Let’s Make Some Sun Tea!
With the weather warming up, I thought I’d share a super easy and lovely way to prepare your herbs and harness the Yang energy of the sun by making a Solar Infusion (aka “sun tea”).
Solar infusions are the oldest, most traditional method of infusing herbs into a solvent; in this case we are using water. The idea is that the warmth and energy of the sun alone is used to heat the contents of the jar, drawing out and infusing the nutrients, colour and vitality of the herbs into the water.
Why use a solar infusion? Being consistent and staying on track when it comes to herbal remedies is so important for true healing to occur, and this method is a fun and easy way to incorporate them into your daily routine.
When you drink sun tea, you really do feel, taste and experience the warm and nourishing energy, the revitalizing Qi of the sun. It’s like drinking liquid sunshine!
I’ve also included an easy three herb recipe that is especially helpful for Liver Blood Deficiency, a pattern that I have seen coming up a lot in my patients this spring.
Blood in Chinese Medicine refers to the body’s overall fluids and nourishment. Not only does our Blood circulate essential nutrients and moisture throughout the entire body, it also anchors our emotions and our memories. If our Liver Blood is deficient, we might experience physical, mental and emotional symptoms such as:
- Restlessness
- Insomnia and trouble falling asleep
- Poor memory
- Anxiety
- Dry skin & hair or hair thinning
- Scanty menstrual flow or amenorrhea (loss of the period)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Paleness of the face, pale tongue and weak pulse
The three herbs in the recipe provided – nettle, oat straw and red clover – are rich in the nutrients needed for healthy Blood.
So let’s do it, shall we!
What You’ll Need
- Fresh or dried herbs of choice – these can be from your TCMP, herbalist or your own choosing
- A clean glass jar with lid
- Clean cool/cold water
- Strainer or sieve to strain
Instructions for Solar Infusion
Step 1: If possible, begin your infusion process when you get up in the morning, so the tea has the opportunity to soak in the gentle morning sun through to the powerful early afternoon sun.
Step 2: Pick your herbs and add ¼-⅓ cup to your jar. Dried herbs will be more potent than fresh herbs, so if you are using fresh herbs (like peppermint for example) you may want to add a bit more.
Step 3: Cover herbs with 1L cool or cold water, cap the jar and give it a shake.
Step 4: Place outside in the sun – directly on the ground, on your balcony or alternatively inside on a window sill.
Step 5: Leave to infuse in direct sunlight for at least 2 hours (you may need to move your jar on occasion as the sun arcs over the sky). However, if you are able, leave your sun tea to infuse all day. Strain tea into a glass and enjoy!
You can drink your solar infusion right away once it’s infused, it may still be warm from sitting out in the sun. If you want to save some for the next day, you can store it in the fridge and either take it out until it’s room temperature or heat it over the stove.
Herbal Blood Building Recipe
For this “recipe” all you’ll need is each of the following dried herbs:
- 1 Part Nettle: like a multivitamin nettles are rich in minerals and vitamins, they help build Blood, are effective for spring allergies, contain anti-inflammatory properties, and help treat skin conditions like eczema and dryness
- 1 Part Oat straw: helpful for regulating the nervous system for those suffering from anxiety and depression, building Blood, lifting the spirits, tonifying Qi and helping to treat skin conditions
- 1 Part Red clover: helpful for both building and cleansing the Blood, treating skin conditions like eczema and itchiness, reduces inflammation and helps clear “heat” symptoms like hot flashes and irritability
Using your hands or a spoon simply divide the herbs into three equal parts for a total of ¼ – ⅓ cup herbs altogether (don’t worry too much about being exact). Follow the instructions above to make your Blood Building herbal infusion!
*Please note: If you don’t know if you are allergic to a specific herb or plant, use caution and/or consult with your healthcare practitioner before ingesting.
Struggling with some or all of the symptoms of Liver Blood Deficiency this spring? Looking for more fun and educational Traditional Chinese Medicine tips? Come see me for a treatment on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the clinic and follow me on Instagram @pokedbydee to learn more!