Absinthe

     Happy Halloween everyone! Each year, as spooky season comes along, I think of all the spooky treats and drinks that I enjoy. Today I wanted to share with you a little about one that happens to be a favorite of my husband’s, Absinthe.

What is Absinthe?

     Basically, Absinthe is a botanical spirit that is predominately anise flavored. In short, it tastes like black licorice (eew), but don’t let that stop you from trying it. Each brand of Absinthe has it’s own botanical blend and can vary, quite widely, in taste depending on what herbs are used in it’s creation.

     There are three herbs that make up the “Holy Trinity” of Absinthe; Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Florence Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Grand Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Most people would not consider it a true Absinthe if it is not made with these three herbs as a base. Other herbs that Absinthe may be made with include; Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Petite Wormwood (Artemisia pontica), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Angelica (Angelica spp.), Star Anise (Illicium verum), and Veronica (Veronica spp.). Because of the complexity of flavors in all of these herbs, a good Absinthe is a mysterious flavor. Quite like a good wine. As you taste it, the flavor will evolve. You’ll notice a hit of something hidden behind a wall of flavor, and each stage of your “tasting” may reveal more than you might expect.

     Traditionally, the herbs used in Absinthe make the spirit turn a bright green color. However, there are un-colored, or white, Absinthes that forgo the added green herbs, as well as red or yellow Absinthes that use herbs such as Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) or Saffron (Crocus sativus).

     Absinthe is a strong spirit, reaching up to 75% ABV, or 150 proof on the strong end of things. And some Absinthes tend to include more than a few bitter elements from the herbs. So the tradition of adding cold water and/or sugar to the spirit came about as a way to address both of these issues. These additions dilute the strong Absinthe and unlock some of the depths and flavor characteristics while adding a bit of sweetness via sugar. Not to mention the really neat effect of Louching. When you add water to an anisette (anise flavored liquor or spirit) it will turn cloudy. Absinthe does this and it’s a beautiful and intriguing reaction.

What is the deal with the Green Fairy?

     Medical potions and decoctions made from wormwood date back to at least Roman times, the invention of Absinthe as we now know it is traditionally credited to one Pierre Ordinaire, a Hugenot doctor who fled France for Switzerland in the mid 1700’s and set up shop in the remote Val de Travers near Neuchâtel. He sold a green medicinal potion as a remedy for a number of ailments ranging from digestive issues, to kidney stones, to worms, and even gout. His potion was soon nicknamed ‘La Fée Verte” or “The Green Fairy” both for its beautiful color and for it’s supposed magical qualities.

     The reign of Napoleon III (from 1852 to his downfall with the Prussian invasion in 1870) was the height of popularity for Absinthe. It was primarily a drink of the military and the fashionable bourgeoisie due to it’s relatively high expense. By the early 1870s, it had become common practice to begin a meal with an apéritif, and of 1500 available liquors, absinthe accounted for 90% of the apéritifs drunk because of the belief that it would “sharpen the appetite.” This lead to the hour of 5 p.m. being deemed L’Heure Verte, or the Green Hour (where our modern Happy Hour comes from) in almost every café. The cafés were an extremely popular place to socialize, since most of Paris’ citizens were living in cramped apartments, often in poverty.

     During the years of 1880 – 1910, Absinthe’s price dropped down low enough that made it accessible to every tier of society. Artists and performers would crowd into the cafés and partake of a little bit of “The Green Fairy” to help gain inspiration. This is where we get the common myth of Absinthe causing hallucinations and even bouts of insanity, as artistic types are not known for abstaining from strong drinks, and Absinthe is one of the strongest (typically being bottled from 45-75% ABV or 90-150 proof). I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen people acting crazy when they’ve had a bit too much vodka or tequila, of course drinking Absinthe to excess would cause insanity.

     Another reason for the myth about hallucinations is a compound that is contained in Wormwood. It contains a chemical compound called thujone, which was thought to be a hallucinogen and rumored to cause transformations in the mind. True, there is a level of toxicity inherent to thujone at extremely high doses. But not in the dose one would encounter by consuming Absinthe. In the U.S., thujone levels in absinthe are capped at 10 milligrams per liter, while absinthe in Europe may have 35 milligrams per liter. Modern science has estimated that a person drinking absinthe would die from alcohol poisoning long before he or she were affected by the thujone.

