How to make an herbal infusion to drink all day, instead of water
DAILY RITUAL
Herbal infusions are a time-honored tradition in many cultures. By replacing your daily intake of water with herbal infusions, you will not only feel hydrated, but also more nourished and grounded.
After reading this article, I invite you to prepare a cup of tea or infusion and sit listening to this 10 minute guided meditation. A great way to calm your mind, connect with your senses and start a deep relationship with medicinal herbs.
An herbal blend, a large teapot or 64-ounce mason jar and a strainer is all you need to start your journey to healthy hydration.
The short answer: Put 1 tablespoon of loose herbs in a large teapot or 64 oz jar. Pour boiling water over, cover, and let it steep on the counter all day. Drink it in place of plain water. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
If you enjoy watching videos better than reading articles, here’s the same info for you:
What is an herbal infusion?
Think of an herbal infusion as tea given a little more time. A cup of tea is a small amount of herbs steeped for a few minutes. An infusion uses whole herbs, a lot of water, and hours of steeping, so the water pulls much more out of the plant.
Then you drink it the way you'd drink water: all day long, a glass at a time.
My routine
I'm not someone who keeps routines easily, but this one has stuck for seven years.
Every morning I boil water in a big kettle, enough for my morning chai and my pot of infusion. The chai is for right now. The infusion steeps on the counter while I get the day going, and it's what I drink until evening. Before I start a fresh pot, yesterday's spent herbs and leftovers go to my potted plants. It’s an easy routine that feels so good to me.
An herbal infusion using one of my favorite blends, Nourishing Blend. With herbs like nettles and red raspberry leaf, this blend can support you in feeling nourished, calmer and healthier
What you need
A large heat-safe glass teapot with a strainer, or a 64 oz mason jar and a strainer
1 scoop (1 tablespoon) of loose herbs
Boiling water. An electric kettle makes this part real simple.
How to make it
Add herbs. Put 1-2 tablespoon of herbs in your teapot or jar.
Pour. Fill with boiling water.
Cover. Put the lid on.
Steep. Leave it on the counter steeping all day. It keeps getting richer the longer it steeps.
Drink. Strain as you pour and drink it throughout the day in place of plain water.
Store. Refrigerate what's left for up to 3 days.
Prefer evenings? Make it before bed and let it steep overnight. It's ready when you wake up and you can bottle it up and take with you.
Fresh herbs? Fill your jar about a quarter to a third full, then pour the water over.
Drinking herbal infusions daily supports you in staying hydrated and nourished with all the vitamins, minerals and enzymes in the herbs.
Why steep so long?
Herbs are full of things worth drinking. Hot water pulls those out slowly. A short steep gets you flavor. A long steep gets you more of the plant. That's why an infusion tastes fuller and more rounded than a quick cup of tea.
Can I really drink this instead of water?
Yes. An herbal infusion is mostly water. You're still drinking water, with plants steeped into it. It's caffeine-free, and you can drink it warm, at room temperature, or cold from the fridge.
You don't have to replace all your water at once. Start with one pot a day and see how it feels.
The most common thing customers tell me is some version of "You got me to drink water." When your water tastes good, you drink more of it.
How long does a canister last?
One of our canisters makes about 18 to 20 pots. That's roughly three weeks of daily infusions.
Which blend should I start with?
Nourishing: red raspberry leaf, nettle, and oatstraw. Our everyday mineral-rich blend and the one I suggest most often.
Calming: for evenings, stress, or anyone who feels wound up.
Mother: another nourishing blend without oatstraw for gluten sensitive people
Or take the Find Your Blend quiz and I'll suggest two.
Getting set up? The Herbal Infusion Starter Kit comes with a blend of your choice, our 60 oz glass teapot with a built-in strainer, and a wooden scoop.
FAQ
How much herb do I use?
1 tablespoon for 60 to 64 oz of water. Use a little more for a stronger infusion.
Can I steep it in the fridge?
Cold steeping works, but it pulls out much less. Start with boiling water, then refrigerate if you like it cold.
Can I reuse the herbs?
I don't. The long steep has done its work. They make good compost.
Can I add ice?
Yes. Some people prefer it room temperature, but ice is fine if that's how you'll drink more of it.
Is an herbal infusion the same as tea?
Close cousins. Same herbs and hot water, but an infusion uses more water and a much longer steep, and you drink it all day instead of by the cup.
New to herbs? If you want to learn more about what's in your cup, join my free 5-day email series, A Day with Medicinal Herbs.
