Need an infusion anyone?

     An herbal infusion is more that just a cup of tea.  It's like tea on steriods, it requires more steeping time and amount of herb to water ratio.  If your like, most people, you just wave a tea bag in hot water for 2-5 minutes then call it done.  This is all fine and well,  but if your needing more from the herb, say to help you heal, it needs to be an infusion.  The aerial parts of an herb, leaves, flowering heads, soft bark, seeds and stems are used.  It is important to bruise fresh herbs slightly in your hand to release some of the water content trapped in the tissues. The proper ratio of herb to water is; 1 oz. to a pint for dry and double the amount of herbs if they are fresh. Bring the water to boil, then let cool down to just off the boil.  Pour over herbs and cover tightly, mason jars work well, and let steep 10-30 minutes.  Strain loose herbs through a fine mesh strainer, or cheese cloth.  Remember to discard herbs in your compost bin.  Your infusion can be refrigerated for several days.  Just reheat on the stove or enjoy cold.

Here's a good diaphoretic recipe for flu with green mucus, yikes!!

Use equal parts of:

• Peppermint, or Spearmint
• Lemon Balm
• Elder Flowers
• Add Licorice to taste and drink 4-5 cups a day. 

This tea is meant to be taken hot, so mix up a big batch, store it in the fridge, this is a mighty fine idea.