Getting the Most from Infusions

Hello Susun,

According to you, steeping dry herbs for several hours is good. However others: the owner of the herbiary I shop at as well as a naturopathic physician, tell me that this is not necessary. I have been told that you can only steep the leaves for so long until no more minerals can be extracted.

I really want to learn more about this.

 

Hello,

To obtain the most minerals that an herb has to offer, you will need to steep it for longer periods of time than any herbal "tea". For me, a tea consists of part of a plant steeped in a cup of water for a few minutes. 

Of course, yes, at some point, there is not a point in steeping any longer and it depends on the part of the plant being used. Flowers can be ready after 2 hours of infusing, leaves 4 hours while dense roots and barks can take 8 hours. Going over the time isn't a problem, and many of us make our infusions at the end of the evening and let them sit overnight simply for the ease of preparation. Then in the morning, strain and use.

You may want to check out this chart where different infusions were tested for their mineral content.

http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/The_Mineral_Content_of_Herbal_Decoctions_.htm

Hope that helps.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

www.wisewomanweb.com

www.wisewomanbookshop.com

www.wisewomanuniversity.org

 

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