What are the Medicinal Properties?

     Absinthe gets it’s medicinal properties from the herbs that go into it’s creation. Most of these herbs contain compounds that help with digestion and reduce inflammation. Since each Absinthe recipe varies on which herbs it uses, I’ll just go over the three main herbs and their benefits here.


Grand Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) – Wormwood has a reputation as an extremely bitter herb, and indeed it is. But the same compounds that make it bitter also serve to help our digestion. Improving bile secretion and flow to ensure that our food is properly digested and nutrients are properly absorbed. It also helps to get rid of any parasites that may have moved in, which is where it’s common name comes from. It’s also a great anti-inflammatory herb, helping to provide relief from chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gout.

Florence Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Fennel is used throughout the world as a culinary herb. The plant is often cooked as a vegetable and the seeds are used to flavor a wide range of dishes. However, most people don’t know that it’s also a great carminative. Helping to eliminate flatulence and expel gas.  It’s also a great source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Fennel seeds are also great to help treat asthma symptoms, as well as to relieve sinus pressure and cough associated with upper respiratory conditions.

Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum) – Anise is another herb used, throughout the world, as a culinary herb. It imparts a sweet, licorice-like, flavor to dishes made world wide. But it is also a medicinal powerhouse, particularly for digestion as it’s a great carminative, helping to relieve flatulence and improve digestion in general. It’s super rich in Iron, and other vital nutrients needed for the production of blood cells. This makes it a great herb to help treat anemia. It also helps reduce the symptoms of depression. It also is a great anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce pain caused by chronic inflammatory conditions. And it also helps to regulate blood sugar.

     I hope I have helped to dispel rumors and peak your interest in this traditionally, medicinal Spirit. Now go out there and get spooky with some Absinthe!

      If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

Absinthe: Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/absinthe-history/

Absinthe – 10 Facts and Myths About the Green Fairy: Pickled Plumb: https://pickledplum.com/absinthe/

Absinthe a Deadly Potion: Medicine Net: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7277

Absinthe and Medicine: The Absinthe Blog: https://www.alandia.de/absinthe-blog/absinthe-and-medicine/

Does Absinthe Really Cause Hallucinations?: How Stuff Works: https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/absinthe.htm

Effects of Absinthe: Absinthe 101: https://www.absinthe101.com/effects.html

The Devil in a Little Green Bottle – A History of Absinthe: Science History Institute: https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/the-devil-in-a-little-green-bottle-a-history-of-absinthe

The Sauvage 1804 Distillation: Absinthes: https://www.absinthes.com/en/themag/news-absinthes/the-sauvage-1804-distillation-emile-pernot-345

Lemon Balm

     There are certain herbs that keep popping up in mythology and historical texts. Lemon Balm, often just referred to as Balm, is one of these. The scientific name, Melissa officinalis, actually comes from Greek mythology. A nymph, named Melissa, had a tendency to share the secretes, and many uses, of honey with everyone she met. This made her especially sacred to bees, beekeepers, and anyone who used honey (bakers, doctors, etc). Since Lemon Balm's flowers are known to attract bees, especially honey bees, the name Melissa was used for this lemon-flavored member of the mint family.

     Since Lemon Balm has a very lemony flavor, it makes a great herb to add to your culinary experiments. I like the fresh leaves in a salad, or used to season my chicken. You can also use it to infuse vinegar, make a refreshing herb butter, or even add a few leaves to your tea. It's so versatile and tasty that you can really use it in just about any recipe, savory or sweet.

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of actions- Antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, cerebral stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervous restorative, tonic, spasmolydic, and sedative (mild).

Stress Management- Lemon Balm has been used, for centuries, to help calm the mind while not making one drowsy. Many people have reported that just smelling the plant or essential oil has a calming, stress relieving, effect.

