This is what I learnt:-

• Infusions are different to herbal teas. Herbal teas are brewed for just 10 minutes and infusions are brewed for a minimum of 4 hours.
• The benefits are vast as the longer period of time extracts more macro and trace minerals and many vitamins for our health.
• Since the minerals and other phytochemicals in nourishing herbs are made more accessible by drying, dried herbs are considered best for infusions. (Susun S. Weed)

So, this week I have decided to make one herbal infusion per day. (Just enough to make one cup). I have been alternating Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)  , Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) and Sage (Salvia officinalis). The benefits that I have experienced thus far are: less headaches, calmer emotions, a more regular tummy – and that’s just in five days. I have also not had a sinus attack this week-very good news.

How do I make the infusion?

• Measure out 8 grams of the chosen herb.
• Place it in a glass jar (250ml) that has a tight fitting lid.
• Once the water has boiled and the bubbles have subsided, fill the glass jar up to the neck.
• Give the herbal mixture a good stir, place the lid on and leave for four hours or overnight.
• Strain and drink straight away.
• Remember to put the leaves in the compost.

Valerian is used for general anxiety and nervousness with irritation. It also helps in treating the insomnia that occurs as a consequence of anxiety. Valerian is also useful in the case of heart failure accompanied with palpitations and a sense of fear. As a tranquilizer, Valerian is used alone or in combination with other herbs, as a tea or tincture.

 Lemon Balm is the cure for sleepless nights. It shows antidepressant properties and removes bad thoughts, nightmares and rolling over in bed. The main medicinal ingredient of this plant is essential oil which refreshes and calms strained nerves. Lemon Balm can be used alone or in combination with other plants.

Lavender shows soothing properties, and it can be used as a tea or essential oil which should be left to evaporate. Thanks to its pleasant scent lavender essential oil creates a special atmosphere. Lavender potions are recommended for the treatment of the nervous system diseases. This herb eases anxiety, tension, palpitations, hysteria, stress, depression, insomnia and headache.

Chamomile tea is an old and proven tonic for reducing the tension and relaxation.

Thyme is an ingredient of many medications because it has beneficial effects on the nervous system. It relaxes, reduces anxiety and mental tension providing a good sleep. It contains tannins, bitter substances, essential oils and phenolic compounds.

St. John’s Wort  may be applied in the form of tinctures, oils, extracts and teas that positively effect on general mental state – reduce depression, anxiety and insomnia. This herb contains tannins, hypericin, resin, anthocyanins, essential oils and azulene.St. John’s Wort is more recommendable than synthetic drugs because it doesn’t cause addiction and any harmful side effects.

Essential Basil oil is used for treating depression, mental exhaustion, melancholy and increased mental effort. Place a drop on a hanky/tissue and breathe in as and when needed. Or, place 3 drops on a burner in your work or living space.

Watch the following clip for more information on some of these herbs and some others which have not been mentioned in the above blog.

Be My Valentine

Tea Tree: This a strong antiseptic oil which is non-poisonous to humans.It also has strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is very useful for a range of conditions from ringworm to athlete’s foot.

Thyme: This oil has anti-viral, antibiotic and antiseptic properties and must be used with great care. Over-use of this oil can stimulate the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. Even with this strong warning, it is a vital oil in the basic care kit because of its strong anti-viral properties. When flu is doing the rounds it is an excellent oil to burner in the room diffuser. It helps in the elimination of toxic wastes from the body. It is also excellent at discouraging parasites and insects from invading your home.

Geranium: Has a powerful effect on the emotions. It is also a good oil to add to skin creams as it add a radiant glow to the skin. It is effective in relieving pain associated with menses.

Rosemary: A physical and mental stimulant. A good oil to use in the morning shower. It is also excellent in the treatment of muscular pains.(Use with caution if you have high blood pressure.)

Lavender: It is very effective in the treatment of burns and scalds. A natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant and de-toxifier. It also prevents scarring. Every home should have a bottle of lavender.

Lemon: The essential oil of lemon is useful as a water-purifier. It is antiseptic and anti-bacterial. Helps in the treatment of headaches and insect bites. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system.

Peppermint: It is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is useful the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, bad breath, flu, headaches and migraines, toothache, fatigue and more. It also keeps mice, fleas and ants away.

Cape Chamomile: Physical: anti-inflammatory and soothing, so it helps with eruptions on the skin in the forms of boils, abcesses, infected cuts and wounds, insect bites, acne, eczema etc. A child’s rememdy: Helpful for nappy rash, ear and toothache, swollen gums, sore throat and general irritability. Aids with sleeping.

Clove: anti-bacterial, antiseptic and analgesic. a good oil for the prevention of disease and infection. A quick cure for toothache and is equally useful in digestive problems and muscular disorders.

Eucalyptus: Used in treating chest infections and colic.It cools the body in summer and warms the body in winter.An excellent insect repellent and its anti-bacterial properties make it a must have in the kitchen. I use it as a surface cleaner and disinfectant.

See this blog tomorrow for the next three

Here is a very well explained step by step instruction video on making a beeswax and Calendula lip balm. Have fun and let us know how yours turned out.

Susun Weed explains in detail how to make this infusion. Please note that 2 quarts is equivalent to 2 litres (8 cups) and 2 ounces is equivalent to 4 tablespoons (60ml). If you would like a copy of this infusion recipe, please contact us and we will email it to you.