is trained to provide guidance on product selection, dosing, and consumption methods, ensuring that every customer feels confident and comfortable.
Why Choose Commonwealth Alternative Care?
Choosing the right dispensary is crucial for a positive cannabis experience, and Commonwealth Alternative Care ticks all the boxes. Their commitment to quality, safety, community, and education makes them a standout option in the Massachusetts cannabis market. Whether you're a seasoned cannabis user or a curious newcomer, CAC offers a welcoming environment, a diverse product selection, and the expertise needed to enhance your cannabis journey.
Conclusion
The cannabis industry in Massachusetts continues to grow, offering a plethora of options for consumers. Among these, Commonwealth Alternative Care shines as a premier dispensary that prioritizes customer satisfaction and community well-being. With convenient locations, high-quality products, and a focus on education, CAC stands as one of the best dispensaries "near you." Next time you're in the Bay State and looking for a reliable cannabis source, make sure to visit Commonwealth Alternative Care and experience their exceptional service firsthand.
Whether you're exploring cannabis for the first time or are a seasoned enthusiast, Commonwealth Alternative Care is a beacon of excellence in the Massachusetts cannabis landscape. Embrace the opportunity to discover the benefits of cannabis with a trusted and reputable dispensary by your side. When you search for a "dispensary near me," CAC should be at the top of your list.
Last Prisoner Project
Commonwealth Alternative Care is proud to be partnering with Last Prisoner Project (LPP.) LPP is a nonprofit dedicated to releasing cannabis prisoners, clearing their record and helping them rebuild their lives as they re-enter society.
LPP states that in the United States, “the fundamental injustice inflicted upon those who have suffered criminal convictions and incarceration remains. Through intervention, advocacy, and awareness the LPP will work to redress the past and continuing harms of these unjust laws and policies.
In addition to accepting donations for LPP at our Taunton location, CAC, LPP and Her Highness have teamed up to create the Her Highness Last Prisoner Project pre roll with lighter. Available in strains Jilly Bean and LA Kush Cake, for 18 dollars patients will receive a .5 gram pre roll and a gold, adjustable lighter. Fifty percent of the proceeds support women that have been unjustly imprisoned on low-level cannabis offenses. Her Highness pledges to use their voice and resources to shine a light on those struggling to reclaim their rights.
With the motto “Change is Coming,” the Last Prisoner Project stands for not resting until the last cannabis prisoner is set free. According to LPP, there have been 15 million cannabis arrests in the past decade alone. In the U.S, 40,000 individuals are incarcerated for marijuana offenses meanwhile the country has gained 10 billion dollars in annual, legal revenue.
The following states have not decriminalized marijuana: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Each of these 19 states imposes jail time and a hefty fine for simple possession of marijuana. In Alabama, for example, having possession of any amount of marijuana is now a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year in jail and/or a 6,000 dollar penalty. Fourteen of those states have also not legalized medical marijuana.
In current news, a draft of the Cannabis Admissions and Opportunity Act of 2021 (CAOA) was recently released to the public. This act does not legalize marijuana nationwide, however, under this act it would see Congress remove marijuana from the Control Substances Act, “thus removing most federal penalties for marijuana cultivation, distribution and possession,” according to LPP.
LPP states that this means that if the bill were signed into law, “taxed and regulated adult-use cannabis sales would not automatically be permitted throughout the nation. Individual states would still have to opt-in to state level decriminalization and regulated sales. State-regulated marketplaces, on the other hand, would start to operate under co-existing federal and state regulation and taxation systems.”
“In addition to removing many federal penalties for cannabis possession and distribution, the CAOA allows for the expungement/sealing of (some) federal cannabis-related convictions, and gives (some) individuals currently serving federal sentences related to cannabis the opportunity to have their sentences reviewed and potentially vacated.”
CAC is proud to be partnering with LPP and hopes to continue contributing towards the efforts of releasing cannabis prisoners from their incarcerations. For more information and a full, detailed analysis of the CAOA, please visit www.lastprisonerproject.org.
https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state
https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/
Happy Pride Month, from CAC Taunton
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH 2021! From the CAC Fam!
For the month of June, CAC is collecting donations for the Marsha P Johnson Institute and if you want to contribute please come stop by the store and either: add a donation at the end of your transaction, drop some change into the donation jar OR buy a CAC Pride T-Shirt for $15 dollars! 100% of the proceeds are going to the Marsha P Johnson Institute.
