How to make an infusion

Making infusions is the most basic thing one can do to improve their life through aromatherapy and spiritual practices. The process is actually quite simple once one learns how to do it. Enjoy!
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Making an infusion is a quite simple way to use floral and herbal essences for better living. All it requires is the plant matter of your choice (be sure to research the plant and ask your doctor about it before using it) and lukewarm to hot water.

Be sure to use the appropriate temperature of water for your chosen herb. All plant oils have a flash point, which is the temperature at which its essential oil vaporizes. If you are trying to make your kitchen smell good then adding flowers or herbs to boiling water is a good idea because the essential oils will vaporize and strongly scent the air.

Conversely if you are planning on using the infusion to add to bath water or hair rinse it is important to find the flash point for your chosen herb and avoid heating your infusion to that temperature.Once you have finished researching your chosen herb and have determined that it is the right one for your purpose and determined its flash point you're ready to begin.

Coarsely grind your herbs either with a mortar and pestle (useful for resins and roots), food processor, coffee bean grinder, or food chopper. Grinding the herbs first will allow the plants oils to infuse with the water better. Then pour the proper temperature water over the plant and allow to steep for appropriate time (make sure to make a note of suggested steeping times when researching the herb).

Its just like making tea, with the exception that you should cover the container you are steeping the infusion in, to keep more of the vapors in. After you have finished steeping, strain out the herb (depending on how much herb you are using a mesh tea ball can be very useful, eliminating the need to strain).

Keep in mind that infusions are perishable. I suggest adding vitamin E for preservation, and storing your infusion in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Also make sure that your work area and utensils are clean and sterilized, this will help you avoid contamination. You do not want to introduce any bacteria or mold spores that can ultimately spoil your infusion.

You can use your infusion for a variety of things. Floral infusions make excellent and sweet smelling hair detanglers. They can also be added to running bath water to impart a lovely fragrance while softening skin. You can also bottle the infusion in a mist sprayer bottle to make your own room and linen spray.

Perhaps best of all infusions make lovely and unique gifts. Try making an infusion with the intended recipient's favorite flowers to add a touch of thoughtfulness then store the infusion in a glass bottle with pretty ribbon tied around the neck.