Nutritive infusions offer us an easy, affordable, and powerful way to nourish our bodies. These herbal infusions are made by steeping nutrient-rich herbs in hot water for several hours, extracting essential vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. Unlike regular teas, which tend to be lighter in flavor and nutrients, nutritive infusions provide us a more concentrated and bioavailable source of nourishment that’s easily absorbed by the body.

Best Herbs for Nutritive Infusions

Not all herbs are suitable for long infusions, but some are particularly rich in nutrients. Here are a few top choices:

Nettle (Urtica dioica): Known for supporting energy, kidney health and adrenal function, nettle is packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A and C.

Oatstraw (Avena sativa): Excellent for calming the nervous system, oatstraw provides calcium, magnesium and silica. A cup of oatstraw infusion offers around 300 milligrams of bioavailable calcium, making it beneficial for bone health.

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus): Often used to support women’s health—especially menstrual health—red raspberry leaf is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins B and C.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Great for detoxification, red clover is high in calcium, chromium and magnesium, promoting overall wellness.

Why Nutritive Infusions Are Effective

Nutritive infusions stand out for their bioavailability—the nutrients are released in a form that’s gentle on the digestive system and easy to absorb. Additionally, nutritive infusions offer a balanced nutrient profile. The combination of complementary nutrients, like calcium with magnesium and silica in oatstraw, enhances our ability to absorb and use them effectively. This is far more efficient than taking isolated supplements, which may not provide all the nutrients we need for proper assimilation.

Cost-Effective and Sustainable

Nutritive infusions are not only beneficial for our health, but also for our wallet. Store-bought supplements can be expensive, but we can make several quarts of nutrient-rich infusion for a fraction of the cost by using dried herbs—especially when purchased in bulk. Over time, this makes infusions a cost-effective, natural and sustainable way to support health.

How to Make a Nutritive Infusion

Making a nutritive infusion is simple and relaxing. Here’s how to can prepare one:

Ingredients:

1 oz of dried nutritive herbs (choose some favorites)

4 cups of boiling water

Instructions:

Select Herbs: Pick herbs based on one’s health goals and personal preferences.

Measure and Combine: Add 1 ounce of our chosen herbs to a quart-sized jar.

Boil the Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil.

Pour and Steep: Pour the boiling water over the herbs, cover with a lid and let it steep for at least 4 hours or overnight for a stronger infusion.

Strain and Enjoy: Strain out the herbs and enjoy the infusion hot or cold throughout the day. Some people prefer iced infusions, which are refreshing and nutrient-packed.

Storage: Store any leftover infusion in the fridge for up to three days. Discard if it smells rancid.

Reuse the Herbs: The best part is we can reuse the same herbs for a second batch. The first steep extracts plenty of vitamins and minerals, so 1 ounce of herbs can make 2 quarts of nutrient-rich infusion.

Nutritive infusions are a simple and effective way to provide our bodies with the essential nutrients it needs. Whether we want to support bone health, calm the nervous system or detoxify the body, these infusions are an affordable and sustainable addition to anyone’s routine. Sip to better health and enjoy the benefits of whole plant nutrition with every cup.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements.

Alyssa Mancini is a clinical herbalist and the owner of Herbs Love And Yoga, in Sandy Hook, CT. For more information about using herbs to support health, email [email protected]or visit HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.

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