Nourished: Herbal Infusions
This past summer I was with my friend Lacy and describing some of my health issues to her, when she said "infusions! You have to try infusions!" She told me that I was most likely mineral deficient and that drinking nettle infusions saved her skin and aided with some of her other health ailments. I was not immediately able to implement them into my then nomadic lifestyle, but as soon as I settled down in one spot, I knew it was time to start.
While searching youtube videos to learn how to make the infusions, I found Susun Weed. I immediately fell in love with her, read extensively about infusions, and started to implement nettle as an everyday staple in my life. Just three weeks later, my eczema (that I've had on and off for years, and persistently for the last two years) went away. It didn't just subside - it completely vanished. I have been eating a processed-free, incredibly clean diet (the basis being no gluten, no refined sugar, very minimal dairy) for five and a half years, and I have tried every natural eczema remedy to no avail. Thank you Lacy and Susun!
Infusions are made from herbs steeped with hot water for a long period of time. They are extremely rich in minerals and vitamins, which are easily absorbed by our bodies (unlike taking them in other forms). I've taken minerals in supplement form in the past with no results. Nettle is incredible for the skin, adrenals, kidneys, and overall immunity. I've been making a half gallon sized nettle infusion every night before bed, so that it's ready in the morning to drink all day. When I know I will be out and about and not home, I make a quart instead. I drink this all day instead of plain water. Or, I fill up my cup half-way with the infusion and top it off with water. The taste is quite earthy, which I actually really enjoy, and sometimes I'll add fresh mint for a flavor boost. You will most likely only need a quart. I am dealing with some extreme health issues from autoimmune/mold exposure, so I'm consuming it overzealously.
I also recently started to add oatstraw into the mix. This herb is incredibly calming. It's nourishing to the nervous system and helps with anxiety, insomnia, and stress. It's full of B vitamins, calcium (good for bones and teeth), and it's also known for increasing libido. I love to infuse the oatstraw with lavender to sip before bed.
In the mornings upon wakening, I drink a full cup of infusions (half nettle and half oatstraw). Then I sip the nettle mixed with water all day, and switch to the oatstraw around 8:00 pm to help calm my energy for the evenings.
Infusion Recipe
Put approximately 4 heaping tablespoons of nettle (or oatstraw/herb of choice) in a quart sized canning jar.
Boil water and pour into the jar, filling it to the top
Close the lid and let the infusion steep for 4+ hours
Strain the infusion through a tea strainer and into your cup.
* For a half-gallon jar I add 6 heaping tablespoons.
I like to drink them room temperature, but many prefer to have them iced. Be sure to consume within 36 hours. The infusions will ferment and may cause stomach upset beyond that time (you will notice if they've gone bad by a funny smell). You can also mix different herbs together into one jar. I'm eventually going to add more herbs into my infusions, but for now I'm introducing them one-by-one and keeping them separate so I can see how each herb effects my body/health. Shop necessary products below.
