Boost Your Health with Herbal Infusions

There are several ways to boost your overall health. Most of us know that the right diet, exercise program, and supplement regimen can go a long way to helping you stay healthy and resist disease. Herbal infusions are another thing you can add to the list.

Herbal infusions are made from herbs that are prepared like a tea but left to steep for longer periods of time. They are made from herbs that are considered gentle and filled with vitamins and minerals.

Like food, they can be consumed in larger quantities on a regular basis. Herbalist Susun Weed advocates drinking a few quarts of nourishing herbal infusion each week to build health.

Medicinal herbs fall into several categories. There are some that should only be taken occasionally when sickness strikes. Tonic herbs can be taken for a few weeks or months at a time as needed to build up a certain body system. Herbal infusions can be taken regularly and indefinitely as long as the herb is safe for you to take.

For example, stinging nettle is a common infusion herb but should be avoided by people who are taking blood thinning medication. Nettle is high in Vitamin K which helps the blood clot. Check with your doctor and a qualified herbalist or naturopath so you can make sure that the herbs you choose are truly safe for you to take.

So, do you want to try it out? Choose one herb from this list to prepare into an infusion. It is best not to mix the herbs together. Just choose one that sounds interesting and drink a quart or two of the infusion every week. After a week or two assess how you feel.

• Stinging Nettle or Urtica dioica is a mild adrenal tonic and helps detoxify the blood. Avoid if taking a drug like Coumadin which helps thin the blood as nettle encourages blood clots.

• Oatstraw or Avena sativa is one of the best nourishing tonics for the nervous system. It also helps increase libido and provide the body with minerals like calcium and silica.

• Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis is also a great tonic for the nervous system. It has a pleasant lemon flavor and can be used fresh or dried.

• Mullein or Verbascum Thapsus is a classic infusion herb that helps nourish the lungs. This is especially good for people who are prone to coughing fits, have lung troubles, or are afflicted with asthma. When preparing this infusion add a pinch of mint to help give it a pleasant flavor.

To make the infusions you will need to choose one of the herbs listed above (use the dried form). You’ll want to use ½ - 1 cup for each quart of boiling water. Pour the water over the herb and cover. Steep on the counter for 4-8 hours or overnight. You can reheat the infusion and sweeten it with honey or stevia or pour it over ice.

Try each of the herbs once until you develop your own favorites. Everyone responds to the herbs differently. Make not of how you feel as you drink them and whether or not you like the flavor. Herbal infusions offer a great way to boost your health as long as you are able to take the herbs listed.

For more information about infusions and which infusion herbs click here (http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm).

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