One of the greatest things about spring and summer is the flowers and wild herbs that will grow all over the place. I mean we are talking about a massive display of actual natural food and medicines that you can harvest and store and use for you and your family to improve your lives! Who wouldn't want to pass this opportunity up? Maybe you have never made an herbal infusion and just do not even know what one is.
That is what we intend to change here in this article. For over 20 years now herbal infusions, decoctions and just herbal everything has been the forefront of life here on the Shikata Zen Homestead. But if you have never done it then you are left in the dark as to what you can use and what you can't. So what is an herbal infusion? Herbal infusion means that you use hot water or some sort of alcohol ( I use 80 proof Vodka) to extract the useable elements from non-poisonous herbs.
If you are living in an area that has a lot of wildflowers near you then you probably have a lot that you can use. In the summer and during the sneaking hot days of late spring it is good to use certain herbs/flowers/leaves that will help you deal with the intrusive heat. For that you will need to do some advanced research, but it is well worth it. Until then, use what you can find and after the infusion add ice and honey to taste and you will be more apt to deal with the scorching heat.
Commonly found herbs that you can make infusions with:
Rose petals: Wild or domestic. Used for cooling and drying yourself internally. Use during summer heat including heat related issues. To relieve tension in the chest and nervousness. Add honey, milk or natural cream for a taste sensation.
Chamomile: It is bitter in large amounts. Calms you, relaxes you, helps digestion.
Red clover: Good for fertility, has an effect on tumors over time, easy lymph remover, very tasty.
Rosemary herb: Concentration, PMS issues, helps digestion, when you use it do not steep it long.
Sage: use to ward off colds and sore throats, use to become more grounded (cure spaced out feeling), aids in concentration but best for this when used with basil.
Melissa, Lemon Balm: Anxiety remedy, helps digestion, calms the heart chakra
Lavender flowers: helps with tension, PMS issues, calms over heated anger, very good with rosemary and honey.
Holy Basil: Used as a coffee substitute, and a sleep remedy, concentration, used in India for years to help in Marijuana detoxing.
Thyme: Use for the cold and flu season, helps with mucus and congestion in the chest, awesome with sage, mint and honey!
Nettles: Very nourishing, helps with iron deficient, does not taste to good add mint and it is good. Helps restore lost energy.
Oat straw: Use for tiredness, low libido, messed up nerves. Use with Nettles for a good mix, tastes a little sweet and grassy, not bad.
Mint family: Helps all digestive ailments, makes you sweat (good for fever), breath refresher, helps with motion and air sickness.
Wild Bergamot/bee balm: digestive aid, calms you, fights off infection, antiseptic externally, sleep aid.
Here are some more very good infusions:
Lemon verbena, apple flowers, orange flowers, peach flowers (awesome), hibiscus flowers.
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