Proper Infusion Methods For Medicinal Herbs

There are many common herbs that have medicinal properties that can be used to alleviate a wide range of illnesses and conditions. In order to benefit from them you have to draw the medicinal properties from them and the best way to do this is to extract them from the herbs. This is best done by what is called the "infusion" method. Herbal infusions are strong water based preparations and they can be used in a variety of ways depending on the illness or problem. Some of the most popular ways to use them include, drinking them, skin washes, compresses, douches or poultices.

An infusion that you drink differs from an herbal tea in that you use a large amount of herbs and the herbs are steeped in water in a container that is airtight for at least several hours and preferably overnight. The infusion can then be drunk iced, at room temperature or reheated and drunk hot. Infusions are always prepared using boiling water and it is essential that they remain airtight while steeping. Infusions can be made from the herbs leaves, which are dried, the dried roots or bark or the dried flowers or seeds of the herb.

The method used to infuse the herb to extract its medicinal properties varies depending on the part of the herb you are using for the infusion. Here are some of the proper infusion methods for medicinal herbs.

When using the leaves of the herb place 1 ounce of dried leaves in 1 quart of boiling water. Make sure that you screw the lid onto the container tightly and allow to steep until the water is completely cool, when the jar is cool to the touch then strain out the dried leaves and used as desired.

If you are making an infusion with the roots or bark from the herb then put 1 ounce in a pint jar and add boiling water. Once the water has been allowed to completely cool, and then strain away the bark or roots and drink as desired.

If using dry flowers from the herbs then place 1 ounce in a quart of boiling water and allow to steep for 2 or 3 hours. Strain away the dry flowers before drinking.

When using dried seeds of the herbs in your infusion place 1 ounce in a pint of boiled water and allow to steep for no longer than a half hour. It is important not to leave it for any longer otherwise the infusion will taste very bitter. Strain away the seeds before drinking the infusion.

Herbal bath infusions are very popular, when used this way the medicinal properties absorb into the skin through soaking. Add 2 quarts of your chosen strained infusion to your water before soaking.

An herbal infusion poultice can be used to treat infections and wounds. Wash the affected area first with the infusion and then soak a cloth in the infusion liquid before applying to the affected area.

Recommended Reading

1. Tea - The Chinese are well known for their tea, they even have a ritual when it comes to making teas and...
2. The Curative Value Of Herbs And Spices - It is becoming a well-known fact that certain herbs and spices that we use in popular food dishes are actually...
3. Hpv Cervical Cancer And Natural Herbs And Treatments - While good nutrition is always important cervical cancer caused by HPV seems to be more prevalent and more easily acquired...
4. Herbs For Clearing Phlegm - Phlegm is the name given to the excess mucus occurring in and secreted from the respiratory passages, mainly lungs, throat...
5. Origins Of Herbalism - The origins of herbalism go as far back as the origins of man. Since the times when man started exploring...