What is an infusion?
So here is the scoop… herbal infusions use a larger amount of herbs and are steeped for a longer period of time. Your normal everyday herbal teas use less plant matter and are steeped for a shorter period of time than infusions.
What are the benefits of a tea infusion?
Infusions provide the body with amazing phytonutrients and an enormous amount of vitamins and minerals. You miss out on these when you drink herbal teas. Also this form of nutrients are very bioavailable, which means they are easily taken in by the body and assimilated into the bloodstream. Each herb provides a very unique and differing amount of nutrients.
Am I doing this right?
Infusions vary in steeping times for the different herbs. The infusions are made essentially in the same way. Here are some tip:
I typically make my infusions at night and let them sit until morning
You will want to use dried herbs from a trusted source
In the beginning you will want to try individual herbs. You will want to notice if there are any allergic or negative reactions.
In the morning either drink right away or store in the refrigerator for 24 hours maximum.
If you do not drink within the 24 hours you may use it as a hair rinse or even feed it to your plants!
Infusion Method
1 ounce dried herb (roughly 1 cup)
1 quart of boiling water
Put the herbs in a tea steeping mesh insert in a quart ball jar. Pour boiling water over the herbs to the top of the jar. Put the lid on and steep for 4 to 10 hours. I usually just leave overnight! Compost the herbs and refrigerate infusion for up to 24 hours.
Drink cold over ice or add a little hot water to warm it up!
Try my favorite infusion.... Nettles (Urtica dioica)