 Herbal Infusions -
Cultivating Goodness from the Inside Out Over the last few years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to be nourished from the inside out with "herbal infusions". Taken to drinking herbal infusions daily they provide sustenance, an inner and outer strength, clarity and most importantly perhaps- self knowledge, teaching the body to listen for what it needs best to be well.
In Western herbalism there are many ways to categorize herbs. Of the simplest methods there are four ways; with nourishing herbs, tonifying herbs, stimulating or sedating herbs and poisonous herbs. The Nourishing herbs are the herbs of "longevity." They are the tonics. When brewed as an infusion, they are safe and effective to drink over a long period of time. They provide us with optimum nourishment.
No longer needing the countless vitamins and mineral supplements- nourishing herbs contains all the important vitamins and minerals we need to support our whole being, subtly and deeply.. As we age we naturally produce fewer enzymes and work harder to digest and metabolize the nutrients we need to be well. Herbs drunk as food are easily absorbed and readily available as energy.
Nettle leaves and Oat straw provide approximately up to 250 grams of calcium per cup when brewed as an infusion. Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, chlorophyll, and Vitamin B are abundant in Nettles while Oat straw like its name, provides strength, for the bones, the nerves and your sex life! Red Clover balances hormones and has been shown to prevent breast cancer and is excellent for those with colds and runny nose. Linden with its symbolic shaped leaf is good for the heart, lowers blood pressure and aids in cardiovascular complaints associated with anxiety feverish colds and respiratory catarrh.
Gather an array of Red Clover, Nettle Leaves, Oat straw, Raspberry or Linden . and nourish your body, mind and soul.
Yes, this requires practice, with an evening ritual and the discipline to put up a brew for the following day- the long-term benefits are rich and worthwhile. Nourish yourselves, from the inside out.
Recipe for a Brew
Take one ounce (30 grams) of selected herb and place in a one litre jar. Bring filtered water to a boil & pour over the herb. Cap jar. Let this herb infuse for a minimum of four hours, or overnight for optimum
nourishment. Strain and drink this over the day to replace the 8 glasses of water (we normally consume) warmed on your stove top, in your thermos, or carried in your water bottle. Add honey, or lemon to taste.
Our gardens' greatly benefit from the herb as well! Watch it flourish as you give what herb is left to your garden's grace.
To explore the Wise Woman's way, and healing with herbs in greater depth, visit dharani @ www.dharanihealingarts.com 613 542 6878. "The Wise Woman tradition tells us that compassion, simple rituals, and wild herbs and whole food heal us and maintain health, wholeness and holiness." Susun weed |