With complete transparency, we were going to be donating to Boston Pride but found out from a few verifiable sources that Boston Pride was being boycotted for not being inclusive to trans people of color. Immediately our Community Outreach Director made a move to inform Boston Pride of the change and spread awareness to our team and community that we stand with trans people of color. We appreciate the love and support of our community, patients, and fellow employees. We are all in this together and we stand in solidarity.
For all the LGBTQIA+ people in our community, thank you. Thank you for being you and being proud. And to those who fear being out, we love and support you too. It is your life and your identity, we are proud of you and hope for the best for you. Continue to be strong!
The “Progress Flag”
Alright, let's break this down, because there are some important additions to the NHS’s Pride Flag that mean even more after the year everyone has had. The flag in the photo above was designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018. It features black and brown stripes to represent people of color, and baby blue, pink and white to include the trans flag in its design. Why?
This a very strategic move that emphasizes the intersections of discrimination within the LGBTQIA+ community and highlights those who started Pride. This modern progressive version of the pride flag is making way for different gender identities and BIPOC to express themselves more freely and spread awareness that they are the pioneers of the gay rights movement. But this doesn’t mean the stigma of these two demographics aren’t gone, nor is the discrimination of the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole. It is ingrained in our culture. QTBIPoC activists inspired the very first Pride, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera will go down in history. They were two trans women of color who started the Stonewall Uprising/Riots and rallied to end discrimination and hate crime for the LGBTQIA+ community. These additions have a very deep and meaningful connection to the LGBTQIA+ community and deserve their place on the flag
The many protests for Black Lives Matter (an organization whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities) which the LGBTQIA+ community flocked to in support of during the George Floyd protests, even though their events were canceled, creating a solid force for acceptance and cooperation. In a world filled with many forms of discrimination and hate, we cannot choose one over the other. One person’s experience is not the same as the next but should be the basis of celebration and compassion and not disassociation between historically marginalized groups.
Like we mentioned in last year's blog, Black Lives Matter fosters a queer-affirming network. They are actively educating people on the intersection of discrimination. Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberly Crenshaw, a Black female lawyer, author, scholar, and civil rights activist. Intersectionality means that there can be multiple levels of discrimination and that one person can go through at any given time. Kimberly first conceived this term to articulate the experience of a black woman, who not only experiences the discrimination of a black person nor JUST the experience of being a woman but is experiencing her form of prejudice that is exponentially greater due to the convergence of her identities. The same concept goes for QTBIPoC.
We discussed this in last year’s blog post for pride, when we brought up Toyin Salaudead’s untimely death. It is a very heartbreaking story and if you want to know more please read last year's post. BUT this is not the only instance of this sort of hate crime toward the QTBIPoC community. In 2020, there were 44 known deaths to gender non-conforming people, most of which were Black and Latinx persons. Read this article to learn the names and stories of these people who lost their lives tragically: Fatal Violence Against the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2020
This is all-important when celebrating pride and is the reasoning behind the Progress Pride Flag. Being open about being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is a very authentic way to live your life but it isn’t always safe for some people.
We will leave off this section with, if someone is not hurting others or themselves and is a consenting human adult, it is a valid and healthy way to live. Don’t attempt to dim someone's shine just because you don’t agree. Also, pride exists solely because people don’t agree and/or cause harm to this community, no groups are actively seeking out to destroy heterosexuality.
Cannabis Industry and LGBTQIA+
Cannabis has strong roots in the LGBTQIA+ community because it helps with the many illnesses and disorders that exist in the community; HIV/AIDS, PTSD, addiction, anxiety and depression, body dysphoria, etc. It is so valuable to emphasize especially because almost a third of LGBTQIA+ adults (30.7%) reported using marijuana in the past year, compared to 12.9 percent of heterosexual adults.
Cannabis and LGBTQIA+, especially QTBIPoC, rights are at just another intersection of the discrimination. Particularly, relevant in southern states, more than 60% of all Black queer men diagnosed with HIV nationally reside, according to 2014 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where recreational cannabis use remains largely illegal and medical use is legal in roughly half the region.
Last year we spoke about Dennis Peron, who is widely regarded as the father of the medical marijuana movement, and Mary Jane Rathbun, an ally to the LGBTQ community, who quickly became known as “Brownie Mary”.
