I made this according to directions – simmered it in water,then added milk and simmered it some more, then strained. It was delicious, very spicy. The mix is very fine – no visible leaves – most of the solids stayed in the bottom of the saucepan, and I used a regular tea strainer to strain it. Next I will try to steep it in teapot and see how that works, since it would be easier than “cooking” it.