How to Make a Natural Infusion

People have used natural infusions for thousands of years. Whether herbal or flower, infusions can be used as home health remedies or in bath soap, cosmetics or perfume. Easily made at home, here are two ways to make a natural infusion for health and cosmetic purposes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glass plate or dish
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Cheesecloth for straining
• Herbs, flowers, berries
• Stainless steel pot for boiling water
• Clear glass jars with lids
• Brown bottles with lid/caps

Health Infusion

1. Sterilize all of your equipment by boiling for at least 20 minutes and allow to air dry.

2. Gather the herbs or flowers you wish to use. Fresh is best. They should be picked at the appropriate time of day, usually early morning when the dew is still on the leaves. Snip the leaves with scissors if possible so that you can avoid touching them with your hands. Allow the plant material to fall directly into the glass dish.

3. Place the plant material in a stainless or glass dish or carafe. Cover with boiling water, approximately 1 cup of water for every 2 tsp of plant material. Allow to steep for at least 15 minutes.

4. 
    
   Drink this health infusion warm or cold!

   Strain the liquid through the sterilized cheesecloth and either drink warm immediately or cool and store in a glass container for no more than 3 days.

Cosmetic/Medical Infusions

5. Sterilize your equipment by boiling for at least 20 minutes and allowing to air dry.

6. Gather the herbs or flowers you wish to use. Again, they should be picked at the appropriate time of day, usually early morning when the dew is still on the leaves. Use scissors to snip the leaves and allow the to fall in the glass dish; avoid touching them. If you are making an infusion to use for cosmetic purposes, it is recommended that you keep each herb or flower completely separate from the rest of your plant material to preserve the integrity of the essential oils. Combinations can be used for medicinal infusions. Be sure to study carefully the combination possibilities for best results.

7. 
    
   Fill your glass jar with plant material and fill with boiling water

   Bring water to a boil in either a stainless steel or glass pot. While water is boiling, carefully add your plant material to a glass jar, completely filling the jar. Pour the boiling water slowly over the material, allowing the jar to warm so as not to break it. Once full, tightly cap your jar.

8. Allow the plant material to steep or infuse in the jar anywhere for 1 to 8 hours depending on the plant material you used. Roots, berries and leaves tend to need more time and can be helped along by slowly simmering them first. Breaking open the berries gently can help in the timing of the infusion. Once the infusion is done, strain through the cheesecloth and place in a brown bottle that can be sealed tightly. This should be used right away or brandy can be added to preserve it.

Tips & Warnings

• Add the stronger cosmetic infusion to soaps, perfumes, candles or cosmetics.
• Use the stronger infusions to add extra flavors to your cooking.
• Keep all infusions refrigerated and use within 3 days.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.