What if nourishing your body could be as easy as steeping a cup of tea? Nourishing Herbal Infusions, or NHIs, offer a simple, effective way to replenish your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Rooted in the Wise Woman tradition of herbalism, these long-steeped brews deliver deep nourishment while creating a ritual of connection to the natural world - and are seen by many as a radical act.

It’s also important to know what nourishing herbal infusions can’t provide. For all their benefits, they’re not a complete source of every nutrient your body needs. Let’s explore their strengths, limitations, and how you can make the most nutrient-dense infusions.

A Complement, Not a Complete Solution

Nourishing Herbal Infusions are rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and many trace minerals, and that is why we can also refer to them as electrolyte drinks as they replenish the nutrients key to optimal hydration. NHIs offer powerful support for energy, hormonal health, and overall vitality not just because of their plentiful vitamins and mineral but also the key phytonutrients that we are often missing in our diets. However, some nutrients, such as vitamin B12, simply cannot be sourced from plants. Others, like iron or magnesium, may need to be supplemented for certain individuals, especially if absorption is an issue or dietary intake is insufficient.

Here’s the exciting part: NHIs do more than deliver nutrients. They help create a healthier internal environment, making your body more efficient at utilizing the nutrients you consume. Over time, this improved balance may reduce your reliance on certain supplements as your body begins to resolve deficiencies more naturally.

How to Make the Most Nutrient-Dense Herbal Infusion

To extract the full benefits of herbs, preparation is key:

1. Use high-quality, dried herbs
   Bulk herbs are ideal for maximum nutrient content.

2. Measure properly
   Tradition says to use 30 grams of dried herb for every liter of water. If you’re using one of the large mugs from HBH (650-700 ml), use about 20 grams. I will absolutely provide a guide for the herbs I see and the blends as well because my research suggests it’s not always required to use so much herb every day.
   ’Cause 20-30 grams seems like a lot, right? I know! I’ll be working with local farmers and producers to make this easier, but take a look at my tip below number 4!

3. Steep long and strong
   Pour boiling water over the herbs in a quart jar, cover, and let them steep for 4–10 hours (overnight is perfect).

4. Strain and enjoy
   Sip your infusion cool, or gently warm it, but avoid high heat to preserve nutrients.

Store any leftovers in the fridge and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness and benefits.

Can we get around using so much herb per day?

Absolutely!
I would keep a coffee grinder on hand, put 2-3 grams or a spoonful of herb in there, and take the resulting powder in a smoothie, in yogurt, or in a shot of water to begin your day!

The People’s Medicine

Herbs and food have always been the medicine of the people. Understanding how to nourish our bodies from the land is a radical act that allows us to take a small step outisde of the standard industrialized food system. NHIs were developed by Wise Women outside the medical system who were looking for effective ways to significantly improve the lives in their communities with what was available around them.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best herbs for nourishing infusions.

Nettle: A Mineral-Rich Rejuvenator

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a favorite in the world of herbal infusions for its abundant minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It strengthens bones, supports energy, and promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Steeping nettle overnight produces a vibrant green infusion packed with revitalizing nutrients—perfect for women at all stages of life.

Red Clover: The Hormonal Ally

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is known for its ability to support women’s hormonal balance. With its phytoestrogens, red clover can ease PMS, support perimenopause, and nourish the skin. It’s also supports the optimal function of our natural detox pathways, making it a gentle yet effective choice for long-term wellness. If you’re in Taiwan, we deal with a lot of air pollition here. Red clover can be a wonderful way to keep congestion from the chest!

Its mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it a lovely addition to your daily infusion routine. Am I the only one who thinks there is almost a black pepper element to red clover? So far, yes, but let me know in the comments!

Dandelion Leaf: Nature’s Detoxifier

Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale) offers gentle support for kidney health, helping to balance fluids and detoxify the body. It’s rich in potassium and other nutrients, making it an excellent herb for those dealing with sluggishness or bloating.

A dandelion leaf infusion is refreshingly bitter, with a cleansing quality that feels like a reset in every sip.

Bidens Pilosa: The Special Taiwanese Treasure

Bidens pilosa, sometimes called the “little star herb,” is celebrated for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. I think of it as practically the national flower of Taiwan, it’s so common here! It’s super nutritous, too! It also complements other herbs beautifully, adding depth and earthy richness to your infusions. You won’t see this one on a lof of Nourishing Herbal Infususions lists, but that’s because we are in Taiwan and not everyone is as lucky as we are.

What usually happens is a person will stick with one herb for one to three weeks daily, and then rotate to a new herb. But what if you don’t want to choose! I’ll be preparing some blends that can be rotated through. I haven’t decided on all the the blends yet, but clidkc here to be taken to a page where you can sign up when they’re ready!

Tea Blend #1

Visualize a moring tea blend crafted with nettle, red clover, and dandelion leaf—a mineral-rich infusion to start your day energized.

Tea Blend #2

Picture an tea blend that soothes, moistuizes us from the inside out, and can support calm days and nights all while giving us deep infusions of vitamins and minerals.

Tea Blend #3

See it with me now - a deeply nutrient dense blend that gives us additional immune support.

A Ritual of Nourishment

Nourishing herbal infusions are a simple yet transformative way to support your health. They provide a broad spectrum of essential nutrients while enhancing your body’s ability to make the most of everything you consume.

While they can’t replace all nutrients (like B12) or eliminate the need for specific supplements in every case, they empower your body to find balance, often reducing the need for additional interventions over time.

Ready to embrace this tradition? Click here for individual herbs that you’d like to start with as well as the herb blends that are specially crafted and thoughtfully designed to bring the best of these herbs into your life. Raise your cup to vibrant health!

Keep an eye out for a post coming soon about what herbs are known to be higher in specific nutrients in case you are shopping for something specific for your health. Let’s say iron, potassium, a combo of vitamins + minerals + phytonutrients that could support gut health for example.

Notes

Other herbs that I’ll be adding to the mixes though perhaps not on their own:
Burdock root (local)
Dandelion root powder (local)
Mullein
Houttynia (local)
Mugwort (local)
Linden
Raspberry leaf
Red date (local)
Marshmallow Root
Mint (local)
Hawthorn (perhaps local)
Perilla
Plantain (local)
Hibiscus/Roselle (local)
Yellow dock (perhaps local)