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Where to begin, this is such a simple process to incorporate into your daily life and get a multitude of health benefits. Infusions are stronger than a tea as an infusion steeps for 4-8 hours or overnight before the plant material is strained out. With consistent daily use after several weeks your body will feel a big difference. There are three herbs I use and rotate them during the week. There are several plants that are excellent for daily consumption that help your body immensely with loads of vitamins and minerals. I will cover these plants here.
How to make infusions
Infusions are made by steeping 1 ounce by weight of dried herb in a 1 quart mason jar. Fill the jar to the top with boiling water and cap tightly. Leave for 4 – 8 hours or overnight before straining out the plant material and composting it. You can drink the infusion warm or cold except with nettles it is best cold. Some people add a little mint to flavor it. Keep the infusion in the fridge to prevent spoilage. Only dried herbs are used because the cell walls of the plants are easily opened to release the nutrients.
Herbs used for infusions
Nettles (Urtica dioica) also known as stinging nettles. If you ever brushed against it, the stinging hairs let you know its here and that’s to get your attention to help you realize nettles great potential to help you. Nettles is full of vitamins and minerals to nourish your body naturally. Now before I list all the benefits of nettles I will tell you some people like the taste and some hate the taste. I personally love nettles and can’t say enough good about this trusted friend. When I brew a jar of nettle infusion I just love how bright green it turns. It’s so full of life and promise. I drink this infusion several times a week and haven’t had allergies in years and my hair shines.
Nettles is one of the most effective means for allergy relief as it works within minutes relieving sinus congestion, sneezing and watery eyes. An infusion of this plant is very valuable in restoring elasticity to blood vessels, lowering blood pressure & cholesterol and reducing cancer risk. It is also used to treat anemia, improve digestion, arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints. Nettles also enhances responses of the immune system and reduces pain.
Nettle Nutrition *
nettle is a superior source of protein; 10 percent by weight.
nettle is a rich storehouse of readily-absorbable minerals, trace minerals, and micro-nutrients:
calcium (1000 mg per quart of infusion)
magnesium (300 mg per quart of infusion)
potassium (600 mg per quart of infusion)
zinc (1.5 mg per quart of infusion)
selenium (.7 mg per quart of infusion)
iron (15 mg per quart of infusion)
manganese (2.6 mg per quart of infusion)
plus chromium, cobalt, phosphorus, copper, sulphur, silicon, and tin.
nettle is super-charged with vitamins:
Vitamin A (5000 IU per quart of infusion)
Vitamin B complex, especially thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate
Plus Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K
*Susun Weed
Comfrey leaf (Symphytum uplandica x) The x means its a hybrid grown in the garden, the tall flowering stalks have flowers that are purple, pink or blue. The leaves are free of PA’s that can damage the liver. The root contains the PA’s so don’t use it. Wild comfrey is short with white or yellow flowers, wild comfrey is not used as the leaves and roots contain poisons.
Comfrey strengthens bones and mends broken ones hence its name knitbone. This herb can heal any injury quickly and thoroughly. Drinking comfrey infusion 2x a week will keep your bones strong and help avoid osteoporosis. Besides bones it helps heal and strengthen the respiratory tract, digestion, skin, hemorrhoids and lungs. Comfrey infusion is a great source of an array of vitamins and minerals to keep your system strong and healthy. Comfrey produces mucilage that coats and soothes irritated tissues and reduces inflammation, it’s rich in proteins, a great source of folic acid, vitamins, and every mineral and trace mineral we need. This infusion has healed my broken leg and ribs in record time. The doctor couldn’t believe how fast I healed especially from an herb!
Oatstraw (Avena sativa) is the best herb for calming nerves and improving bone density. This infusion is a wonderful ally to drink every day. It’s very mild and has a slight taste of oats. I like to drink this cold throughout the day. Pregnant and nursing mothers benefit immensely from drinking oatstraw infusion. Oatstraw strengthens and nourishes the nerves, veins and capillaries, eases anxiety and fear, helps build strong bones and increases libido. Oatstraw infusion is heart healthy, helps stabilize blood sugar levels and cholesterol-lowering. It is also cooling and calming making this a great drink for menopausal women. Oatstraw is rich in calcium and minerals and the saponins nourish the pancreas and liver. Oat straw includes saponins, flavonoids, calcium, iron, complete B-vitamins, lysine and is rich in silica, manganese, and zinc.
Susan Weed on Youtube regarding infusions: http://www.youtube.com/wisewomantradition
Infusions provide your body with phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals that you would miss out on by drinking a simple tea. These nutrients are easily assimilated into the bloodstream. It is important to note that each herb provides a unique and varied amount of nutrients and minerals, making it crucial to alternate herbal infusions weekly.
