Summertime Herbal Infusion
A soothing, remineralizing, and cooling tea blend for August.
Want to know a little secret for replenishing a frazzled nervous system? How about naturally glowy skin? Supported immune functioning?
Try adding herbal infusions as part of your daily water consumption! This is my favourite way to incorporate the benefits of herbs into my routine—probably because it’s easy and doesn’t require a lot of time to prepare. I’ve been making a version of this blend (depending on the season and my current rhythm) for the past decade and whenever I’m consistent with it, I notice the difference.
While herbal teas are typically plants brewed in hot water for 5-10 minutes, herbal infusions involve a longer steep time (4-10 hours) and offer a gentle and more potent extraction of the plant materials1. Infusions activate and extract the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants into a bio-available form for us to easily absorb. They have been prepared and consumed for as long as people and plants have interacted—offering a simple way to connect with the generous benefits of herbs.
This recipe uses dried herbs which are both shelf stable and easily available (at your local apothecary or online). Organic is best when working with herbs because we don’t want to extract anything but the good stuff. Look for dried herbs with rich colours—this tells you they were harvested with care, have a high nutrient content, and remain fresh!
I’ve selected six superstars for this vibrant summertime infusion:
The Herbals
Nettle Leaf (2 tbsp) - Packed with vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, iron, chlorophyll, and silica—this plant nourishes on a cellular level. Nettle also helps to remove stagnation (mentally and physically) and restore depletion—my personal favourite from the plant kingdom.2
Oat Straw (2 tbsp) - I once heard a herbalist say: “If we could just steep oats in public drinking water, the world would be a better place.” This gentle healer restores frazzled nervous systems and replenishes those who are depleted, distracted, and anxious.3
Red Clover Flowers (2 tbsp) - Brimming with beauty—a siren song for the bees. This mystical plant is often seen as a weed growing on your front lawn, but it’s known to help promote radiant skin, clear lymphatic congestion, and add a deliciously sweet flavour.
Peppermint Leaf (1-2 tbsp) - The ultimate refresher. A cooling and uplifting herb that helps protect the immune system, ease digestion, and calm the mind. Great for hot days or when you ate a little too much at dinner.
Goji Berry (1 tbsp) - The antioxidant and beta carotene powerhouse. These gorgeous little drops support the immune system, promote healthy skin, and provide a sense of calm for those with anxiety. A very happy berry, indeed.
Seaweed (1 tsp) - Another multi-vitamin wizard, seaweed contains the skin loving vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with folate, zinc, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This ingredient is optional (but adds a lovely touch!).