The Cardiovascular System- Lemon Balm helps reduce stress in the whole body, which helps to reduce the amount of stress put on the cardiovascular system. Not only that, but it also helps to protect the heart in many ways. Just inhaling the essential oil lowers high triglycerides and improves cholesterol synthesis in the liver, reducing the amount of cholesterol that gets stuck in the arteries. After consuming Lemon Balm on a regular basis, one's heart has a better resistance to injury. This herb also helps reduce heart palpitations and regulate arrhythmia (the heart beating at irregular rhythms).

Improve Sleep- This herb supports a restful sleep. While it doesn't make one drowsy, it does help with relaxation, helping to shut off the mind when the body is ready for sleep. Lemon Balm is useful for all ages, it can even be used for infants and breastfeeding mothers, and has been reported to help all ages get better sleep.

Skin- Lemon Balm has been used by women throughout the ages, to help reduce and soften wrinkles. This practice can be recorded as far back as the 14th century in Hungary, where the Queen herself used it to bring a more youthful appearance to her face. Today it is used to reduce fine lines, and help prevent lip blemishes.

Improve Memory and Problem Solving- Lemon Balm does help calm the body and mind alike, but it does so without causing drowsiness. In many cases, it's even been shown to boost alertness. But it also helps to stimulate the memory. It also has been the subject of several studies that have shown it to help increase a person's ability to solve complex problems, regardless of age. After quite a bit of testing, it's been determined that Lemon Balm contains quite a number of compounds that help prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters, helping the brain to communicate more efficiently and promoting healthy aging of the brain.

Liver Support- Lemon Balm also helps to support healthy liver function. Helping to protect the liver from some of the negative effects of an unhealthy diet and improving cholesterol synthesis.

Antibacterial- The natural antibacterial properties found in Lemon Balm make it great to use on wounds, in soaps, shampoos, hand sanitizers, and for cleaning products around the house. It also helps to control the growth of candida, a yeast naturally found in the gut, but when overgrown, can cause some serious problems.

Diabetes- Quite a few studies have shown that Lemon Balm can help reduce blood sugar levels and reduce the oxidative stress related specifically to diabetes.

Overactive Thyroid- Lemon Balm is fairly effective at controlling an overactive thyroid. This is particularly effective for those with Graves disease.

Digestion- Lemon Balm helps to prevent the formation of gastric ulcers. It also helps to soothe the stomach and improve digestion.

PMS Symptoms- Quite a few of the symptoms associated with PMS in most women are exacerbated by stress. Lemon Balm's stress relieving capabilities help to even out those PMS symptoms. It's especially shown to be effective for teenagers.

Contraindications, Cautions, and Warnings- Lemon Balm is not recommended for people who have a low functioning thyroid. If you suspect that you have a thyroid problem, please consult your doctor. Also, pregnant and nursing mothers should use caution when using this herb, it's mostly considered safe, but there can be some interactions.


     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb.  I hope you have learned a new appreciation for how amazing lemon balm is.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

9 Impressive Health Benefits of Lemon Balm: Global Healing Center: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/9-benefits-of-lemon-balm/

9 Lemon Balm Benefits + Natural Uses for Home & Health: Dr Axe: https://draxe.com/lemon-balm/

10 Ways to Use Lemon Balm: Homespun Seasonal Living: https://homespunseasonalliving.com/10-ways-use-lemon-balm/

12 + Things to Do With Lemon Balm: The Nerdy Farm Wife: https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/12-things-to-do-with-lemon-balm/

A Family Herb, Lemon Balm Benefits: The Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/a-family-herb-lemon-balm-benefits/

How to Use Lemon Balm as a Natural Bee Sting Remedy: The Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/how-to-use-lemon-balm-as-a-natural-bee-sting-remedy/

Lemon Balm: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-437/lemon-balm

Lemon Balm Medicinal Uses, Grow Your Own Medicine: Natural Society: http://naturalsociety.com/medicinal-uses-of-lemon-balm-grow-own-medicine/

Lemon Balm/Melissa: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-lemon-balm.html

Melissa Essential Oil: Ayurvedic Oils: http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/lemon-balm-essential-oil

The Many Uses for Lemon Balm: Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-lemon-balm-89388

Nourishing Infusions

     If you look at enough herbal information you may notice a few things. First off, herbs aren't just for one specific ailment, they can work for a wide variety of problems when extracted in the correct medium (vinegar, alcohol, oil, or water) and taken in the correct manner. But what I want to really focus on, right now, is the vitamin and mineral content present in those same herbs.

