Herbal infusions are one of the most basic, yet effective, methods of using herbs. They can be infused in water, oil, or vinegar to produce healing remedies, or eaten in tasty dressings and condiments. Wonderful and simple! 🙂
Herbal Infusion in Water
Ingredients
- herb *see notes for suggestions,
- pure water
Instructions
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As a general rule, herbal infusions can be made using 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs per 1 cup of water.
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There are many methods for preparing an herbal infusion. The most common is to measure the amount of herbs needed and place it into a heat-proof container (such as a canning jar or bowl).
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Boil water and pour it over the herbs.
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Cover the jar with a lid or plate and allow the infusion to steep for 10 to 15 minutes up to several hours.
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Drink herbal infusions throughout the day to enhance and aid the healing of various ailments.
Recipe Notes
French Press or Tea Ball Variation
You can also prepare the infusion by using a French press or tea ball. This is perfect for smaller quantities.
As a general rule, herbal infusions can be made using 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs per 1 cup of water.
To make an infusion using a French press or tea ball, measure the necessary herbs into the French press or tea ball.
If using a French press, pour hot water over the herbs and place lid on the press, leaving the plunger up so the herbs can float in the water. If using a tea ball, pour water into a mug or small bowl and place the tea ball into the water.
Cover mug or bowl with a plate or turn a larger bowl upside down over the mug (this is helpful if using a tea ball with a long handle).
Allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the tea ball. If using a French press, simply push the plunger down.
Drink herbal infusions throughout the day to enhance and aid the healing of various ailments.
Here are some herbs suitable for infusion:
Peppermint to soothe an upset stomach (where to buy)
Nettle as a tonic for the whole body (where to buy)
Nettle mint tea to relieve allergies
Holy basil to reduce stress (where to buy)
Red clover to boost the immune system (where to buy)
Chamomile to promote relaxation (where to buy)
Also, here's a list of 52 DIY Herbal Tea recipes to try.
Herbal Infusion in Oil
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dried herbs
- oil *to cover herbs plus 1 or 2 inches more
Instructions
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Place 1/3 cup of dried herbs into a quart-size jar.
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The jar, herbs, and utensils must be dry, because moisture could spoil the oil.
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Cover the herbs with oil, then add 1 to 2 inches more oil so the herbs have room to expand. The herbs will swell as they absorb the oil.
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Tightly close the jar with a lid, and label it so you don't forget what it is inside.
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Place the jar in a warm place and leave for at least two weeks.
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If possible, give the jar a good shake every day.
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Once the two (or more) weeks are over, strain out the herbs and pour the infused oil into a clean jar.
Recipe Notes
*If you are making body care products, oils such as olive or sweet almond are both excellent.
Olive oil is best if you plan to make a salad dressing.
Herb-Infused Oil, More Quickly
If you need to infuse an oil with herbs quickly, place the above amounts of herbs and oil in a small crockpot, or in a jar within a dehydrator.
Warm on a very low heat (no more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit) for 1 to 3 hours.
This method is somewhat inferior to the technique mentioned above, because the heat diminishes the quality of the herbs.
Herbal Salves
Use your herb-infused oil to prepare salves to treat various skin conditions.
Place 4 ounces of infused oil and 1 ounce of beeswax in a double boiler.
Warm over low heat until the beeswax melts.
Pour into tins or a heat-safe jar, such as a small canning jar.
Some of my favorite herbal salves are calendula, plantain, and lavender.
Herbs in the Kitchen
If you want to infuse oil for cooking or a salad dressing, try herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
Olive oil is wonderful if you plan to make salad dressing.
Here is a great tutorial showing how to use fresh herbs to create culinary oils.
Herbal Infusion in Vinegar
Ingredients
- 2 cups vinegar
- 1 cup fresh herbs or 1/2 cup dried herbs
Instructions
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Combine vinegar with fresh or dried herbs.
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Loosely pack the herbs and vinegar in a jar and leave it to infuse for about three weeks.
Recipe Notes
You can use herb-infused vinegar in salad dressings and also as a skin-care treatment.
Do you make herbal infusions? If so, what is your favorite method? If not, which method would you like to try?
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I infuse my own herbal blend and add it to my whipped Shea butter and lotions. I love the benefits that herbs have on skin.
how does an infusion compare to an extract as far as potency …I want to use in body care (such as a lotion) although I suppose either method of creating an extract would be suitable – especially the glycerin method …but an infusion would be quiet easy as I already have what I need! TY