A herbal infusion is a stronger version of herbal tea. Generally the leaves, flowers and/or berries parts of the plant are used. Hot or boiling water are usually poured over the herbs but you can make infusions with cold water. I like to boil the water, take [...]]]>

A herbal infusion is a stronger version of herbal tea. Generally the leaves, flowers and/or berries parts of the plant are used. Hot or boiling water are usually poured over the herbs but you can make infusions with cold water. I like to boil the water, take it off the heat for one minute and pour it over the herbs. Herbs like peppermint which contain volatile oils are not to be boiled—if you do so you will lessen the effect of the volatile oil.

Herbal infusions are one of the most potent ways to absorb the medicinal constituents. The body readily absorbs warm liquid and can extract the concentrated herbal properties easily.

You can use about 1/2–1 tbsp. of herb to 1 cup of water to start out with. The usual dosage is an ounce of herb to a liter/quart of  water.  I  use a canning jar and seal it for 2–6 hours; once it’s infused you can store your infusion in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can use honey to sweeten your infusion. Take 1/8–1/4 cup up to four times a day.

Once you’ve made an infusion you can customize it to your taste the next time you make it. For instance, when I infuse skullcap in the amount of 1 tsp. to 2 cups of hot water, it’s so bitter that it’s as strong as I can take it. With a herb like red clover which tastes nice, I use a tbsp. per cup. Learn about the herbs you are using and let your intuition guide you.

Some commonly infused herbs are:

Elderflower for fever

Dandelion for weight loss/liver

Hyssop for a congested cough (expectorant)

Lemon Balm for gas (carminative)

Red clover for fertility

To learn more about herbal infusions check out Susan Weed’s site.

Calendula officinalis is the Latin name for Marigold, which is also know as Pot Marigold. C. officinalis is a beautiful flower which is a yellow to bright orange, and even after it’s been dried it’s still radiant. This herb has been used since ruled and has had a long, popular [...]]]>

Calendula officinalis is the Latin name for Marigold, which is also know as Pot Marigold. C. officinalis is a beautiful flower which is a yellow to bright orange, and even after it’s been dried it’s still radiant. This herb has been used since Egypt ruled and has had a long, popular spot among herbal remedies. It is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

I’ve used Calendula as a tea; the sent and taste is mellow and not offending at all. If you wanted to add the cold tea to juice, your child would probably not be able to tell. I sweeten it with unpasterized honey to give it a pleasant taste. I personally find it to have a calming affect. It’s very good for the eyes, topically and internally. It’s has nutrients such as carotene, calcium, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and E.

It is also a healing herb for rashes—you’ll find it as a main ingredient in many diaper creams. Just recently I made a Calendula and Roman Chamomile salve for my friend’s horse, as she wanted something for his hooves. Essential Oil of Roman Chamomile has the same qualities as Calendula and it’s also an anodyne and a nervine just to name a few more of its properties. After such a long winter the horse’s hooves need some conditioning. The slave is keeping his hooves in good shape.

Calendula officianlis is safe for most (including babies and children), but you should proceed with caution if you have allergies to Ragweed or Chamomile.

We often think of fevers as being a very negative condition for the human body; really though a fever is your body’s way of healing itself. You have a fever if your temperature over 38.° Celcius/99.° Fahrenheit. A fever is a sign that your body is fighting off a viral or bacterial [...]]]>

We often think of fevers as being a very negative condition for the human body; really though a fever is your body’s way of healing itself. You have a fever if your temperature over 38.° Celcius/99.° Fahrenheit. A fever is a sign that your body is fighting off a viral or bacterial infection if you take medication at the first sign of a low fever you are helping the growth of this bacteria or virus.

Symptoms of fevers are: feeling flushed or looking pale, skin is hot to touch, shivers, feeling sweaty and thirsty. If your fever does not rise above 39.4° C/103°F it’s usually safe to allow your body to sweat out the infection. For Fevers that go over this you will want to seek medical attention If there is a sore neck that accompanies your fever or it last for more then three days seek health care. . If you have any other underlying health conditions you need to consult your health care practitioner for advice (always error on the side of caution).

Drinking lots of water helps to lower your temperature and to aid in the elimination toxins. Sweating also helps to rid your body of toxins. Do any of you remember your mother covering you up and putting wool socks on you when you had a fever? I sure remember that. If you need to bring the fever down try a luke warm bath. If the fever is too high it can cause damage so  you want to make sure your fever is in the safe range that kills infection but does not harm you.

There are many herbs that will help you perspire while in a febrile condition. All the herbs I list will be safe for children but also good for adults as well.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) is a great herb for fever it has relaxing qualities and can be mixed with a bit of fresh ginger if you want something a bit stronger.

Peppermint (Mentha X piperita L.) is a tasty tea for fever it also has nervine qualities which help with irritability you can use this alone or with

Elderflower (Sambucus can.) These two herbs an ounce of each is Dominion Herbal College’s Flu Remedy.

For all of the above remedies I like to use a tablespoon of herb to 2 cups of just boiled water. You can adjust the dosage to what seems to work for you or your child. Adults want to use more for kids you might want to use a little bit less. I would adjust for taste too with children. If it tastes to strong for them you can dilute the tea.  I infuse it in a canning jar for a few hours, strain out the herb and add a bit of honey to sweeten. You can take up to a 1/4 cup every 30 mins for children and 1/2-1 cup every 30 mins for an adult.

If your sick and reading this I hope you are feeling better soon.