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How to make Herbal Infusions

An herbal infusion is a water extract of herbs.  Dried herbs are recommended to make infusions.  To make an infusion, add one cup of dried herb to a quart jar, fill the jar with boiling water, put the lid on and let it steep for 4-10 hours.  To strain, I use a cup strainer to catch the herb as I pour the infusion into a second jar.  I always squeeze the plant material to make sure I extract as much infusion as possible.  I normally prepare my infusion at night before I go to bed and strain it in the morning.

You can drink your infusion as is or pour it over ice.  It tastes like a strong tea.  My favorite infusions are nettle, red raspberry and comfrey.  Red raspberry is great for nursing mothers as it is rich in iron and calcium.  

The infusion will only keep for about 34 hours.  You can put the strained plant material into your compost.

Herbs

Bilberry Properties (Vaccinium Myrtillus) Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, eye problems, glaucoma, gum disease, hardening of the arteries, hemorroids, indigestion, macular degeneration, menstrual irregularities, nearsightedness, night blindness, retinitis.*

Black Cohosh Properties (Cimicifuga Racemosa) Menopause, menstrual irregularities, nervous system problems, premenstrual tension.  It is used mainly to treat painful periods and problems associated with the menopause, used in conjunction with St. John's Wort it has proven to be effective in treating hot flashes and other menopausal problems.*

Burdock Root Properties (Arctium Lappa L) Bladder stones, boils, high blood sugar, lymphoma, psoriasis, tumors.*  

Catnip Properties (Nepeta Cataria) Cataracts, cramps, glaucoma, insomnia. Mild catnip tea is used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Stronger tea relieves fevers due to colds and flu as well as calming the stomach and preventing nausea and diarrhea.*

Chamomile Properties (Matricaria Recutita)  Breathing problems, bruises, bedsores, bug bites, burns, colds, coughing, fever, frostbite, gallbladder problems, gas, gastritis, gum disease, hemorrhoids, indigestion, insomnia, liver problems, mouth inflammation, skin irritations, sore throat, varicose veins, wounds, acne, allergies, anxiety, bunions, colic, cramps, eczema, gout, water retention, yeast infections.*  

Chickweed Properties ( Stellaria Media) Chickweed tincture has traditionally been used to nourish the kidneys, bladder and liver, as well as for irritated skin conditions and cooling the body during fevers or hot flashes. Dissolves cysts, cools fevers, infections, hot flashes, rheumatic pain, decreases appetite.*  

Cleavers Properties (Galium aparine) A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer. It has a mild laxative effect and stimulates the lymphatic system.  May also be used for high blood pressure, venereal disease, and yeast infections.*

Echinacea Properties (Echinacea Purpurea) Bronchitis, colds, flu, fever, HIV, immune system depression, listeria, Lyme Disease, Meningitis, mumps, whooping cough, tuberculosis, scarlet fever, goiter, dysentery, Crohn's Disease.  Echinacea muscles up the body's natural defenses by improving the white blood cells' ability to tackle infections.  It increases the number of white blood cells in your immune system and activates them.*  

Elderberry Properties (Sambucus Nigra) Bronchitis, colds, flu, coughing, breathing problems, herpes, mucous membrane inflammation, sinusitis, sore throat. Elderberry helps keep the immune system healthy and can be used to reduce the duration of flu symptoms.*  

Eucalyptus Properties (Eucalyptus Globulus) Asthma, bronchitis, coughing, flu, mucous membrane inflammation, respiratory disease, bad breath, arthritis, ringworm.  Eucalyptus is the active ingredient in Vick's VapoRub and other decongestants.  It's also used in cough drops and mouth washes.*

Fennel Properties (Foeniculum Vulgare) Gas, gastritis, indigestion, intestinal inflammation, mucous membrane inflammation, breast milk deficiency, colic, lack of menstruation, liver disease, hiccups, inflammatory bowel disease.*

Fenugreek Properties (Trigonella Foenum-graecum) Dermatitis, diabetes, high cholesterol, indigestion, inflammation, lack of appetite, hardening of the arteries, high triglycerides.*

Feverfew Properties (Tanacetum Parthenium) Migraines, fever, headache, inflammation, pain.  Perhaps we should rename this herb "migrainefew".  Although lab studies  have validated its worth in reducing fevers, allergic reactions and other inflammatory conditions, its best documented use is in preventing and alleviating migraines. -by Duke - The Green Pharmacy*

