NaturalMedications

To Make A Simple Infusion

Steep 1/4 cup herb for 15 to 20 minutes in a quart of water that has just been boiled. Let cool.

Never boil herbs because they will lose their volatile oils and much of their healing qualities. An infusion will keep for up to 7 days, so it is easy to make up ahead of time.

Add to the bath water or use as a herbal compress.

Infused Oil - Place the yellow flowers from the St. John's Wort plant in a clear glass jar. Pour in oil until it completely covers the herb, close the jar, and shake well. Place the jar in a sunny spot, such as on a windowsill, and leave for 2-6 weeks. It is natural for the oil to turn Red in color.

Pour the oil and herb mixture into a cheesecloth pouch or jelly bag, secured to the rim of a bowl. Allow the oil to filter through the bag. Squeeze out the remaining oil from the Cheese cloth. Pour the infused oil into dark glass bottles, label and store.

Infusion Tips: For a stronger cold infusion, repeat the whole process with the infused oils and fresh herbs.

Olive oil works well for cold infusions, because it rarely becomes rancid.

If time is of the essence, you can make a hot infusion by putting the herbs and oil in a non-metal, oven-proof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water (like a double boiler). Cover and simmer gently for 2-3 hours.