Making and Using Dried Herbs for Herbal Infusions
Herbal infusions are one of the most nourishing, flexible, and approachable ways to work with plants. Whether you're steeping a quick cup of tea to support your energy or brewing a mineral-rich infusion overnight, these simple preparations offer a direct and embodied relationship with the plant world.
In our circle, we use the word infusion to describe both short-steeped teas and longer, more medicinal preparations. Each offers its own kind of magic. A shorter infusion—steeped for 10 to 15 minutes—is a lovely way to enjoy a plant’s flavor, aroma, and gentle energetic effects. It can uplift your mood, support digestion, or bring a moment of calm in a busy day. A longer infusion, often steeped for 4–8 hours or even overnight, draws out more minerals, nutrients, and deep nourishment—especially from herbs like nettle, oatstraw, or red clover.
The basic process is beautifully simple. Start with dried herbs—preferably those grown regeneratively, like the ones we send with each new moon. For a lighter infusion, use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and enjoy. For a longer, stronger infusion, use 1 ounce of dried herb (about 1 cup loosely packed) per quart of boiling water. Let it steep for several hours or overnight, then strain and refrigerate. You can sip it throughout the day, either gently warmed or chilled.
The herbs you choose can reflect your intentions, your current emotional state, or the phase of the moon. Chamomile brings softness and relaxation, lemon balm lightens the heart and calms the nerves, and peppermint clears the head and supports digestion. Nettle and oatstraw offer deep mineral nourishment and grounding. Red clover encourages renewal and is often used in times of transition. You might also find yourself drawn to a particular plant without knowing exactly why—trust that call. Sometimes the plants know what we need before we do.
Infusions are also incredibly versatile. You can drink them, of course, but they can also be added to baths, used as hair rinses, or included in ritual. Preparing an infusion under the light of the full moon or just before a new moon intention setting can turn a simple herbal practice into a deeply personal ceremony.
The beauty of infusions lies not just in their effect, but in the rhythm they offer. Measuring herbs, boiling water, waiting for steeping—it all slows us down. It invites us into presence. It becomes a conversation between you and the plant, one cup at a time.
Let’s open the circle:
What herbs do you find yourself turning to again and again for infusions?
Do you prefer shorter or longer steeps—or both? How do they feel different to you?
Have you ever prepared an infusion as part of a ritual or in alignment with a moon phase? What was that experience like?
Feel free to share your practices, photos, recipes, and reflections. We’d love to sip and learn together.