The Benefits of Herbal Infusions

The benefits of herbal infusions are extensive. They allow for bio-available forms of vitamins, minerals, proteins, polyphenols, bioflavanoids (antioxidants) and more to be released by the plant and easily absorbed by our bodies. Taking herbs this way can be more beneficial and cost effective then taking supplements. My colleague Dr. Emily Poccia provided these herbal infusion recipes – she is a naturopathic doctor at my practice RestorMedicine, and she has a blog called High Five To Health. She uses herbal infusions extensively and I’m enjoying learning more about them from her.

An infusion is a large amount of herb brewed for a long 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, tightly covered and allowed to steep for 4-10 hours. They differ from teas in that they are steeped for many hours, not just a few minutes.

Stinging Nettles Leaf – Urtica dioica

• Nourish, strengthen, rebuild kidneys and adrenals
• Ease and eliminate cystitis, bloating, and incontinence
• Rehydrate dry vaginal tissuesNourish and energize the endocrine glands
• Nourish and rejuvenate the cardiovascular system
• Normalize weight
• Ease and prevent sore joints
• Relieve constipation and reduce hemorrhoids
• Nourish supple skin and healthy hair
• Reduce fatigue and exhaustion; improve stamina
• Reduce and eliminate headaches
• Nourish and support the immune system, prevent cancer
• Nourish and heal the digestive system
• Nourish and strengthen the nervous system

Dosage:

1 oz dry herb (about 1 cup)/1 quart or 32 fluid oz of boiling water

To make an infusion of nettle:

• place one ounce (1 cup) of dried herb in a quart jar
• fill to the top with hot (not boiling, but almost) water
• cap tightly and let steep for 4-8 hours (or overnight)
• strain and drink throughout the day

Oat Straw – Avena Sativa

• high mineral content
• strengthens the nerves
• nourishes the pancreas and liver
• stabilizes mood
• improves digestion
• Increases libido

Red Clover leaf – Trifolium pratense

• Anti inflammatory
• Anti-cancer
• Improves memory
• Balances hormones (phytoestrogen)

Dandelion Leaf and root – Taraxicum officinalis

• Helps support the liver
• Good for constipation
• High in minerals
• Helps edema
• Leaf is a diuretic- helps flush kidneys
• Root supports liver, increases bile production
• Helps with dysbiosis

Linden flower – Tilia cordata

• Antispasmodic
• Decreasing high blood pressure slightly
• Calming to the nerves and the heart
• Good for palpitations or nervous tension due to heart palpitations
• Helps sinus headaches
• Helps colds and flu
• Good for anxiety
• Good for insomnia
• Helps with PMS

We suggest people purchase herbs from mountainroseherbs.com. 2lbs of herb will last you about 1 month.

You can also take combinations of herbs. When using more than 1 herb you can:

• Combine them together in 1 quart of water
• Place them in individual quarts of water and combine the infusions after you have let them sit 4-10 hours and strained the herbs
• Or make individual quarts of the infusions and drink them on alternating days

Herbal infusions are a great way to take herbs in an easy and cost-effective way. They are easy to make and you can mix and match herbs based on your needs. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Emily’s blog here as she has great information including more on energy medicine and gemstone therapy.