Ginger Root Properties (Zingiber officinale)  Motion sickness, settles upset stomach.  Ginger is primarily used to prevent and relieve nausea, indigestion, heart rhythm irregularities, inflammation and pain. In patients with autoimmune disease, ginger is widely used to reduce arthritic symptoms, inflammation related to ulcerative colitis, and digestive disturbances. Ginger is also reported to lower cholesterol levels, inhibit replication of herpes simplex virus, and help prevent the formation of blood clots.*

Ginkgo Properties (Ginkgo Biloba) Altitude sickness, Alzheimer's disease, blood flow deficiency to the brain, dizziness, intermittent claudication, macular degeneration, oxygen deficiency to tissue, senility, sexual dysfunction, tinnitus.*

Hawthorne Berry Properties (Crataegus Monogyna) Cardiovascular insufficiency, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, heart disease, high cholesterol.*

Hops Properties (Humulus Lupulus) Anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stress.*

Horehound Properties (Marrubium Vulgare) Bloating, gallbladder disease, gas, indigestion.*

Horsetail Properties (Equisetum Arvense) Bladder stones, cystitis, gravel, inflammation, kidney stones, tissue swelling, water retention, brittle nails.*

Licorice Properties (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Mucous membrane inflammation, respiratory disease, stomach inflammation, ulcers, HIV, herpes, hepatitis, retinopathy, vaginitis.*

Milk Thistle Properties (Silybum Marianum) Cirrhosis, colic, hepatitis, jaundice, obesity, mushroom poisoning, gall bladder problems, lack of appetite, diabetic neuropathy.*

Motherwort Properties (Leonurus Cardiaca) Moderating hot flashes and emotional swings, heart disease, hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), irregular heart rhythm, cramps, high blood pressure, insomnia, neuroses, rapid heart rate, stroke, asthma, lack of menstruation, menstrual pain, sciatica.*

Mullien Properties (Verbascum Thapsus) Good for bronchitis, lung congestion with hard cough, mucous membrane inflammation, dermatitis, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, sore throat, respiratory disease.*

Oat Straw Properties (Avena Sativa) Oat straw is used in various forms to treat numerous ailments including dermatitis, high cholesterol, inflammation, itching, seborrhea, warts, constipation, osteoporosis, sore throat, high triglycerides and addictions.*

Peppermint Properties (Mentha Piperita) Excellent for breathing difficulties, colitis, gallbladder disease, gastritis, infections, intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, lack of appetite, liver disease, muscle pain, nerve pain, oral inflammation. Use for all digestive problems.*

Red Clover Properties (Trifolium Pratense) Good for menopause, bronchitis, cancer (especially breast; prevention and treatment), colds, congestion, coughing, cramps, lung disease*

Red Raspberry Properties (Rubus Idaeus L) Strengthens uterus walls and female reproductive system. Soothing to the mucous membranes and kidneys. An excellent female tonic.*  

Saw Palmetto Properties (Serenoa Repens) Prostate enlargement (benign), gallbladder problems, hair loss, inflammation, urethral inflammation.*

Shepherd's Purse Properties (Capsella Bursa-pastoris) Cardiac insufficiency, excessive menstruation, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, premenstrual tension.*

Skullcap Properties (Scutellaria Lateriflora) Blood clots, stroke, thrombosis, nervous disorders.*

St Johns Wort Properties (Hypericum Perforatum) Anxiety, depression, burns, dermatitis, indigestion, myalgia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), wounds.*  

Thyme Properties (Thymus Vulgaris) Bronchitis, coughing, mucous membrane inflammation, respiratory disease, whooping cough, Alzheimer's disease, lice, laryngitis.*

Uva Ursi Properties (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) Promotes excretion within the kidneys and the urinary tract, good for bladder and kidney infections*

Valerian Properties ( Valeriana Officinalis) Insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, nervous tension, restlessness, stress, acne, depression, epilepsy, exhaustion, fatigue.*  

Wormwood Properties (Artemisia Absinthium) Parasitic infections, roundworm, worms, liver disease.*

Yarrow Properties (Urtica Dioica L) Gallbladder problems, gastritis, hemorrhage, intestinal bleeding, lack of appetite, liver disease, menstrual pain, arthritis, nosebleeds, thrombosis, urinary tract infections*

*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy.   

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