     Quite a few herbs are also superfoods, and if they're not officially classified as such, they should be. Most herbs are packed full of vitamins and minerals, many of which are hard to come by in the grocery store. But how do you get the full benefit of these nutrients? A typical herbal tea, brewed for flavor more than effect, is only steeped for 5-10 minutes and contains relatively little plant matter. This isn't going to bring a powerhouse of nutrients to the table. Herbal infusions, brewed for a specific effect, are steeped for 30-45 minutes and may contain a few more nutrients, but more often still are lacking in those. Modern science tells us that vitamins and minerals take a longer time to extract than the more effect specific volatile oils and flavors of the typical teas and infusions previously mentioned. So that leaves us looking for an infusion that takes much longer and requires much more plant matter. Enter, nourishing infusions.

     Nourishing infusions take about 6-8 hours to steep, this helps to extract the nutrients that we're looking for. Particularly the minerals, as they are the slowest to extract. An average cup of nettle tea, steeped for 5-10 minutes with only 1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaf, contains around 5-10 mg of calcium where a cup of nettle infusion, steeped for 6 hours containing much more of the leaf, can contain up to 500 mg of calcium. Not to mention all of the other vitamins and minerals contained in nettle leaves. This shows just how much more nourishing of an infusion a nourishing infusion can be.

     Now that we know how long to steep our nourishing infusion, let's chat about how much of it we need, and how much of the herb we need to make it. Most herbalists recommend drinking about 5 quarts of various nourishing infusions a week. I try to go above and beyond, and drink a quart a day, but often end up missing the mark and getting a little over a pint a day (I have a tendency to leave my infusion at home when I have things to do in the mornings...oops), which comes out to about 3 ½ + quarts a week. When I recommend people start out with nourishing infusions, I tend to recommend starting with a pint a day, and working their way up to a quart (which is 2 pints). When you're brewing this infusion a pint at a time, use ½ cup of herb(s) in your container (I use mason jars because the measurements are on the sides) and fill it up with boiling water, close it and let it sit on the counter overnight. If you are feeling like you want to go for the gusto, for each quart I use 1 cup of herb(s). When I'm good and don't forget my infusion, I make a pint at a time. I brew one pint before I go to bed at night, then I brew a second pint when I wake up. This way I have 2 pints of infusion throughout the day, and I can add more variety to my daily routine (I'll often opt to use different herbs with each brewing).

     So what herbs are good to use for nourishing infusions? Realistically, you can use any herb listed as nourishing, as a tonic, or as a nutritive. However, keep in mind that the flavor of some herbs changes drastically over time. Chamomile, for instance, is very sweet when steeped for only 10 minutes. However, when left for 20 minutes or longer, it gets very bitter. The whole point of these infusions is to get more vitamins and minerals into your diet, so you don't want to create a blend that you won't actually drink, because it tastes overly bitter, or just odd. You can also sweeten these infusions, though most sweeteners may take away from some of the benefit, as long as you're getting those nutrients into your system you're doing good. I have some of my favorite blends listed for you below, but I want to introduce you to some great nutritive herbs and give you some tips on making your own blends.

The Herbs:

Nettle Urtica dioica- This herb is well known to be packed full of minerals and great for people suffering from allergies. It is also a diuretic, so you may experience dry eyes or frequent bathroom trips when taking larger amounts of this herb. Try adding some marshmallow leaves (or roots) or licorice to your nettle infusion to help reduce those effects.

Oatstraw and Milky Oats Avena sativa- Yes, this is the same plant that oatmeal comes from. Which means that it's super loaded down with healthy nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and a wide variety of vitamins and other nutrients. Oatstraw works better over time, and milky oats work better in the short term, to help sooth the nerves and relieve symptoms of fatigue. Oats help to nourish the whole body and is especially good for people who seem to be chronically burnt out.

