A wonderful source of vitamins and minerals
Herbal Infusions are basically herbal teas that have sat or steeped/infused long enough (4 – 12 hours) to extract the maximum vitamins and minerals from the plant material. Vitamins and minerals in water based teas and infusions are readily available for absorption by our digestive system, making them an ideal part of our daily nourishing practices.
By consciously making nourishing infusions every day, we are letting ourselves know on a cellular level (and wiring our brains) that we are worthy of deep nourishment.
To make an infusion:
- place your plant material in a container with a blessing (Canning jars are excellent containers as they are made to withstand high temperatures and their lids fit tightly)
- pour boiling water (very hot water will work) over the plant material
- place a lid on your container (keeps the vitamins and minerals from escaping with the steam)
- let the infusion sit – for as long as possible, up to 12 hours
- strain, give thanks and drink
An easy way to make a tea/infusion is to put a couple of tea bags into a water bottle or jar, cover with boiling water and take with you for your source of fluid for the day. The tea bags will steep, releasing more vitamins and minerals, throughout the day. Don’t take that bag out after 5 or 10 minutes!
Some herbs, like Chamomile, will become bitter when infused for longer than a few minutes and taste better as a tea. Always ENJOY your infusion! Infusions can be kept in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Herbal Vitamin and Mineral Sources
Calcium: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, Anthemis nobile), Comfrey leaf (Symphytum officinale), Dandelion leaf and root (Taraxacum officinale), Peppermint & Spearmint – Mint (Mentha spp.) Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), Hawthorn berries (Crataegus spp.), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), Oatstraw (Avena sativa), Parsley (Petroselinum spp.), Red Clover (Trifolium pretense), Raspberry Leaf (Rubus spp.), Rose hips (Rosa spp), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Chromium: Oatstraw, Nettles, Red Clover
Iron: Burdock, Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum), Dandelion, Nettles, Licorice, Mint.
Magnesium: Oatstraw, Licorice, Nettles, Burdock, Sage, Red Clover, Dandelion, Parsley
Manganese: Milk Thistle seed, Nettle, Dandelion
Potassium: Sage, Mint, Red Clover, Nettle, Dandelion Leaf
Some of my favorite herbs for infusions
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa
Contains: Cobalt, Niacin, Protein, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium
Medicinal: Nutritive, Digestive enzyme, diuretic
Ginger, Zingiber officinale
Contains: Aluminum, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorous, Potassium, Riboflavin, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Tin, Vitamin C
Medicinal: Carminative, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, lowers cholesterol
Nettles, Urtica dioica
Contains: Calcium, Magnesium, Chromium, zinc, chlorophyll, cobalt, iron, phosphorous, potassium, copper, sulfur, B complex of vitamins, Vitamin A, niacin, protein, manganese, selenium, silicon, tin, Vitamin C complex, and Vitamins D & K
Tonic for: Kidneys, adrenals, lungs, intestines & arteries
Medicinal: Diuretic, laxative, antiseptic, hemostatic, galactogogue, astringent, anti-asthmatic
Oat Straw, Avena sativa
Contains: Chromium, magnesium, silicon, sodium, Calcium, Niacin, Vitamin A, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protien, Riboflavin, Selenium, Thiamine, Vitamin C
Tonic for: Nervous system, digestive system
Medicinal: Nutritive
Peppermint, Mentha spec
Contains: Magnesium, Phosphorous, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Potassium, Protein, Sodium, Vitamin C
Tonic for: Digestive system
Medicinal: Anti-microbial, Antispasmodic, Vasodilator, Expectorant, Diaphoretic
Red Clover, Trifolium pratense
Contains: Calcium, Chromium, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Tin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc
Medicinal: Builds blood, Nutritive
Rosehips, Rosa spec.
Contains: Vitamin C, Sodium, Vitamin A, Selenium, Riboflavin, Niacin, Phosphorous, Calcium
Tonic for: Heart
Medicinal: Astringent, strengthens capillary fragility & connective tissue, Antispasmodic
Sources:
Pedersen, M. (1994). Nutritional Herbology
Weed, S. (1996). Breast Cancer? Breast Health!
The above information is provided as educational material only. Please consult with a licensed medical doctor for any medical needs.