Peron became an activist after his partner Jonathon West passed from HIV/AIDS. Cannabis helped his partner with the symptoms that “Wasting Syndrome” was causing. Peron founded the “Dallas Buyers Club.” and co-wrote a passage of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 in California. Mary secretly distributed pot brownies to patients as a hospital volunteer for the Shanti Project, the first organization to offer medical services to AIDS patients.
Another advocate for cannabis and the LGBTQIA+ community was Paul Scott who advocated in San Francisco for medical cannabis. In Inglewood, Scott started the first medical marijuana facility, helping patients cope with their terminal illnesses through cannabis and support groups
Queer individuals’ have historically been advocating for cannabis rights at a much higher rate than cisgender straight people, yet they have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of this oppression and repression. You don’t quite see a lot of queer leaders in the cannabis industry though. Why?
Disenfranchised communities (i.e. LGBTQIA+, BIPoC, Women, Veterans, Disabled, etc.) tend to not have the capital to start a business in the industry due to the inequity, or barriers, placed on these communities. In MA, the Cannabis Control Commission’s cannabis regulations (935 CMR), both Medical Use (501.000) and Adult-Use (500.000), also emphasize the need for Cannabis Establishments to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in general. The inclusiveness that MA is trying to achieve is all due to the amazing advocates that are constantly defending the rights of disenfranchised groups in MA cannabis.
If you are a part of or identify with a historically marginalized group due to cannabis prohibition and are interested in the cannabis industry, here’s a bit of advice. Do some research on your state's regulations (if it is legal) and find the people who are already in the industry doing what you aspire to do. This goes for any industry or any passion but it will help you pair with people of like mind.
Good luck and never stop learning!
Stay safe and healthy and enjoy this beautiful summer!
Links to Sources:
Substance Use and SUDs in LGBTQ* Populations
To Be Blunt: Cannabis culture prides itself on LGBTQ activism
Why Many LGBT People Have Started Using A New Pride Flag
ENTREPRENEUR: MEET THE QUEER WOMEN OF WEED
Why Some LGBT+ People Feel Uneasy At The Sight Of NHS Rainbow Flags
Fatal Violence Against the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2020
MA Cannabis Control Commission Regulations: 935 CMR
Medical 501.000
Adult Use 500.000
CAC Brings Awareness to Mental Health Awareness Month
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During the month of May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health, hoping to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families!
Why do we promote Mental Health Awareness Month?
According to Youth.gov, mental health awareness month started back in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives, as well as celebrate recovery from mental health illness.
It all started in the twentieth century when Clifford W. Beers, a recent Yale graduate, suffered his first episode of bipolar disorder after his brother fell ill and passed away. After surviving a suicide attempt, they sent Beers to multiple public and private hospitals where he saw firsthand the cruel and unusual treatment people suffering from mental illness received. Beers himself was subject to a straightjacket for 21 consecutive nights.
After they released him, Beers wrote an autobiography exposing the treatment patients with mental illness experienced. In 1909 Beer, along with a philosopher and a psychiatrist, created the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, which eventually turned into what we know today as Mental Health America.
Mental Health and COVID
During this time of Covid-19, mental health is more important than ever. The change from everyday normal life to wearing masks and social distancing has been detrimental to this nation’s mental health. According to the Center of Disease Control, 31 percent of adults reported suffering from anxiety and depression in June 2020, and eleven percent seriously considered suicide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) speculated in 2020 that “the measures such as self isolation and quarantine have affected usual activities, routines and livelihoods of people that may lead to an increase in loneliness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, harmful alcohol, and drug use, and self-harm or suicidal behavior.”
Besides being forced to spend time by ourselves, covid-19 has affected the jobs of millions of Americans. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 16.9 million people unemployed in July 2020, 9.6 million could not work because their employer closed or lost business because of the pandemic. No matter the age, losing a job can be damaging in more ways than one, specifically when it comes to mental health.
According to the American Psychological Association, “the mental health impacts of today’s job losses are likely to be significant, given a large body of research showing that unemployment is linked to anxiety, depression and loss of life satisfaction, among other negative outcomes.”
Carl Van Horn, PhD, a professor of public, workforce and unemployment policies at Rutgers University says, “losing a job and being unemployed for a long period of time is a psychological trauma and a financial trauma, and the two are closely intertwined.”
