Gosh, I am by no means an expert, but I do use nettle infusion regularly, do RRL infusion since I've been pregnant, and have skullcap on hand for infusion-making in case blood pressure were to become a problem. And I'm considering plantain infusion for gut healing and support, but haven't researched it fully.
Bluebirdmama might stop by, and I think she has lots of experience with infusions and has emailed back and forth alot with Susun Weed. She also uses herbal vinegars with great success, which interests me. Sort of a combo of infusion and beneficial bacteria, seems to me.
Nettle infusion was one of my "big three" healers when I did some significant adrenal healing. That and organ meats and coconut oil brought me out of the woods, adrenal-wise. But I discovered nettle infusion first, and it alone would sometimes do the trick on a bad adrenal day. Nettle infusion also did wonders for my ability to sleep, even when I was being woken frequently by a nursing toddler.
Susun Weed is a great resource, although her website is a little hard to wade through. But there's so much info there:
http://www.susunweed.com/
Here's her beginning article about infusions:
http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm
Here's a quick summary of the benefits of four herbs she recommends most often for infusions:
Quote:
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) builds energy, strengthens the adrenals, and is said to restore youthful flexibility to blood vessels. A cup of nettle infusion contains 500 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of bone-building magnesium, potassium, silicon, boron, and zinc. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, and K. For flexible bones, a healthy heart, thick hair, beautiful skin, and lots of energy, make friends with sister stinging nettle. It may make you feel so good you'll jump up and exercise.
Oatstraw (Avena sativa) reduces high cholesterol, increases libido, and strengthens the nerves. A cup of oatstraw infusion contains more than 300 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of many other minerals. Its steroidal saponins nourish the pancreas and liver, improving digestion and stabilizing moods. Oatstraw is best known however for its ability to enhance libido and mellow the mood. Do be careful whom you share it with, or you may find yourself sowing some wild oats. In Auryuvedic medicine, oatstraw is considered the finest of all longevity tonics.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is better in every way than its cousin soy. It contains four phytoestrogens; soy has only one (isoflavone). Red clover infusion has ten times more phytoestrogens than soy "milk," fewer calories, more calcium, and no added sugars. Red clover is the world's leading anti-cancer herb; soy isoflavone encourages the growth of breast cancer cells in the lab. Red clover improves the memory; Japanese men who ate tofu twice a week doubled their risk of Alzheimer's disease. Soy beverage can contain up to 1000 times more aluminum than milk, according to Sally Fallon, lipid researcher and fat specialist. She believes that "the highly processed soy foods of today are perpetuating . . . nutrient deficiencies. . . ."
Comfrey (Symphytum) leaf is free of the compounds (PAs) found in the root that can damage the liver. I have used comfrey leaf infusion regularly for decades with no liver problems, ditto for the group of people at the Henry Doubleday Research Foundation who have eaten cooked comfrey leaves as a vegetable for four generations. Comfrey is also known as "knitbone," and no better ally for the woman with thin bones can be found. And, don't forget, comfrey contains special proteins used in the formation of short-term memory cells. Its soothing mucilage adds flexibility to joints, eyes, vagina, and lungs. |
And here's another great site with great folks and info:
http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com/index.shtml
Hope this helps! I love this topic. If I learn more about plantain infusion, I'll share.
: And am going to give Nettles and Chickweed a go after researching off and on for over a year. 
I keep hearing about Burdock root and Blessed Thistle. But, am clueless.
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