Herbal Infusions to enhance health-
D.I.Y. Herbal Infusions are a super easy way to stuff more nutrients into your day. Give a minty, mineral rich glass to your aging parents, your adolescent, or your partner. See them smile, relax and feel good. The best part is with that glass you are strengthening bones, improving skin and helping to clear brain fog. If you have a compromised immune system or are diabetic you can benefit from herbal infusions. They are a great secret weapon: thirst quenching yummyness with hidden nutrition for your whole family.
Herbal infusion- What?
An herbal infusion means using a large amount of herbs and allowing them to steep in boiling water for four hours or more.
Herbal Infusion- Why?
The benefit of herbal infusions is that it extracts the nutrients from the herbs, and makes them bio- available. Your body has to minimally process them to extract valuable nutrients. The amount of time that the infusion steeps allows the herbs to break down into a nutrient dense broth that your body will be able to use immediately.
Herbal Infusion- Who?
I first heard the idea of using herbal infusions by the great herbalist Susun Weed, who is both precise and spiritual in her approach. Her books and videos are an excellent source if you want to go deeper into herbs and their use. The book below is excellent for information and treatment of menopausal symptoms. I highly recommend it.
Yummy drink, use fast
Your herbal infusion should be made fresh every couple of days. Keep it in the fridge. I use a big mason jar with the herbs in the water. When I am going to work I strain it into a smaller jar. If everyone is drinking it, it may last a few days. Use the strained herbs for house plants or in your compost.
Mix ’em up
For nice taste pick one: lemon balm, mint, fennel seed
For great nutrition pick as many as you like: Nettles, Clover, Horsetail, Dandelion,
Try different combinations for the best flavor. As with all medicines check with your doctor to make sure these herbs are right for you.
Why I love using herbal infusions
- an easy way to get additional nutrients
- my husband and daughter love to drink them
- less expensive than commercial supplements
- I enjoy the cycle of growing the herbs, drying them and using them.
- nutritious and mineral rich
D.I.Y. Hebal Infusion
A tasty blend of herbs that are steeped for four hours or more. The result is a nutrient rich broth that will help support your hair, nails and skin. A delicious, sustaining drink for your loved ones of all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 oz dried nettle leaf You can use fresh as well, but will need double.
- 2 oz dried mint same as above
- 10 dried red clover heads
Instructions
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Put all of the herbs in a non-reactive pot such as an enamel. Add 2 quarts of water. Once you reach a boil turn off the heat. Allow to steep for 5 minutes. Pour into a large, clean mason jar. Press on the internal lid so it sticks. Screw on top. Leave on the counter until cool and after keep in the fridge.
Recipe Notes
Play around with the taste. I usually throw in herbs based on how I or my family is feeling. If everyone is stressed use more mint. If you are dealing with lady problems go heavy on the nettle and clover. For beautiful hair and skin try nettle and horsetail. I always add alot of mint, as the nettle flavor is quite earthy.
For more info about using and preserving herbs visit our posts “The best way to store fresh herbs”, “Menopause Sleep Success“, and D.I.Y. Herbal Oils. Don’t forget to sign up for our posts, check out our Instagram and Pinterest. “D.I.Y.Herbal Infusions”” is a part of our L.S. Livewell monthly series on called ” Eating Seasonally for Fall”. “D.I.Y.Herbal Infusions” first appeared on the blog L.S..Livewell. Copyright Lisa Shaub 2018
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