Organizational psychologist at the University of Minnesota Connie Wanberg, PhD, says work provides us time structure. “It provides us purpose and also provides us social interactions with others, Wanberg says. “When you lose all that, it creates a lot of difficulties for people.”
So what can we at CAC do to help combat the rise in mental health crises?
Mental Health and Cannabis
According to the Drug Policy Alliance, “emerging evidence indicates that psychiatric patients who try marijuana show significant improvements in symptoms and clinical outcomes (such as lower mortality rates and better cognitive functioning) compared with those who have not.”
In 2019, Gallop did a study on the use of cannabis in the United States. The study found nationwide cannabis sales increased 67 percent in 2020. The results also showed that 12 percent of Americans are active marijuana users and 14 percent of Americans currently use CBD. Of those 14 percent, 40 percent use CBD for pain and 20 percent for anxiety.
Here at Commonwealth Alternative Care, we are proud to provide cannabis and CBD to patients combating mental health. Our budtenders are trained to help patients find specific strains that work best for them. The following are our current strains and how they help combat mental health symptoms. Keep in mind we are not doctors and everybody is different. These strains may or may not provide relief to you.
STRAINS FOR DEPRESSION: NF1, Chemdawg, Banana Punch, Cinderella 99, Cherry O.G, G.A.S, GG #4, Jilly Bean, Orange Cookies x MAC, Rosaberry, Sour Diesel x Animal Cookies, Swamp Dog, Unbroken Chain, Ayahuasca Gold, Bandana Bruce, Gelato Kush, Jilly Breath XX, NF Kush Cake, Northern Gorilla, Medicine Man, Crescendo, Deep Line Alchemy #6, GMO x MAC, LA Kush Cake, Lava Breath, Orange Apricot x MAC, Mac & Cheese, Peppermint Kush, Blueberry Punch Cake, Hash Plant D, Watermelon Gelato, Animal Crunch Berries, MAC Dawg, Pink Snowman, 88 G13 x Hash Plant x Northern Lights #1.
STRAINS FOR ANXIETY: Dionysus, Chemdawg, Banana Punch, Cinderella 99, Cherry O.G, G.A.S, GG#4, Jilly Bean, Orange Cookies x MAC, Rosaberry, Sour Diesel x Animal Cookies, Swamp Dog, Unbroken Chain, ACDC, Ayahuasca Gold, Bandana Bruce, Gelato Kush, Crescendo, Deep Line Alchemy #6, GMO x MAC, LA Kush Cake, Lava Breath, Mac & Cheese, Orange Apricot x MAC, Peppermint Kush, 88 G13 x Hash Plant x Northern Lights #1, Blueberry Punch Cake, Hash Plant D, Watermelon Gelato, Jilly Breath XX, NF Kush Cake, Northern Gorilla, Animal Crunch Berries, Blueberry Punch Cake.
STRAINS FOR BIPOLAR: Chemdawg, Banana Punch, Cherry O.G, GG#4, Orange Cookies x MAC, Sour Diesel x Animal Cookies, Swamp Dog, Unbroken Chain, Bandanna Bruce, Medicine Man, 88 G13 x Hash Plant x Northern Lights #1, GMO x MAC, Blueberry Punch Cake, Animal Crunch Berries, MAC Dawg, Pink Snowman.
STRAINS FOR PTSD: NF1, Chemdawg, Banana Punch, Jilly Bean, Orange Cookies x MAC, Sour Diesel x Animal Cookies, Swamp Dog, ACDC, Ayahuasca Gold, Bandanna Bruce, Jilly Breath XX, NF Kush Cake, Northern Gorilla, Medicine Man, 88 G13 x Hash Plant x Northern Lights #1, GMO x MAC, Lava Breath, MAC Dawg, Pink Snowman.
What makes these strains good for mental illness?
We know the relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids as the entourage effect, which ultimately differentiates one strain of cannabis from another. Below are the terpenes and how each one contributes to mental health.
Myrcene: The most prevalent terpene and is found in most varieties of cannabis. Myrcene concentration dictates whether a strain will have an indica or sativa effect. Strains containing over 0.5% of myrcene produce a more sedative high, while strains containing less than 0.5% myrcene may have a more energizing effect. Potential Medicinal Value: Treatment of insomnia, pain, inflammation. Also found in mangos, lemongrass, thyme and hops.
