1. Cayenne
This hot and spicy herb is best administered as a hot infusion. When dosing, remember that more is not always better, and nowhere is this more clear, than when using cayenne.
I grow my own cayenne peppers, dry them in the dehydrator and then store them whole in the pantry. When needed, I grind them in a coffee grinder dedicated to just herbs (WARNING: keep your face away when opening the grinder. I use a medical mask, too)More »
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is such a sweet and gentle herb, we often drink the tea without thinking of how herbally important it is. Chamomile is used as a hot infusion, and if left to cool with the blossoms in the cup, can become bitter. Enjoy your hot infusion every night for a good night's sleep.More »
3. Dandelion leaf
Ah, the dandelion. What can't it do? Best served as a hot infusion, remember that it is quite bitter and may be better accepted if a bit of a better tasting herb is mixed into the infusion.More »
4. Elderberry
Elderberry is delicious. Having said that, it is best served as a hot infusion if that method is called for. I like it for both young and old alike, since it tastes so good.More »
5. Nettle
Nettles are extremely useful in the herbal cupboard. Use them in many ways, but if you are serving an infusion, please serve it hot. I like nettles as a much healthier coffee replacement, and make it ahead of time then reheat. It tastes earthy and delicious. Try it after a long illness that involved much weakness. It seems to be the perfect food for the invalid.More »
6. Peppermint
Mints are all interchangeable in this sense, but they should all be served as hot infusions for healing purposes. I do love my cold mint tea, however not for healing. A hot cup of mint tea helps soothe congestion and quiets a sick stomach. I also make this ahead and warm it as needed. In my experience, peppermint works very well, with the flavored mints not as strong or accepted when a child is unwell. Stick to the basics in this case.More »
7. Plantain
I challenge you to find a yard that has not been treated, that doesn't contain plantain! It is out there in abundance and should be used for the home herbalist. Use plantain in hot infusions. I dry it all summer long.More »
8. Yarrow
You have heard me talk aboutyarrow to the point of distraction, but it is so useful and to me, tasty. I love the bitter flavor and that it breaks a fever almost immediately for me and my children. Serve yarrow infusion hot, and cuddle up for some well needed rest.More »
9. Fennel
Fennel is not just tasty in the kitchen. It is also used as a hot infusion and with it's naturally sweet flavor makes the medicine seem almost like a treat. Fennel infusion is a rich, licorice flavored brew. My kids actually ask for it when they are feeling sick to their stomachs and just need to be quiet for a while. Fennel grows in abundance, you will only need one plant in the entire garden in order to have enough for all the infusion you will need for the season.
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10. Cleavers
Cleavers is best administered as a hot infusion. It is such a delicate looking herb, and is found almost anywhere that it is moist enough.More »