What is an herbal infusion?

aka: My Secret to Good Health.  An herbal infusion is basically just a very strong herbal tea. The benefits of an infusion over a typical cup of herbal tea are many. I get more nutrients and more therapeutic benefits in one cup of a well-made, well-crafted herbal infusion than I could get in several cups of a boxed herbal tea. I make at least one teapot – every day. It gives me energy, focus, vitamins, minerals, keeps me hydrated, and, by choosing adaptogenic or nervine herbs, my infusion calms my nerves and helps me better adapt to every day stress (this last benefit is the greatest!). I’m not myself without it!

How to make an herbal infusion

Let’s start with something simple and tasty!

For the beginner:

Combine 1 teaspoon of 2-3 herbs below in a large mug, or just 1 tablespoon of one herb:

  1. Fill the mug with boiling water. Cover the mug with a lid or small plate and let sit to steep for 15 minutes.
  2. Strain through a mesh strainer
  3. Sweeten with raw honey if desired. Although I much prefer you drink this as is, experiencing and enjoying the variety of flavors
  4. Add some fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice if desired.

For the die-hards (this is what I do every day):

Use a French Press (or a saucepan) to make a larger batch.

  • Add  1/3 cup of your blend of dried herbs (see the list above) to a French Press
  • Fill the French Press with boiling water. Cover and let steep for at least 20 minutes, but not much longer if you are making a green tea blend, as the tannins in certain teas will ultimately yield a very bitter-tasting tea.
  • To make a delicious iced tea, combine the above with equal parts cold water. Add the juice of fresh-squeezed lemon or lime. Grate in some citrus peel (the skin of an organic lemon or lime) for extra flavor and extra health benefits.

I usually drink 2-3 cups throughout the day and use ½ cup or more dried herbs. I also make a second batch, reusing those herbs from the first pot, because there are still some nutrients left behind. It’s a weaker batch, but I don’t mind and prefer not to waste any of those herbs. I prefer warm tea, but sometimes drink my infusion hot or as an iced tea.

Herbal infusions are the key to good health. They are nourishing, healing, and restoring. They work quickly when used medicinally, and work gradually and slowly when used daily as nourishment. Give it a try!

Information given is for educational purposes only.I have listed some commonly used herbs in this post, but please remember that what is safe and effective for one person, may not be good for another. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new herbal product or nutritional supplement.