LIQUID SUPERFOOD RECIPES
FROM HERBAL INFUSIONS

When you think of superfood recipes you probably think of exotic fruits such as acai berries or vegetables like broccoli. And yes, these are nutritious foods but did you know certain herbs can be made into potent vitamin and mineral drinks?

Curious? A herbal infusion differs from tea in that you use a larger amount of herb and steep for a much longer period of time. This is very simply done using a quart sized canning jar or a four cup french press.

SUPERFOOD RECIPES AS HERBAL INFUSIONS

Because an herbal infusion needs to steep anywhere from 4 to 10 hours I usually make it in the evening so that it's ready to drink bright and early the next day.

Here's what you need:

• A quart canning jar with lid
• About 1 oz (around 1 cup) of a single dried herb
• 1 quart of boiling water

Steps:

1. Put your dried herb in your mason jar
2. Pour boiling water over the herb to fill the jar
3. Screw the lid on tightly - This is important so that all the nutrients stay in your infusion.
4. Steep for 4 to 10 hours - overnight is good!
5. Strain and drink! You can drink warm, room temp or over ice but drink a quart each day.

WHAT HEALTH BENEFITS WILL YOU GET FROM THESE LIQUID SUPERFOOD RECIPES?

The health benefits of herbal infusions depend entirely on what herbs you use. There are a handful of herbs that are especially nourishing and each has it's own benefits. Dried herbs are usually best for infusions. Here's some of the best herbs for your healthy tonic:

STINGING NETTLE INFUSIONS

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is packed full of iron and vitamin C. It also contains histamine, formic acid, serotonin, tannins and vitamins A, D, E and K. Not to mention magnesium, potassium, silicon, boron, and zinc.

A nettle infusion isn't just a great spring tonic! It can also help with:

• Hayfever
• Anemia
• Menopause
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Eczema
• Fatigue
• Beautiful skin and hair
• Increase urine flow
• Help nursing mothers increase milk flow
• Best of all you'll find that your energy skyrockets!

OATSTRAW INFUSION

In Auryuvedic medicine, oatstraw (Avena sativa) is considered the finest of all longevity tonics. It is also known as a very sexy beverage as it has an extremely positive effect on the libido! In fact, it is a great tonic for your whole body.

Oatstraw contains steroidal saponins, flavonoids, B vitamins, carotene and many minerals. A single cup of oatstraw infusion can have a whopping 300 milligrams of calcium!

Oatstraw infusions can work as:

• Antidepressants
• Nerve tonics
• Libido enhancers (that cliche' "roll in the hay" should have been straw!)
• A degenerative disease fighter
• A big help to lower cholesterol

RED CLOVER INFUSIONS

It is widely known in the herbal community that red clover flowers (Trifolium pratense) is one of the world's most used anticancer herbs! It contains four phytoestrogens whereas soy contains only one and you don't have to worry about clover being genetically modified like most soy beans are.

Red clover is a super general tonic that can also:

• Cleanse your blood
• Fight cancer
• Promote beautiful skin
• Improve your memory
• Help in treating whooping cough and bronchitis
• Increase fertility

If you have a hard time with the taste of any of the nourishing herbs you can always add a pinch of mint to your infusion.

The above herbs and more can be purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs. Just click the link below...

Liquid Superfood Recipes was found under HOW TO
Click here to return!