Herbal infusion study group- updated with links in OP - Page 3

[Panserbjorne]

rosewater, didn't see your post before I replied! Great post!

[Theloose]

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

I never ever use boiling water on herbs. It will destroy the vitamins though most minerals will remain intact. I like to tell people that water can be around 115 degrees. Roots have different infusion times than leaves which have different times than blossoms.

If we're buying dried herbs, are they likely to be processed above that temperature, so the vitamins are gone already? Anyone talked to MRH or Frontier about that?

Would it be helpful to soak herbs in the oven with the light on, like with beans, to maintain 110-115 deg for longer?

[Panserbjorne]

I have not come across that before-good question! The herbs I dry don't see those temps, but I can't do all the work so I do order from companies as well. I will have to ask! I know that I used to order from a company that sun dried their herbs and I was all kinds of excited about that, but they are no longer in business.

In terms of the oven light question...from a practical aspect I'm sure it would work. From a spiritual aspect I wouldn't. The reason (for me) to make sun or moonlight infusions is to draw energy. For me the oven wouldn't cut it! I also like to write words or even affirmations on the infusions a la Dr. Emoto. Since there have been studies showing that healers working on the water with energy or vibrational remedies change the molecular structure of the water in measurable ways I figure this is a fun little practice.

[changingseasons]

Quick question-

Is there any reason that a nettle infusion (drank right before bedtime) would make me sleep really bad? I woke up about a million times last night for no reason, and then got up a couple hours early... wide awake, couldn't fall back asleep. I started a new mag supplement last night, about twice the dose I was taking previously... and I thought if anything that should make me sleep better. The only other thing that was different from my normal routine was moving my nettles from morning to evening. Would that have done it? If so, why??

[Panserbjorne]

nettles are chock full of B vitamins (amongst other things) which is why they are stellar for adrenal fatigue. However tons of B vitamins give you a jolt of energy....so save the nettles for morning or afternoon!

[dinahx]

Subbing! I am a student Herbalist and live real near you WuWei (comparatively). My land has ample opportunities for wildcrafting, so come on out if you want! <3

[changingseasons]

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

nettles are chock full of B vitamins (amongst other things) which is why they are stellar for adrenal fatigue. However tons of B vitamins give you a jolt of energy....so save the nettles for morning or afternoon!

Ha! That's what I was figuring...

Pretty amazing though. I've never paid enough attention to notice a difference when I did infusions before. Now I know they are really working for me!! Too cool.

eta: I just realized that maybe the difference is that I put this infusion in the sun all day. Previous infusions I used hot (but not quite boiling) water... Definitely sunshine from now on!

[Panserbjorne]

well, that and my woo woo self would say that when you want invigoration you use the energy of the sun. When you want calming you use the energy of the moon.

[changingseasons]

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

well, that and my woo woo self would say that when you want invigoration you use the energy of the sun. When you want calming you use the energy of the moon.

Ooh- good to know!

[Theloose]

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

In terms of the oven light question...from a practical aspect I'm sure it would work. From a spiritual aspect I wouldn't. The reason (for me) to make sun or moonlight infusions is to draw energy. For me the oven wouldn't cut it! I also like to write words or even affirmations on the infusions a la Dr. Emoto. Since there have been studies showing that healers working on the water with energy or vibrational remedies change the molecular structure of the water in measurable ways I figure this is a fun little practice.

So a solar dehydrator might be the best of both worlds?

[WuWei]

So, what about putting the dried herbs in my Vitamix when making a smoothie? Would that be "too much" herb to consume? Perhaps, use a smaller amount?

Pat, herb paranoia seeping in. I have my Nettle leaf and Chickweed brewing (separately). Poured boiling water over them, oops. And probably nailed my B-vitamins.

[tanyalynn]

Originally Posted by WuWei

Pat, herb paranoia seeping in. I have my Nettle leaf and Chickweed brewing (separately). Poured boiling water over them, oops. And probably nailed my B-vitamins.

