Strong herbal infusions are tasty, nutrition-packed beverages you can enjoy hot or cold. In this article, you will learn how to make an herbal infusion with healthy herbs to boost your health, aid healing, and protect yourself from the negative effects of stress.
A strong cup of oatstraw, nettle infusion or other nourishing herbs is a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to enjoy healthy herbs every day. Compared to herbal 'teas' which are prepared much like regular teas, strong herbal brews gives you a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and water-soluble constituents in a form your body can easily assimilate.
Regular strength herbal teas do have benefits, but they are much too weak to be a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
A traditional recipe calls for one ounce of dried herb to four cups of boiling water. Infuse, or soak, your herbs in a covered jar of boiled water for at least four hours. Strain if you want and refrigerate. The infusion will keep up to three days in the refrigerator, so only make enough for that many days. Drink one to four cups a day.
Use a glass jar (at least 32 ounces) with a lid. A large coffee press or tea pot with an infuser inside makes straining convenient. After you squeeze all the goodness out of the herb, put it on your potted plants, compost it, or throw it on the lawn to return it to the earth.
Here's my favorite recipe:
Combine 2/3 cup of dried nettle leaf, 1/3 cup of oatstraw, and a big pinch of each of peppermint leaf and licorice root to your container of choice. Follow the directions as explained above. Fill your container with pure boiled water and cap tightly. Let the herbs brew for several hours before drinking.
Stinging nettle is credited with a plethora of health benefits including: improved lactation, improved hair growth, relief from seasonal allergies and water retention, and reduced joint pain thanks to its rich supply of nutrients and antihistamine, anti-inflammatory compounds.
Oatstraw is a rich source of calcium, silica, and several B vitamins which make it a healthy herb for skin, hair, bones, and nails. It is also credited as a stress reliever, a boon to brain and cardiac health, It is sometimes called "natural viagra" for men and women with use over time.
Licorice root adds natural sweetness and health benefits. It nourishes the adrenal glands which are taxed under stress. Note that licorice can raise blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
Peppermint leaf is a cooling herb that adds a bit of bright mint flavor along with digestive benefits to the blend. You may want to omit peppermint in the winter if it's too cooling or add more in warm weather. Yummy.
In the following video, herbalist Susun Weed demonstrates how to make an oatstraw herbal infusion. The process is the same for most herbal leaves, seeds and flowers.
If you are chronically stressed like most people in the modern world, or are just looking for a way to naturally nourish yourself, make a habit of enjoying an herbal infusion every day. Once you learn how, they are easy and fun to make and great cook with and drink.
Cheers!
Herbal Infusion page updated 12/2020
For Educational Purposes Only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult with your health provider before using natural remedies and/or complementary therapies if you are pregnant, nursing, or you are being treated for a medical condition. Be aware that certain herbs and supplements interact with medications.
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