To use a teapot, first warm the pot with hot water, then add loose tea (about 1 tsp per cup + 1 for the pot) or a tea bag. Heat fresh, cold water in a kettle to the appropriate temperature for your tea (boiling for black/herbal, cooler for green/white), pour it over the leaves, and steep for 3-5 minutes (or as directed), then serve immediately to prevent bitterness. 

Step-by-Step Guide: 

1. Heat Water: Fill a kettle with fresh, cold water and heat it. Use boiling water for black/herbal teas, and slightly cooler water (let it sit a minute after boiling) for delicate green or white teas.

2. Warm the Pot (Optional but Recommended): Pour some hot water into the empty teapot, swirl it around to warm the pot, then discard the water. This prevents temperature shock. 

3. Add Tea: Add loose tea leaves (about 1 teaspoon per cup, plus one for the pot) or a tea bag into the teapot or its infuser. 

4. Pour Water: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully immersed. 

5. Steep: Let the tea steep for the recommended time, typically 3-5 minutes for black tea, less for green, and longer for herbal infusions. Do not over-steep.

6. Serve: Pour the tea into cups. If using loose leaves without an infuser, use a separate strainer or remove the infuser before pouring to keep leaves out of your cup.  

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