An infusion is a large amount of herb brewed over a long period of time. Typically, one ounce by weight (about a cup by volume) of dried herb is placed in a quart jar, which is then filled to the top with boiling water, covered tightly, and allowed to steep for 4 to 10 hours. After straining, a cup or more is consumed and the rest is chilled to slow spoilage. Drinking 2 to 4 cups a day is normal. Since the minerals and other phytochemicals in nutritious herbs become more accessible as they dry, dried herbs are considered better for infusions.
I make my infusions at night before going to bed and in the morning they are ready. I put my weed in my pitcher and my water in the pot, and the pot on the fire, then I brush my teeth (or sweep the floor) until the kettle whistles. I bring the boiling water to the rim of the pitcher, screw on a tight lid, turn off the stove and light, and go to bed. In the morning, I strain the plant material, squeeze it well, and drink the liquid. I prefer it iced, unless the morning is freezing. I drink the quarter brew within 36 hours or until it goes bad. I then use it to water my house plants, or pour it over my hair after washing as a leave-in final rinse.
My favorite herbs for infusion are nettle, oat straw, red clover, and comfrey leaf, but only one at a time. The tannins from red clover and comfrey make me purse my lips, so I add a bit of mint or bergamot when I infuse them, just enough to give the brew a light flavor. A little salt in your brew can make it taste better than honey.
QUESTIONS – AND ANSWERS – ABOUT NUTRITIOUS HERBAL INFUSIONS
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs when making my nourishing herbal tea?
No. The herbs I use for my nourishing herbal teas, such as nettle, oatstraw, red clover, comfrey leaf, linden flowers, chickweed or mullein leaves, contain little or no volatile components to be lost when dry. Rather, drying releases its minerals and other nutritional components.
Can I prepare my infusion as “sun tea”?
No. It is important to pour boiling water over the dried herb to help release the minerals.
How can I make a nourishing herbal tea for many people?
When we make a Nourishing Herbal Tea for 30 at the Wise Woman Center, we start by boiling 4 gallons of water in our largest pot. Then we add a pound of grass (16 ounces in a pound and 16 quarts in 4 gallons), stirring well until the water boils again. We cover the pot well with a lid that closes well, turn off the heat, and let it rest there overnight.
Can I make enough tea for a whole week?
No. It is best to make the infusion fresh every day. Once made, nutritious herbal teas spoil quickly. Refrigeration lengthens the time the brew is good to drink. Depending on many factors, including the herb used and the interior temperature during brewing, the refrigerated brew is usually good for at least 24 hours, sometimes up to 72 hours.
How can you tell if your brew has gone bad?
If a nourishing herbal tea tastes funny, smells funny and/or has bubbles, it is no longer fit for drinking.
What can be done with a spoiled infusion?
Not everything is lost; Spoiled brew is a perfectly good hair rinse and excellent plant food.
Are infusions safe for children?
Nourishing Herbal Teas are not only safe for kids, kids love Nourishing Herbal Teas. Children who drink nutritious herbal teas instead of fruit juices tend to be healthier and more robust.
What’s wrong with fruit juice?
Fruit juices are quite sweet: drinking them on a daily basis can promote tooth decay and obesity. They are expensive and actually contain few nutrients in proportion to calories. Nourishing herbal teas, even if sweetened with honey, have a much more favorable nutrient-to-calorie density ratio. (Caution: Do not give honey to babies under one year of age.)
Can I drink too much herbal tea? Or eat too much algae?
You may be surprised at your cravings for nutritious herbs once you start using them regularly. This is quite common. When you’ve absorbed all the minerals you need, your cravings will naturally subside. So no, you really can’t drink too much nutritious herbal tea or eat too much algae.
Is it true you don’t take supplements?
This. I have not taken supplements for over 25 years. I follow a healthy whole food diet, drink nutritious herbal teas every day, eat lots of yogurt, and take time for my weekly (for 35 years) yoga and twice weekly (for 5 years) tai chi classes.
How much infusion do you drink?
I drink 2-4 cups of nourishing herbal tea a day, plus I use several tablespoons of mineral-rich herbal vinegars in my wild salad every day, and lots of garlic, onions, mushrooms, and seaweed.
How do you like to drink your herbal tea?
I prefer to drink my nutritious herbal tea ice cold. Though I might prefer my comfrey tea hot and honeyed if the wind howls and the snow blows outside. A little salt or miso vinegar or umeboshi infused with nettle is another interesting variation that I enjoy.
Green blessings!
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, condition, or symptom. Personal instructions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare professional with a specific formula for your. All material contained in this document is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a licensed health care professional if you need medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.
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