Pinene: The chemical compound gives distinctive earthy aromas of pine, the earthy smell you would expect in a forest. Pinene is the most common naturally occurring terpenoid and acts both as an anti-inflammatory and a bronchodilator. Potential medicinal value: treatment of asthma, pain, ulcers, anxiety, cancer. Also found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley and dill.
Caryophyllene: The only terpene known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Best known for its spicy and peppery notes. It may produce anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Potential medicinal value: treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation and pain. Also found in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.
Terpinolene: Characterized by a fresh, piney, floral, herbal and occasionally citrusy aroma and flavor. It is found in a variety of other pleasantly fragrant plants. Terpinolene is found most commonly in sativa-dominant strains. Potential medicinal value: antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial, antifungal. Also found in nutmeg, tea tree, apples, cumin, lilacs.
Humulene: A fairly common terpene and is present in modest quantities in a variety of cannabis strains. It’s partially responsible for giving the plant its distinct spicy, herbaceous and subtly floral bouquet of aromas. This terpene may act as an appetite suppressant and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity. Potential medicinal value: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Also found in cops, coriander, cloves and basil.
Linalool: Gives a floral scent reminiscent of spring flowers but with spicy overtones. It possesses sedative properties and may be an effective anxiety and stress reliever. It may also be used as a pain reliever and anti-epileptic. Potential medicinal value: treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, neurodegeneration. Also found in lavender.
Limonene: Limonene is a dominant terpene in strains with a pronounced effect. It is also found in the rinds of citrus fruits. Limonene aids in the absorption of other terpenes through the skin and mucous membranes, and has been used to treat anxiety and depression. Potential medicinal value: treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation and pain. Also found in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper and peppermint.
Employee / Patient Testimonials
“Marijuana has helped my bipolar 2 by keeping my mania calm and in check” - Marissa G., Patient Sales Agent
“I have a condition called Gastroparesis. Before I had my medical card I was on 12 different medications. My doctor recommended I get [my medical card] originally for managing my day to day pain symptoms but we also noticed that because my anxiety wasn’t as consistent (due to the marijuana) neither were my flare ups. I don’t think I’ve been in remission of a flare longer than six months until after I started regularly medicating” - Erin W., Social Media Manager
“When I was 21 I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I started using prescription medication which did not work, but after a year on them I decided I wanted to try a more holistic approach to treat my depression without having to depend on medication. At this time I was not using cannabis, so I decided to give it a try and I haven’t needed to be on my antidepressants since! I can’t say that it’s cured my depression, but it definitely makes it easier to get through the rougher days when I do have them, and it makes the good days even better!” - CAC Patient
“I’ve had PTSD for years. My traumatic memories come up out of the blue sometimes, however most of the time they creep up at the end of the day. Moments like these leave me feeling paralyzed by memories and in some cases, so restless that I am unable to sleep. Getting my medical card and trying specific strains helped keep the memories and stress at bay and helps ease me into sleep every night when nothing else would work. -Samantha D., Sales Floor Lead
SOURCES
https://www.mhanational.org/our-history
https://www.mhanational.org/issues/current-mental-health-legislation
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/toll-job-loss
https://drugpolicy.org/does-marijuana-negatively-impact-mental-health
https://flowhub.com/cannabis-industry-statistics
Save with CAC, featuring our Shake Ounce!
Here at CAC we’re always looking out for ways to help our patients medicate more efficiently! You may have seen our Shake/Trim Ounces available on our menu, and wondered the possibilities of what you could use this for. Here are some of the most common uses for these ounces!
Making your own edibles! Shake is the way to go when you need a cost-effective alternative to full buds for your marijuana edibles. Since it’s just the leftovers of a bag or jar of bud, it has plenty of trichomes and cannabinoids ready for decarbing.
Accessibility! When you have trouble grinding up your medicine, due to arthritis or tremors, this is a perfect way to medicate without having to go through that process.
Affordability. Ever want to try out a new strain, but not wanting to commit to a full priced flower deal? These Shake ounces are an affordable way for our patients to access their new favorite strain.
Making canna-tea! Making herbal tea from the shake is super easy, once you have the decarboxylated shake ready, mix it in a cup of water in ¼ proportion and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir it regularly while it’s simmering. Take it off the stove, add sugar, honey, and some tea, strain it and your herbal tea is ready.