Red Raspberry Rubus spp.- High in vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. Red raspberry is especially good for females, as it works to balance female hormones, and tone the female reproductive system. It's beneficial for women during all stages of their lives and reproductive cycles, but especially helpful preparing for pregnancy and during pregnancy.

Red Clover Trifolium pratense- Another feminine herb, red clover is also packed full of nutrition. It increases fertility in both men and women, but works especially well for women who have problems conceiving. It's also great for improving the memory and preventing cancer growth.

Hawthorne Crataegus spp.- This herb is best known for it's support of the heart, but it's also super packed full of nutrients. The berries are also super tasty. You can use leaves or berries for the nourishing infusions and both help to support the physical heart as well as the emotional one.

Alfalfa Medicago sativa- This herb is best known for it's sprouts, which have been consumed, in health food, for decades now. It's well known to be high in vitamins, especially A, C, E, and K4. It's also packed full of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorous. However, adding alfalfa to your infusion is an easy way to boost your vitamin and mineral intake.

Comfrey Symphytum officinalis- This herb strengthens and heals bones, skin, ligaments, tendons, and the mucosa (mucus covered surfaces of the body). The infusion is high in protein, minerals, and most vitamins. It's also contains compounds needed for an excellent short term memory.

Spanish Needle Bidens spp.- A local herb, Spanish needle is considered a weed for many a gardener, and a buffet for many a local bee. It's so nutritious that the “founding fathers” of America thought to grow it as a cash crop, instead of spinach. However, they decided to go with spinach instead, because it was so abundant in the wild. The flowers make for a pretty tea, but all aerial parts can be used for a nourishing infusion.

Peppermint Mentha piperita- Mints are all so wonderful, and you can really choose whichever you want for your infusion. Each one has a slightly different flavor and overall effect, but they're all super nutritious and have many of the same qualities that make it great for immune boosting, stomach problems, and allergies.

Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis- This herb is calming and relaxing, helping to relieve anxiety and depression. It also adds a pleasant, lemony, flavor to the infusion. Lemon balm is nourishing and balancing for the nervous system.

Tulsi Ocimum tenuiflorum- Also known as Holy Basil, this herb is an all around favorite of mine. It helps to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and helps to calm an overexcited nervous system. It's also super tasty and mixes well with just about every other herb out there.

Catnip Nepeta cataria- Not just for cats, Catnip helps to calm down anxiety in humans. It's actions are very mild and can be used with children, it may even help keep nightmares at bay. In the Middle Ages, catnip was believed to help prevent insanity in humans. However it is super nutritious and can be eaten raw or made into a nourishing infusion to add a boost of vitamins to your diet.

Moringa Moringa oleifera- This plant has recently gained a reputation as a superfood. And a well earned reputation at that. It's not only packed full of healthy vitamins and minerals, but also amino acids and protein. Adding moringa to your nourishing infusion can help boost your vitamin and mineral intake dramatically.

Marshmallow Althaea officinalis- This is one of my favorite herbs. The most common parts used are the leaves and roots. I tend to prefer the roots. It's naturally sweet, soothing, and packed full of healthy nutrients. This herb helps to bring moisture to drying blends as well. I tend to add marshmallow to quite a few nettle blends. Steep it either hot or cold, however, if you want to take the most advantage of it's moistening properties, let it steep in a cold infusion.

Violet Viola spp.- Such a pretty little flower, violet is also a great powerhouse of nutrition. The leaves and flowers are both useful in many ways. It's great for the heart, but it's also very soothing for the spirit. The leaves are high in vitamin C, but the flowers hold their own appeal as well. One bonus of using the flowers is that they add a beautiful shade of purple to your infusion. Like marshmallow, you can steep it either hot or cold, but to take the most advantage of it's moistening properties, steep it in a cold infusion.

     Now any of these herbs can be used singly (and herbalist Susan Weed recommends just that), but quite often I blend them to improve flavor, or to tailor them to specific needs (a great woman's nutritive blend involves red clover, red raspberry, and nettle). Adding in some flavorful herbs not listed here can also be good. Quite a few nutritive blends I've stumbled upon elsewhere include cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger. Just make sure you are familiar with the herbs you are using, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact your friendly neighborhood herbalist for more information and safety concerns. Herbs are great powerhouses of nutrients, but they're also potent medicines and should be used with respect.

