There is nothing like a good infusion.
For centuries, infused herbs have been highly appreciated for their properties and benefits for their contribution to our health and well-being.
In addition to the sensation of comfort and temperance when the cold presses down, infusions are highly valued concoctions, since medicinal components are attributed to them.
But, first of all, let’s try to explain a universal confusion:
All teas are infusions, but not all infusions are tea
It is a very graphic phrase to elucidate, roughly, the differences between infusion and tea:
Infusion → drink obtained from various fruits or aromatic herbs, coffee, chamomile…, prepared in boiling or very hot water. May or may not bring tea. By itself, it does not contain any type of stimulant or theine. What is more, there are infusions, for example valerian, that are recommended for sleep disorders.
Tea → liquid prepared in water or milk, with herbs extracted from camellia sinensis plant (tea plant). All types of tea come from this plant. Tea contains theine, a stimulant that activates the central nervous system. The difference between theine and caffeine only lies in the effects. It is the same molecule, but the way it is absorbed by the body is different: while caffeine passes directly into the blood through the stomach (and the molecule absorbs much faster), in regards of theine, absorption occurs in the intestine thin, which causes it to be slower and more progressive.
Cooking way also varies: in general, teas cannot be left to steep for more than 5 minutes as their taste becomes bitter. On the other hand, the other aromatic herbs, fruits and spices can be, depending on the case, between 6 and 15 minutes infusing.
Tasting is also a differentiating element: tea, coming from the camellia sinensis, always causes a certain bitterness of whatever type. Conversely , the flavour of infusions is very diverse and is directly related to the ingredients of the preparation.
Kind of infused drinks according to their benefits
There are multiple combinations when preparing herbs to infuse.
When choosing the time, you must basically take into account its medicinal properties (benefits) and its taste, elementary conditioning factors for knowing how to choose the right time to take an infusion.
Among the thousands of existing infusions, we have tried to choose the most representative, taking into account their medicinal properties and active ingredients:
Inciting/ exhilarating
Tea: considered by many to be the main infusion. In many countries it is an element of culture and tradition. In addition to its stimulating properties, it can also be used as an astringent and antioxidant.
Coffee: Although it may surprise you to see appearing on this list, the truth is that coffee is also an infusion: coffee beans infused with milk or water. Next to tea, possibly the most well-known inciting drink in the world.
Mate: the most common in Argentina and Uruguay. Made by yerba mate leaves. It contains caffeine, and apart from stimulant it is also a diuretic and antioxidant.
Infusions at konsebeauty.com:
Cosmic Dealer Ayurvedic infusion “She woke up and conquered the world”: green tea with genmaicha, ginger, moringa and tulsi for the morning, it gives you the energy and immunity you need for facing the day.
Calming/ relaxing
Lavender: used to reduce stress, and facing insomnia. It exerts a relaxing power on the mind and on the emotions
Tila: one of the most popular when we talk about calming down. It is made from linden leaves. In addition to calming, it also has a hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Valerian: another top in most recurring list. It is characterized by causing relaxing and sedative effects. It helps to fall asleep, and dealing with stress and fatigue. It is also a good companion for reducing blood pressure down or calming pain of the menstrual cycle or migraine.
Melissa: one of the oldest in Europe. Among its medicinal properties is the hypnotic-sedative: it helps at bedtime. It is also a good regulator of intestinal transit.
Passiflora: plant that is used as an active agent against anxiety, stress, insomnia, palpitations, nervous tics… It can be used as a muscle relaxant in case of minor contractures.
Infusions at konsebeauty.com:
Cosmic Dealer Ayurvedic infusion “She slept for 100 years”: Ayurvedic infusion of roasted buckwheat, hemp flowers and Ayurvedic herbs (cinnamon, star anise, fennel), for a deep and restful sleep.
Immune system
Ginger: this infusion, which can be a bit spicy, is known for its mitigating properties when we suffer from colds. It also has anti-inflammatory active ingredients, and eases the expulsion of gases and the elimination of fat.
Echinacea: It is well known for fighting typical autumn-winter diseases such as flu, sinusitis, colds or pharyngitis. Its effectiveness is as much as an anti-flu, but much safer and without side effects.
