HOW TO make a medicnal infusion - Drink to your health

Drink to Your Health — Returning to the Old Ways

Herbal teas have been cherished for centuries as gentle, powerful allies for health. At Alicorn Apothecary, we honor this ancient tradition by crafting refreshing, nourishing medicinal blends that support the body’s natural rhythm of healing. The very act of infusing herbs involves you in the medicine-making process — awakening instinct, intuition, and the quiet truth that you have always had a hand in your own healing.

Medicinal teas nourish both mind and body.

While not as concentrated as tinctures, they are the most effective remedy for chronic, long-term imbalances. Strong infusions allow the plant to fully open, releasing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, volatile oils, and life-giving compounds into the water.

If you’re new to medicinal brews, start slow.

Get acquainted. Let your taste buds, your senses, and your body lead you. If your infusion feels weak, steep longer. If too strong, dilute or adjust. Herbal medicine is forgiving; it meets you where you are.

🌱 How to Create a Medicinal Herbal Brew

Medicinal infusions & decoctions draw out therapeutic plant constituents.
Always steep or simmer with a tight-fitting lid — this keeps the volatile oils and beneficial compounds in your cup rather than evaporating into the air.

Once water touches the herbs, the transformation begins.
The water becomes more than water — it becomes a carrier of minerals, nutrients, antioxidants, oils, and the plant’s energetic imprint. The longer the contact, the deeper the medicine.

You can rebrew most herbs 2–3 times, especially if the first steep was short. Steep a little longer with each round.

Herbal teas may be enjoyed hot, room temperature, or iced.
Store in the fridge up to 24–48 hours for peak freshness and potency.

Sweeten with local raw honey if desired.

🧊 How Long Does an Herbal Infusion Last?

Peak freshness:
👉 24–48 hours
Hardy roots/barks may last up to 3 days, but flavor & energetics fade.

Signs it’s no longer good:
• Sour or off smell
• Cloudiness or slimy texture
• Bubbling (fermentation)
• Mold or surface film

👉 When in doubt, toss it out.

Storage Tips:
• Always store in sealed glass
• Keep in the coldest part of the fridge
• Label date/time
• Freeze leftovers as ice cubes for smoothies or iced teas

🍵 At a Glance — Herbal Brewing Guide

Cup:
1 tsp : 8 oz hot water — steep 3–20 min

Bulk Brew:
1 oz herb : 32 oz water — refrigerate & use within 48 hrs

Steep Times:
◯ Quick Steep (3–5 min)
sleep blends, relaxing herbs, stimulant laxatives, aromatics

◯ Medicinal Infusion (30–60+ min to overnight)
nutritive tonic blends, adaptogens, mineral-rich herbs, immune blends

♻️ Rebrew:
Up to 3 times — double steep time each round
Always strain & cover

Flash Boil:
Bring water just to a boil, turn off, pour immediately — preserves enzymes & prevents burning delicate leaves.

What You Need

What You’ll Need

The Vessel:
Large pot with lid, French press, teapot, or mason jar

Water:
Fresh filtered or spring water

Measurements:
• Cup: 1 tsp to 8 oz water
• Bulk: ~1 oz (4–6 tsp) to 1 quart water

Time:
Find your rhythm — 3 minutes or overnight; both have purpose.

☕ Simple Cup of Tea

Use a tea ball, teapot, or French press.

• Add 1 tsp. of herb (lightly packed) to 8 oz. hot water
• Steep 3–20 minutes
• Adjust time to preference

For aromatic or sleep blends (like Potty Please or BE Rested), shorter steeps work beautifully.

🫙 Medicinal Infusion (Quart Method)

Drink & enjoy all day!

Add ~1 oz. of herbal material into a quart-size mason jar
Pour flash-boiled water to 1½ inches from the top
Cover with lid
Steep 4+ hours or overnight
Strain & refrigerate
Consume within 1–2 days

This is the strongest, most nutrient-dense way to enjoy your blends.
Each blend varies — always refer to your herbalist’s recommendations.

🔥 Bulk Stove-Top Brew (Shelsea’s Favorite Method)

I often brew in large batches:

• Add plant material to a pot
• Cover with cold water
• Heat gently — do not boil
• Infuse on low 20 min to 4+ hours or overnight
• Strain & store in mason jars in the fridge

Grab & go through the week!

Spent herbs?
Return them to the earth — indoor or outdoor plants love them.

MODERN DAY HEALING THROUGH ANCIENT HERBAL WISDOM