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First let's see what the difference is between an herbal tea and a nourishing herbal infusion. An herbal tea is often steeped for 5-20 minutes and includes herbs like peppermint, chamomile, lavender, lemon peel, cinnamon, etc that contain high levels of aromatic volatile oils. These oils can become too concentrated and potentially aggravating to our systems when over steeped. Nourishing herbal infusions are made with plants that are high in vitamins and minerals but not in volatile oils. These herbs are steeped for longer periods of time so that water has time to extract the maximum amount of nutrition and chlorophyll from the herb. Nourishing herbal infusions are like multivitamins- yummy, bioavailable and easy to drink in tea form!
Another differentiation here is the amount of herb used. Nourishing herbal infusions ask for 1 oz of dry plant per quart of water. Some herbs like nettles are “fluffy” and this can actually look like a LOT! Think 1 cup or so depending on the plant. Herbal teas tend to use far less plant matter.
-Add herb of choice to a quart jar
-Pour just boiled water into warm/room temperature jar - (slowly, so the jar doesn’t crack)
-Cover and let steep 12-24 hours / overnight.
-Strain and drink hot or cold
-Store in fridge and use within 2-3 days
Nettles - Rich in chlorophyll Add a pinch of marshmallow root to soothe
Linden flower / leaves - soothing to the nervous system and high in mucilage
Red Clover flower / leaves - a blood purifier and lymphatic mover perfect for spring time
Horsetail - a mineral rich plant that should not be taken for prolonged periods of time or in large amounts, known for its ability to support the tissues / bones in our body
Red raspberry - considered a fertility tonic for both men and women
Chickweed - soothing and anti-inflammatory, pairs well with red clover, especially in the spring
Hibiscus - rich in vitamin c and amino acids with a tart, delicious flavor!
Dandelion leaf / root - a lovely liver support and blood cleanser
Depending on the herb and how it feels in your body you can drink nourishing herbal infusions daily. Some say up to a quart a day. Think of them as food in liquid form! I drink herbal infusions almost daily.
There are a few schools of thought when it comes to using a single herb or mixing herbs together. I’d recommend making single herb infusions and really getting to know a plant before mixing or adding other herbs in. This way you know how that plant feels in your body and can become acquainted with it’s benefits! Perhaps choose one of the herbs above and make drink infusions of it for 2-4 weeks. As you get to know your herbs some will add a pinch of peppermint, licorice, marshmallow, etc to their infusions for taste and to balance them.
Interested in using herbal infusions topically? Check out this blog post!
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