The Blends:

Lovely Lady

This tea is wonderful for ladies going through every stage of life. It helps balance female hormones, increases fertility, improves the chances of implantation, and helps prepare both mother and unborn infant for labor. It's super high in folate (which is necessary for both female and infant health) and iron. This tea is my go-to for just about every woman I talk to, as well as myself, and the only feedback I've had is positive. One lady even believes this tea to be the main reason her first labor was relatively fast and easy. Sometimes I vary it a little by doubling the nettle leaf and alternating the red clover and red raspberry. Drinking red clover every day for one week and red raspberry for the next. And for the last trimester of a pregnancy I usually recommend leaving out the red clover and doubling the red raspberry. I'll also increase the peppermint when morning sickness is especially rough, or when plagued by nausea for some other reason.

Lovely Lady Tea

1 part Nettle Leaf

1 part Red Clover

1 part Red Raspberry Leaf

½ part Lemon Balm (or Peppermint)

Vitali-Tea

This blend is a good, all around, multivitamin blend. It's great for everyone in the whole family and packed full of nutrients.

Daily Vitali-Tea

1 part Nettle Leaf

1 part Moringa Leaf

1 part Alfalfa

½ part Oatstraw

½ part Peppermint

Stress Free

This blend is not just full of nutrients, but all the herbs are considered to be adaptogens as well. They help us to adapt to daily stress, and help to bring us into balance. This helps to reduce our anxiety levels (something every American needs) and improve our outlook. This blend also includes hawthorne, which helps to strengthen the heart, and catnip, which Medieval cultures believed could prevent insanity.

Stress Free Nutrient Tea

1 part Hawthorne Berry and/or Leaf

1 part Nettle Leaf

½ part Tulsi

½ part Lemon Balm

½ part Catnip

Cold Brew

This blend is made up of herbs that work best when brewed without heat. Marshmallow, violet, and milky oats all contain compounds that break down fast when exposed to warmer temperatures. Because they work best cold, they may take longer to brew, so I give them 8-10 hours instead of 6-8. This blend works especially well for people who have problems with heartburn and GERD.

Cold Brew Nutrients

(should steep 8-10 hours)

1 part Marshmallow Root

1 part Violet Flower

1 part Violet Leaf

1 part Milky Oats

In any of these recipes, feel free to change the ingredients around. Play with different herbs, but play smart. Herbs are wonderful allies in our search for better health, but they can also be potent. Use them with respect but have fun, play around, and let me know what you think below!

Resources:

Difference in Tea vs. Infusion: Bulk Herb Store: https://www.bulkherbstore.com/blog/tea-vs-infusion-whats-the-difference/

How to Incorporate Nourishing Herbal Infusions into Your Diet: Bulk Herb Store: https://www.bulkherbstore.com/blog/how-to-incorporate-nourishing-herbal-infusions-into-your-diet/

How to Make Nourishing Herbal Infusions: Mountain Rose Herbs: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/how-to-make-nourishing-herbal-infusions

How to Make Nourishing Herbal Infusions: Susan Weed: http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

Nourishing Herbal Infusions the Wise Woman Way: Nourishing Herbal Infusions: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

Nourishing Infusions: Fresh Cup: https://www.freshcup.com/nourishing-infusions/

5 Great Herbs for Smoothies

     A lot of people are always on the lookout for something life changing for their diets, something that will be tasty, nutritious, and easy to incorporate into a busy American lifestyle.  For me and many others, smoothies fit this description.  Smoothies are a great way to add an amazing amount of nutrients into a convenient, and often refreshing, snack.  One of my favorite things to do with smoothies is add in healthy herbs.  Herbs are full of great health benefits and they can also be a greatly flavorful edition to any food, including smoothies. 

