How to make herbal teas - and questions and answers

How to make herbal teas - and questions and answers

An infusion is a large amount of herbs brewed for a long time. Typically, an ounce weight (about a cup volume) of dried herb is placed in a quart jar, which is then filled to the brim with boiling water, sealed tightly, and allowed to steep for 4 to 10 hours. After straining, a cup or more is used and the remainder is refrigerated to slow spoilage. It is common to drink 2-4 cups daily. Because the minerals and other phytochemicals in nourishing herbs are made more accessible through drying, dried herbs are considered best for infusions.

I do my infusions at night before I go to bed and they are ready in the morning. I put my herb in my jar 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 pour the boiling water to the top of the jar, screw on a tight lid, turn off the stove and lights, 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 frosty. I drink the liter of infusion within 36 hours or until it spoils. Then I use it to water my houseplants or to pour it over my hair after washing as a last leave-in conditioner.

My favorite herbs for infusion are nettle, oatweed, red clover and comfrey leaf, but only one of each. The tannins in red clover and comfrey make me pucker my lips, so I add a little mint or bergamot when I steep them, just enough to lightly flavor the brew. A little salt in your infusion can make it taste better than honey.

QUESTIONS – AND ANSWERS – ABOUT STRENGTHENING HERBAL INFUSIONS

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs when making my nutritious herbal infusion?

No. The herbs I use for my nourishing herbal teas - such as nettle, oat herb, red clover, comfrey leaf, lime blossom, chickweed or mullein leaf - contain little or no volatile components that are lost during drying. Rather, drying releases their minerals and other nutritious components.

Can I brew my infusion as a “sun tea”?

No. It is important to pour boiling water over the dried herb to release the minerals.

How can I provide nutritious herbal teas to many people?

When we make 30 nourishing herbal teas at Wise Woman Center, we first boil 4 gallons of water in our largest pot. Then we add a pound of herbs (16 ounces in a pound and 16 liters in 4 gallons) and stir well until the water comes back to a boil. We cover the pot well with a tight-fitting lid, turn off the fire and let it brew right there overnight.

Can I do enough infusions to last a whole week?

No. It is best to make the infusion fresh every day. Once made, nutritious herbal teas spoil quickly. Refrigeration extends the time the infusion is safe to drink. Depending on many factors, including the herb used and the internal temperature during brewing, the refrigerated infusion will typically last for at least 24 hours, sometimes as long as 72 hours.

How can you tell if your IV is spoiled?

If a nutritious herbal infusion tastes funny, smells strange, and/or contains bubbles, it is no longer safe to drink.

What can you do with spoiled infusion?

All is not lost; A spoiled infusion makes for a perfect hair conditioner and excellent plant food.

Are infusions safe for children?

Not only are nourishing herbal teas safe for children, children also love nourishing herbal teas. Children who drink nutritious herbal teas instead of fruit juice are often healthier and more robust.

What's wrong with fruit juice?

Fruit juices are really very sweet: Drinking them every day can promote tooth decay and obesity. They are expensive and actually contain few nutrients relative to the calories. Nourishing herbal teas, even when sweetened with honey, have a much more favorable nutrient density to calorie ratio. (Caution: Do not give honey to infants under one year old.)

Can I drink too much nutritious herbal teas? Or eat too much seaweed?

You may be amazed at your desires to nourish herbs when you start using them regularly. This is pretty common. Once you have absorbed all the minerals you need, your cravings will naturally disappear. So, no, it's not really possible to drink too many nutritious herbal teas or eat too much seaweed.

Is it true that you don't take any supplements?

It is. I haven't taken supplements in over 25 years. I eat healthy whole foods, drink nutritious herbal teas daily, consume lots of yogurt, and make 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 nutritious herbal teas daily and use several tablespoons of mineral-rich herbal vinegar daily for my wild lettuce, as well as lots of garlic, onions, mushrooms and seaweed.

How do you like to take your herbal infusion?

I prefer to drink my nutritious herbal tea frozen. Although I may prefer my comfrey infusion hot and with honey when the wind is howling and the snow is blowing outside. A little salt or miso or umeboshi vinegar in nettle infusion is another interesting variation that I enjoy.

Green blessing!

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Suggestions and any 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 health practitioner with a specific formula forShe. All materials contained herein are for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice or advice. Consult a reputable doctor if you require medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by getting a second opinion.

Susun Weed

PO Box 64

Woodstock, NY 12498

Fax: 1-845-246-8081