Consider it an experiment. Different people clearly like different approaches on this, see how this batch makes you feel, and then try the warm water infusion technique and see if you feel different. Useful information!

I think nettles are going to turn into DH's and my late-afternoon energy booster (cause soda is a really bad alternative).

[WuWei]

Originally Posted by dinahx

Subbing! I am a student Herbalist and live real near you WuWei (comparatively). My land has ample opportunities for wildcrafting, so come on out if you want! <3

Thank you! I'm totally paranoid about eating wild plants. I'm not even certain about the wild strawberry "weeds" in my flower beds. Although, I only use organic fertilizer... (I was trained by the conventional medical establishment to distrust anything non-man-made-in-a-lab. ) Still trying to release my irrational phobias.

Pat

[Indigo73]

Just wanted to pop in and say I am reading... Haven't had much to add mostly because I am (shhhh) reading while at work and can rarely catch a free moment.

[WuWei]

Ok, here is our 'best of' list so far. How about we explore a new one each day? I'll post an individual thread for each herb, with quotes from Susan Weed and Mountain Rose Herbs and link each thread in the OP? Anyone can chime in with their love, benefits, how tos, contraindications, cautions, pregnancy or nursing concerns, or links about that herb, allergy cross-reactivity, etc. on the individual threads.

Nettles
Oatstraw
Red Clover

Comfey
Chickweed
Red Clover Blossom

Red Raspberry Leaf
Dandelion root
Dandelion leaf

Burdock Root
Blessed Thistle
Kudzu

Skullcap
Plantain
Violet leaf

Chamomile
Alfalfa
Lemonbalm

Yellow dock
Rose hibs/hibiscus
Fenugeek

Elderberry
Lemon grass
Shatavari root

Licorice root
Blackberry
Mulleion leaf

Horsetail
Black Cohosh


If you have a favorite you'd like for us to include, or one you want to explore, post and we'll add it to the list! Or anyone can start a thread about any of them, and we'll link the individual threads in the OP, for ease of searching.

Pat

[tanyalynn]

Just for clarification (hope I didn't miss this earlier), since I'm not planning to collect my own anytime soon, I am going to buy.

If I wanted to buy nettles from Mountain Rose Herbs, I'd be looking at the 4oz, 8oz, or 1-pound nettle leaf organic? Can't figure out a good link to the page (I'm looking at lists), but that's showing up as $8.50 for a pound on the page below?

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/sea...tles&x=28&y=11

[mbravebird]

Originally Posted by TanyaLopez

Just for clarification (hope I didn't miss this earlier), since I'm not planning to collect my own anytime soon, I am going to buy.

If I wanted to buy nettles from Mountain Rose Herbs, I'd be looking at the 4oz, 8oz, or 1-pound nettle leaf organic? Can't figure out a good link to the page (I'm looking at lists), but that's showing up as $8.50 for a pound on the page below?

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/sea...tles&x=28&y=11

Your link is to nettle root, not leaf. You're ordering leaf, though, right? Yes, I see it as $8.50 a pound. I would order a pound, because the shipping is pretty high (at least to the east coast, where I am), and as long as you use it over the next 6 months or so you should be fine. You can use it as long as it *smells* fresh and alive. You can really tell the difference. Old herb just doesn't smell alive anymore. But if you keep it in a cool, dark place, it will keep for a while.

[mbravebird]

Pat, how exciting this is! I am looking forward to learning about all of these, and having everyone's input posted. Great!!

[Theloose]

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

I love to use herbs, but I really only use them nutritionally. I am not a big fan of using them medicinally.

What nutrients do you like to use herbs for?

[Panserbjorne]

well, this is a way to use food for nutrients instead of supplements. I use infusions for iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K....the list goes on. All kinds of trace minerals as well. Different herbs will have different profiles. I just keep drinking what tastes good and rotating things when I feel the instinctive need and it's all good!