Thyme: it is a great strengthener of the immune system: it relieves cough, reduces inflammation, fights bacterial infections…
Tulsi: Also known as “holy basil”, it has been used in holistic medicine for more than 5,000 years. This therapeutic herb helps keeping heart health, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, as well as being a great anxiety and stress reducer by regulating cortisol levels.
Digestive system
Chamomile: known in natural medicine for many years. Of great beneficial potential for health, it is generally used to help digestion, reducing the feeling of heaviness. Among many other benefits, chamomile helps cleaning and revitalizing the skin, thanks to its active antibacterial property.
Mint: it is one of the favorites for many people due to its intense flavour. But beyond that, it greatly facilitates heavy digestions and helps balancing the intestinal system. It is also applied for the improvement of breathing conditions.
Rosemary: It is very effective for reducing acidity. What is more must adding its properties to reduce cholesterol and improve liver function.
Lemongrass/ Citronella: it is an herb that has incredible power relieving stomach cramps. Improves intestinal health and aids digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and diuretic properties, and fights anxiety, stress and fatigue.
Licorice Root: Organically grown plant in Uzbekistan, it is an effective and common home remedy for an upset stomach. It also helps building the body’s resistance to physical and mental stress.
Blood flow/ menstrual cramps
Salvia: due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, it is very effective both for smooth menstrual cycles and keeping pain under control in more discomfort cycles. It can also be used to reduce fluid retention and muscle relaxation.
Diuretics / detox
Fruit infusions: it is a very broad category, since there are countless fruits that can be used to infuse. The most common are: lemon, mango, red fruits, melon, watermelon… They can be blended beforehand or sliced.
Infusions at konsebeauty.com:
Depuravita Ayurvedic Detox Infusion: healing mixture of oriental origin. It is an Ayurvedic detox herbal tea. It derives its power from the powerful immune blend of Tulsi and Moringa plants.
Common points when preparing an infusion
Beyond the drink, the ritual or ceremony about preparing a good infusion or tea, transcends beyond the everyday. Around the planet this practice is highly appreciated and respected.
Everyone has their own way of doing things.
There are many different infusions, and as such, many different preparations. But there are some common steps in all of them, basic for enjoying a quality infusion:
- Boil water with natural mineral water: Why is it recommended that it be mineral? The reason is that it helps preserve the medicinal properties for our health, apart from help keeping the flavour and aroma of wild herbs. The water must be just before boiling (92-96º. If the water boils completely, it stops being an infusion to become a tisane)
- We pour the water first and then the herbs/fruits to be infused.
- Cover the infusion preventing medicinal properties and benefits from dissipating, while letting it rest for between 8 and 12 minutes (depending on the kind of infusion).
- Savour it slowly.
Another very common way of preparation is the infusion as a cold or macerated drink. Cold infusions are excellent natural refreshments and a great alternative to sugary soft drinks. They quench thirst and provide us with the active properties of plants. In addition, you can find a wide variety of flavours to choose from.
Infusions according season of the year
As the way of dressing is different depending on the climate and temperature, the infusions also appeal more or less depending on the time of year in which we go through. That’s why we leave you some suggestions:
Spring
In spring, infusions take on unusual importance in dealing with the dreaded spring asthenia. The most recommended are infusions that contain ginseng, or matcha green tea, of Chinese origin and closely related to Japanese culture. It is ideal to combat fatigue and clear the mind, in addition to its antioxidant power, like good green tea.
They are also common in spring floral infusions: generally very aromatic and visually beautiful. One of the most recommended is jasmine, for example jasmine pearls or Chinese tea.
Summer
Cold infusions become preferred. Substance drinks as substitutes for sugary soft drinks. Especially those of fruits (citrus, mint, melon, watermelon, pineapple), aromatic plants (lavender, thyme, mint, sage), flowers (mallows, hibiscus, violas) and some species (cinnamon, ginger, turmeric).
Autumn
Hot infusions are back for combating the beginning of short days, the arrival of cold, and the appearance of colds and congestion. Infusions with apple, or with nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds are desirable.
Winter
Tendency at this time, where colds can play a leading role, indicates us that infusions with flavours of spices with a touch of heat can be a good solution. Teas can be a good option, such as Chai.
After showing you all the charms of infusions, it’s up to you to decide which ones you prefer and when you are going to use them. Let’s infuse!
