Incorporating Nutritive Tonics into Your Wellness Routine: 6 Herbs to Try

Nettle

Nettle is a high-mineral herb, rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, and silica, as well as vitamins A, C, and K. It's often used for allergies, respiratory issues, inflammation, and as an energy builder. Nettle has an affinity for the connective tissue in the body, making it a great choice for bodyworkers. It also helps to expel uric acid from the body, reducing fluid retention, and toning the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Red Raspberry Leaf is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It's best known for its benefits in menstrual health, reducing menstrual cramps, and easing symptoms of PMS. Red Raspberry Leaf also prepares the uterus for childbirth, reduces the risk of miscarriage, and supports lactation after birth.

Mullein

Mullein is best known for its benefits to respiratory health. It is a natural expectorant, clearing mucus from the lungs and airways, soothing coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. Mullein can be drying, so adding marshmallow root can help moisten it up.

Linden

Linden is a heart herb with significant cardiovascular benefits. It is shown to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce stress and tension in the muscles. Linden is also an anti-inflammatory herb, supports respiratory health, and aids healthy digestion.

Oatstraw

Oatstraw is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A, B, C, and E. It is a nervine herb, best known for its benefits to the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, promoting calmness and relaxation.

Cleavers

Cleavers is a nourishing tonic with significant lymphatic support benefits. It stimulates lymphatic flow, reduces swelling in the lymph nodes, and supports the body's natural detoxification and elimination processes. Cleavers also has diuretic properties, flushing out excess fluid retention and increasing urine flow.

Brewing Nutritive Tonic Infusions

To reap the maximum benefits of these herbs, it is crucial that you properly brew them into a nourishing infusion. Below is a step-by-step guide, perfect for beginners!

1. Choose your herb(s): You can choose one herb or a combination of herbs based on your needs. For example, you can choose nettle and oatstraw for nervous system support or red raspberry and linden for menstrual and cardiovascular health.

2. Measure your herb(s): Use 1 ounce (about 28 grams) of dried herb per quart (about 950 ml) of water. You can adjust the ratio according to your taste or desired strength.

3. Boil water: Bring water to a boil in a pot or kettle.

4. Add herb(s) to a jar: Add the herb(s) to a quart-sized glass jar or container.

5. Pour hot water over herb(s): Pour the hot water over the herb(s) in the jar.

6. Cover and steep: Cover the jar with a lid or a plate and let it steep for at least one hour or overnight.

7. Strain and store: After the infusion has steeped, strain the herbs using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Store the infusion in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Check out my apothecary that is stocked full of nutrient-dense herbs, already packed into herbal tea blends that will help you start your herbal infusion journey with ease!

Incorporating Nutritive Tonics into Your Routine

Drinking a nourishing infusion daily is a simple and effective way to incorporate herbal medicine into your wellness routine. Here are some tips on how to make it a habit:

1. Make a batch on Sunday: To save time during the week, you can make a large batch of infusion on Sunday and store it in the refrigerator for daily use throughout the week.

2. Drink it first thing in the morning: Starting your day with a cup of nourishing infusion can help you feel grounded and energized.

3. Use it as a base for other drinks: You can use your infusion as a base for other drinks, such as smoothies, iced tea, or cocktails.

4. Carry it with you: If you are on the go, you can store your infusion in a reusable water bottle and carry it with you throughout the day.

In conclusion, Nutritive Tonics are an essential part of herbal medicine, providing long-term support for the body by nourishing and toning organs and systems. They are safe and effective for everyday use and offer a range of health benefits, from supporting the nervous system and respiratory health to improving cardiovascular and menstrual health.

By incorporating Nutritive Tonics into your daily routine, you can nourish your body and improve your overall well-being and vitality. So, choose an herb that resonates with you and start brewing!

Listen to this post on the Herbs + Ease Podcast for a more detailed educational experience!