Using Infusions to Heal
If you drink coffee, tea, or iced tea then you’re already familiar with the power of infusions to pack in flavors, caffeine or medicinal components. According to Wikipedia.org, an infusion is “the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping). An infusion is also the name for the resultant liquid…. A common example of an infusion is tea, and many herbal teas are prepared in the same way. Lemon, chamomile, senna, apple, ginger, rooibos , and a great many other plants are used individually or in combination. Herbal infusions in water and oil are both commonly used as herbal remedies. Coffee can also be made through infusion (as in a French press) but is more often made through percolation.”
Using Infusions to heal
What you may not know is that herbal and medicinal teas may provide much more of their active compounds when allowed to steep for several hours or overnight. On her website, www.susunweed.com, Master Herbalist Susun Weed has written extensively about the use of infusions to augment or replace drugs for a variety of complaints. Among her “go to” favorite herbs are:
Chick weed – increase our ability to absorb nutrients, especially minerals. Used to dissolve and break down unwanted matter, including disease-causing bacteria, cysts, benign tumors, thickened mucus in the respiratory and digestive systems, and excess fat cells. Red clover — powerful anti-cancer agent, used for menopause relief, treating coughs, and more. Stinging Nettles — a diuretic, loaded with calcium, used to prevent osteoporosis, purify the blood and treat prostrate issues Oat straw — used to treat anxiety and stress, also known as a natural “Viagra.”