3 Simple Nourishing Herbal Infusions for Everyday Health
Maybe you’ve heard of herbal infusions, but aren’t quite sure what they are or why you need them.
They are seriously simple to make and the health benefits are better than any capsules of herbs you can swallow.
The idea is to take quite a large amount of herbs, much more than what you would use to make a cup of tea, and pour just boiled water over them and let infuse for several hours. This process is how you get all of the vitamins and minerals out of the plants.
This type of infusion is generally made with the more delicate parts of the plant-leaves, flowers, buds, berries and seeds. By drinking these infusions daily, you are supporting your health naturally. I like to drink them like I would water and sip throughout the day.
The process is so easy, you’re going to do it once and you’ll never need to read the instructions again.
Grab a quart mason jar and your dried herbs.
Fill the jar about a quarter full of herbs or more if that’s your thing.
Slowly pour boiling water over the herbs to the top of the jar. It’s a good idea to put a metal utensil in the jar to absorb some of the heat to prevent the jar from cracking. I’ve actually never had a jar crack, but I know it can happen.
Stir or swirl it around then cover and let sit for 4 hours or overnight. I like to start my infusion after dinner and strain it in the morning.
I use a nutmilk bag to strain my herbs, but a metal strainer will also work well. Pour your strained infusion into a clean jar and start drinking.
Keep your herbal drink in the fridge and use within 2 days.
If it gets too old, use it to water your plants. They will thank you.
I know, you’re wondering what KIND of herbs do I use?
Different herbalist will tell you different things about what to put in your herbal infusions. Some, like Susan Weed, will tell you to only use one herb at a time, where others put together beautiful mixtures of many herbs. Personally, I do both, depending on what I feel I need.
#1 Nettle Nourishing Herbal Infusion:
My go to and favorite for many reasons. It has a pleasant taste and a stunning green color. Stinging nettle is really good for hair, nails, teeth and bones because of it’s many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron and Vitamins A, C and K.
This infusion is also good for the reproductive systems of both men and women. The dried leaves are used to make the infusion, but other parts of the nettle plant, like the roots, can be used to make a tincture for prostate health in men.
#2 Red Clover Nourishing Herbal Infusion:
Red clover is delicious and an extremely useful plant. It’s often used a s a nitrogen fixing cover crop, bees love it to make honey and herbalists love it for it’s value as an effective medicine. Like nettle, It’s full of nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, many B vitamins, calcium and many important minerals.
The flowers and leaves are used to make the infusion, dried or fresh. This herb is great for respiratory issues, but my favorite use is for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Red clover contains phytoestrogens, which are plant estrogens with a similar structure to human estrogen. This similar shape allows them to bind to some of the receptor sites that are not getting enough during this phase of life.
By drinking this infusion regularly, symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats mood swings can be greatly alleviated. I’m a huge fan and a regular imbiber of this herbal goodness. A word of caution- stay away from red clover during pregnancy.
#3 Oatstraw Nourishing Herbal Infusion:
Although oats have been cultivated since Roman times as feed for horses, and humans love their oatmeal, their value has also been appreciated by herbalists. Oatstraw is a highly beneficial nervine and nutritive, containing iron, calcium, magnesium and many vitamins to support our body.
Are you seeing a theme here? These herbs are so good for us! This is a gentle, restorative herb that’s good for people who are tired, cold and feel burnt out. The taste is very mild and the effects of this infusion are generally uplifting and calming.
These are all great infusions all on their own, but you could certainly make your own mixture and even add in other herbs.
I like to add some hibiscus for taste and color, not to mention all of the lovely health benefits. Mint is always a good one to add and will definitely change the taste. They can be sipped hot or cold and some people add honey to their infusions to sweeten them. Personally, I like mine cold and unsweetened. I enjoy the subtle, earthy, grassy flavors and feel nourished by the varied herbal tastes. Go ahead, make some herbal infusions and feel your body thanking you. Cheers!