Herbal Medicine 101 | How to Make Herbal Infusions

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Before C&G, I was experimenting with DIY beauty recipes at home. The ingredients were plant based, and any internet search will reveal that the combinations are endless. I wanted to understand the why of it all. I had just left my corporate design job to become a consultant, and decided to study herbalism at night. While I knew my focus would eventually be skincare, I learned how plant medicine heals from the inside out. Below is a how-to of herbal medicine’s simplest practice, a daily tenant to achieving that glow.

In a world attempting to biohack its way to longevity, there is no shortage of companies selling us a myriad of health supplements. While that route can be beneficial (and complicated), drinking herbal infusions provides nourishment from some of the most nutrient-dense and abundantly available plants on earth.

The benefit of making herbal infusions part of your daily self-care, is the way the plant’s nutrients are so easily absorbed by the body. Drinking these mineral rich liquids allows the nutrients to be rapidly absorbed directly into your bloodstream, vs having to be broken down and absorbed first in your gut, eventually making their way to your cells.

By contrast, supplements can be difficult for the body to break down and absorb. The cost of supplements combined with the time and effort required to figure out which ones you need requires serious commitment.

What is an herbal infusion?

An herbal infusion is essentially a strongly brewed tea and is prepared in much the same way. The major difference is that a cup of tea uses a very small quantity of herbs and is steeped for only minutes before drinking. Herbal infusions use a large quantity of herbs that are steeped for 4-12 hours.

Why infusions?

Infusions provide protein, nutrients, macro and trace minerals in quantities not easily found within our everyday diets, with very little caloric intake. What’s more, the process of steeping extracts the herbs’ plentiful nutrients so that they become suspended and readily available to be absorbed (called bioavailability), providing unadulterated nourishment for your cells.

On the beauty side, infusions naturally strengthen hair and nails, and help give skin that elusive glow. Further, they aid in eliminating cravings, increase mental clarity and boost energy, all because of their nutrient density.

Beginner Herbs: Nettles, Oatstraw, and Red Clover.

Of these three, Nettle is the most important, Oat Straw tends to be a favorite, and Red Clover is especially great for women. If you use only two, make it Nettle and Oatstraw. If you use only one, make it Nettles.

Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)

Also known as Stinging Nettle. If you’ve ever foraged for medicinal herbs, you’re well familiar with this plant. If that sounds as foreign as analyzing the dust on Mars, I’ll explain. I first encountered Stinging Nettle during my training in herbal medicine. Why? Because we talked about it all the time. Why? Because this plant is beneficial for every system of the body and any condition you’ll ever encounter. Nettle is one of the most nutrient dense, nourishing plants in existence.

Nettle infusion is known to increase energy like no other superfood or supplement. Nettles are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, Vitamins A, D, E, K and all B Vitamins except B12. This plant provides us with important trace minerals often difficult to get from our everyday diets, including selenium, boron, zinc, sulfur, and chromium. With regular use it is known to increase bone density (especially important for aging women), boost immunity, regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, enhance mental clarity, and reduce risk of diabetes. This herb is immensely rich in protein, seamlessly providing nourishment to every cell in the body.

Parts Used: Leaves, finely cut and dried

Buy here: Frontier Coop Stinging Nettle Leaf 1lb.

Oatstraw (Avena sativa)

Oats. As in the same oats you eat for breakfast (and put on your face), meaning from the same plant. The difference is that we are utilizing a different part of the plant: the “straw” (or stem) which is more like a strong, tall grass vs. the top grain head “oat,” the breakfast staple. Oatstraw is harvested when the top grain seeds are in what is known as their “milky stage” (around mid-growing cycle) before the tops mature into the common oat we know and love. Both can be harvested in a single growing season if done properly- bonus points for sustainability.

Oatstraw falls in the class of nervine and nutritive herbs, meaning it is highly nourishing to the nervous system (nervine), and to the body overall (nutritive). When used regularly this infusion generously increases energy stores. Just as an oat bath or face mask is calming to skin, this plant is incredibly calming to mind and body. Oatstraw is supremely rich in protein, calcium, magnesium and iron. Its mineral content boasts zinc, phosphorus, silica, potassium and manganese. It is widely associated with increased vitality and longevity. Last but not least, Oatstraw is by far the best tasting of the three.

Parts Used: Stem & tops, cut finely and dried

Buy here: Frontier Coop Oatstraw 1lb.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

This is the same red clover that grows wild in fields and in your backyard. This plant is largely associated with women’s endocrine health. Red Clover belongs to the legume family, just like beans, peas, chickpeas and peanuts. This medicinal herb contains four powerful isoflavones (phytoestrogens), beneficial to endocrine health. These four compounds are genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin; genistein and daidzein being the two most active phytoestrogen (phytosterol) constituents. In terms of skin health, Red Clover is helpful in treating eczema, psoriasis and acne because it increases circulation, helping the body to eliminate metabolic waste within skin’s subcutaneous layers more quickly. It is an alterative herb meaning it aids in cleansing and detoxifying systems in the body and is heralded for aiding overall lymphatic function.

It is very high in Vitamin C, deeply rich in protein, as well as boasting high contents of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, chromium, and thiamine. Red Clover should not be taken when pregnant. It is a supportive herb for women to use in their menopausal years.

Parts used: “blossoms”: flowers, stems and leaves, dried

Buy here: Starwest Botanicals Red Clover Blossoms 1lb. OR Frontier Coop Red Clover Blossoms 1lb.

How To Make a Nourishing Herbal Infusion:

Watch our video tutorial below or keep reading for how to make an infusion. Hint: it’s super easy.

Supplies:

-1oz Herb of Choice

-(2) 32oz (Quart) Wide Mouth Mason Jars with 2-part lid

-Tea Kettle

-Digital Scale (Recommended but Optional) -OR- 1 Cup Measuring Cup

-Fine Mesh Strainer -OR- Cheesecloth

Directions:

-Fill 32oz Mason Jar with 1oz Herb*

*It is best to measure 1oz of your herb by digital scale. If you do not have a digital scale, 1oz = approximately 1 Cup of dried herb. Approximately: 1 Cup of dried nETTLE = 1OZ. I heaping cup of Oatstraw = 1OZ. 2 Cups Red Clover = 1OZ. if blossoms are whole.

-Pour boiling water over herbs in your jar. Stir & allow to settle, top off with remaining water.

-Using an oven mitt to hold the jar, screw on 2-part jar lid.* Shake well and set aside.

*Using a 2-part lid makes all the difference when opening your jar after steeping is finished. The lid will suction tightly due to the hot liquid (like in canning).

-Steep herbs 4-12 Hours.

-Strain plant matter with fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Squeeze all liquid out of the plant matter by hand. This step is important because you’re ensuring as much of the nutrients as possible are being extracted. See video.

*Once strained, infusions should be refrigerated and typically last up to three days. Infusions can be drunk hot or cold.

Where to Buy Bulk Dried Herbs:

See above Amazon Affiliate links for direct purchase. Other resources:

-Mountain Rose Herbs: One of the most reputable suppliers of bulk herbs (as well as natural beauty ingredients) with superior quality.

-Frontier Co-Op: Highly reputable, excellent supplier of bulk herbs.

-Starwest Botanicals: Highly reputable supplier of bulk herbs.

This information is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. This article is intended for informational purposes only. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with your health care practitioner before consuming medicinal herbs. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are on medications or have existing medical conditions.