It’s really simple to learn how to make an herbal infusion!
Infusions are usually prepared by pouring boiling water over an herb and allowing it to steep for a designated about of time before straining. Infusions are primarily used on the leaves and flowers of a plant. If you are using the root, berry, or bark of a plant, a decoction is needed. A decoction is very similar to an infusion but involves boiling the herbs in the water for a set amount of time before steeping.
The benefits of Herbal Infusions
Herbal Infusions are really simple to make and very delicious. They don’t cost a lot of money or require a lot of supplies.
Infusions are an effective way to take herbs and are very warming and nourishing to the body. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and taken as needed.
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How to actually make an herbal infusion (step by step!)
Alright, so now let’s talk about how to make an herbal infusion step by step!
It’s super simple, I promise.
To learn more about herbs you can make infusions with, check out this article on Five Herbs Every Mother Needs in Her Life.
1. Collect your supplies
First, choose your herb of choice for your infusion. Today, I chose Nettles (as I usually do!
Then you need a vessel to allow your infusion to steep. I use a French press but you can easily do this with a mason jar as well.
2. Add Herbs to Jar
Then, add your herb to the bottom of the jar. I usually do around 2-3 heaping TBS. If you are following a specific infusion recipe, you can add the measurements recommended there. Every herb dosage is different, so be sure to research your herb and the best measurements needed to create a strong infusion. For nutritive herbs like Nettles and Oat straw, I like to add 2-3 Tablespoons of the herb.
3. Fill Jar with Hot Water
Once the herb is added to your jar, cover the herbs in boiling water. I use an electric tea kettle and fill my jar up to the top with hot water.
4. Cover the jar
It’s very important to cover the jar to help retain the moisture and keep all of the constituents of the herbs that try to escape through water vapor. So cover your jar with a lid, and look closely and watch how the leaves sink and float through the water. It’s mesmerizing!
5. Allow to Steep
Herbal infusions steep for different lengths. The minimum amount of time to be considered an “infusion” instead of a “tea” is 20 minutes, but personally I always let mine steep longer. For nutritive herbs, like nettles and oatstraw, I allow mine to steep overnight or for 4-8 hours if I make one in the morning. This ensures that all the nutrients have been extracted into the water.
6. Strain water from herbs
After allowing to steep for 4-8 hours, it’s time to strain the water from your herbs. This is where a French press comes in handy, but again, a mason jar will work just as well with a piece of cheesecloth over the top. Pour into a clean jar or cup
7. Drink and Enjoy!
Now you can sip and enjoy a nutrient-rich drink all day long!
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If you’d like to watch a step by step video tutorial on how I make my infusions, you can watch below!
Hey, I'm Tori!
I'm so glad you're here, sweet mother!
My goal is to inspire you to remember your primal roots & live a WILD life in alignment with nature. On my blog I empower you to use herbs and natural remedies to keep your family healthy, teach you how to eat a nourishing, traditional foods diet, and inspire you to raise your babies consciously and respectfully.
