DIY Herbal Simples
This post was written by Community Partner, Nutritionist, Herbalist, and Women’s Wellness Practitioner Kristin Dahl.
In herbalism, “Simples” refer to single-herb infusions that are taken over a period of time in order to experience the full, medicinal benefits of the plant. They’re a beautiful way to deeply nourish your body while building an intimate relationship with the plants. Working with a single herb over time offers an opportunity to connect with the essence of the plant, its spirit, and its offerings, as well as to nurture and support the body toward healing on every level.
The ritual of making herbal infusions each day is a powerful practice, as it provides a sense of commitment to yourself and communion to the earth and its offerings. When you drink in a plant, you’re not only taking in nutrients, but you’re also connecting to the heart of the planet and all that unites and creates us. Today, we’re sharing an intro to herbal simples, plus one of our favorite (and basic) diy herbal infusion recipes that will nourish your cells, quench your thirst, and invite health supportive rituals and routines into your every day.
When exploring the plant world and herbalism, it’s best to gravitate to herbs that speak to you. Or maybe you try one or two, and there’s one herb that feels so right and so healing as you drink it in. It’s almost as if this plant feels like a dear friend. This is where the term “herbal ally” or “plant ally” comes into play—as we build a connection with the plants, they befriend us and our bodies. The plants become allies on our journeys and support us through different phases of life. Oftentimes, the plants guide us through different stages of healing, help us to rebuild our bodies, usher us toward expansion, and lead us to a deeper relationship with ourselves, our intuition, and the world around us.
On a practical level, it’s helpful to explore and play around with different herbs, finding a rhythm that works well for you. From there, choose a single herb to develop a deeper relationship with. This could look like 30 days to start. Over time, the plants will begin to speak to you and will become your allies, not only restoring and rejuvenating your body, but also connecting you to a deep herbal intuition. They will begin to guide you and call out to you like dear friends, offering support through various experiences. Once you connect with one plant in this way, you establish an opportunity to build a symbiotic relationship to all plant spirits in this way. Honor them and they will honor you.
Let the plants be your guide.
One of our most beloved methods to enhance wellbeing is to create medicinal herbal infusions—a powerful wellness practice that’s beyond amazing and seemingly somewhat unknown. Herbal infusions are far more healing and beneficial than a simple cup of tea. This practice is all about depth, nourishment, and fullness. By gathering potent medicinal herbs and soaking them long term (6-8 hours, usually overnight), the healing benefits reach peak potential. The sacred and simple process derives all of the concentrated nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals from these gorgeous medicinal plants and infuses them into a beautiful concoction of healing nourishment for our bodies. The creation process is therapeutic and results in deep wellness of body, mind, heart, and soul. That’s why we’re so passionate about sharing this beautiful, simple, and sacred process with the world.
COSMIC GARDEN: NETTLE MULTI MINERAL HERBAL INFUSION
An exquisite way to improve wellbeing. Earthy. Medicinal. Divine. Deeply nourishing. Sacred minerals.
BENEFITS / USES
This earthy green, deeply- nourishing tonic will leave you feeling hydrated, refreshed, and renewed. Nettle is nature’s multivitamin. A potent source of nutrients and rich in iron and chlorophyll, this mighty herb is a healer for many ailments. Rich in various minerals–a beautiful herbal infusion for restoration and regular use. This infusion offers extraordinary emotional and physical support.
INGREDIENTS
2-4 Tbsp. of dried nettle leaf
- METHOD
- Add 2-4 Tbsp. of dried nettle leaf to a 32 oz. mason jar.
- For Cold:Top with cold water. Cover with a lid and infuse in the fridge overnight.
- For hot: top with hot water, cover, and let sit on the countertop overnight.
- Strain and enjoy throughout the day
OPTIONAL ADD-INS
Raw honey
INTENTION
I am calling forth exquisite health, blissful moments that take my breath away, and the knowing that I am graciously held and guided by loving forces toward my cosmic destiny.
More About the Author: Kristin Dahl is a nutritionist, herbalist, and women’s wellness practitioner whose teachings emanate from her extensive education in holistic healing, Ayurveda, herbal medicine, plant-based cooking, and functional nutrition.
In our new book, Cosmic Tonic – A guide to herbal infusions, mineral mocktails, and healing elixirs, we share an abundance of recipes, as well as herbal education, wellness foundations, and ways to live in a higher vibration.