    One of the things I do to incorporate herbs into my smoothies is herbal ice.  There are two main ways to make herbal ice, the first is very simple.  You just put the herbs in ice cube trays and add water before freezing.  You can chop the herbs, or just put them in whole.  Chopping the herbs will provide a greater amount of flavor than just using the whole herb so keep that in mind when you're experimenting.  The second is my preferred method and is also pretty simple, especially if you want to use a blend of herbs.  Make an herbal tea and freeze it.  How strong you make your tea will determine how intense the flavor of the ice will be.  A good ratio to begin with is 1 tablespoon of dried herb for each cup of water.  Just boil the water and pour it over the herbs, let sit for 30 or more minutes.  For ice I usually let my tea sit over night to extract all the wonderful goodness that those herbs can bring to my nutritional table.  It also will bring a greater intensity of flavor to my smoothies. 

    You can also just throw some herbs into your smoothie to blend, but I prefer to add the herbal ice because many nutrients will be more easily absorbed by our bodies that way, however I am not above adding a handful of herbs just for fun.

Basil

    This herb is infamous in the kitchen, but it also makes a great medicinal herb.  Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is packed full of nutrients, including vitamin K and manganese.  Basil is also a great herb for helping ease stomach problems including stomach cramps, gas, and improving the appetite.  It also helps to reduce inflammation, ease headaches, and ease the symptoms of the common cold.  There is an Indian basil called Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) which is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for heart disease, stress, insect repellant, and malaria.  Tulsi tea is actually one of my favorite herbal teas for relaxing at the end of the day. 

    Basil's flavor goes well with all kinds of berries, citrus fruit, and other herbs in the lamiaceae family (mint, rosemary, thyme, etc).  I also like it with stone fruit, such as peaches, and with watermelon. 

Basil Blackberry Watermelon Smoothie

3 cups cubed watermelon (seeded and frozen)

2 cups blackberries

¼ cup pomegranate juice

2 ½ cups basil flavored ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust sweetness if desired (some good sweeteners to consider are honey, stevia, and turbanado sugar).

Chamomile

    The popularity of herbal teas has grown over the past few decades, and with it has grown the awareness of certain herbs.  Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has become one of the go-to herbs for most people’s tea drinking habits.  And why not?  It’s naturally sweet smelling, pleasant tasting, and calming to the senses.  It’s so calming in fact that some people can’t drink it or they will fall asleep.  This herb has been popular since the days of Egypt, Greece, and Rome.  Even in the Middle Ages, people looked to chamomile to help cure many of the health conditions of the day.  Today it is still used as a sleep aid, a treatment for fevers, colds, stomach upset, and as an anti-inflammatory.  It’s used to help with teething babies, as a wash to lighten hair, to help with morning sickness during pregnancy, and to help hasten the healing of wounds.  The uses for chamomile are many and varied, which make it a great addition to a daily routine.  It does come with two major cautions though.  First, be aware that chamomile affects certain people more strongly than others and don’t plan on operating any heavy machinery after consuming it.  Second, it is related to ragweed and a few people with ragweed allergies might have a histamine response to chamomile as well.

    Chamomile is fairly sweet so it goes well with just about every fruit, though it is particularly tasty with the tangy citrus fruits.  It also pairs well with other herbs such as lavender, mint, and lemongrass. 

Strawberry Chamomile Smoothie

5 cups strawberries

¼ cup orange juice

2 ½ cups chamomile flavored ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust sweetness if desired (some good sweeteners to consider are honey, stevia, and turbanado sugar).

Ginger

    The past handful of years I have seen several friends go through pregnancy and deal with things like morning sickness.  Almost universally, they all seem to reach for one thing when they feel sick and that is ginger.  Whether it is ginger candy or ginger tea, it’s very well known for easing the stomach and being gentle enough for use during pregnancy.  Ginger (Zingiber officinale) isn’t just useful for your stomach though.  Throughout the years it has been used in many situations.  Its warmth is well known and useful for boosting circulation, lowering blood pressure, as an anti-viral, and as an anti-inflammatory.  This makes it one of the best things for colds and flus and has been researched extensively for use in dealing with arthritis, fever, headache, toothache, and preventing blood clots.  This brings to mind one warning that comes with ginger, if you are preparing to go in for a surgery please don’t consume any ginger beforehand as it may cause problems with blood flow during the surgery. 

    Ginger’s warmth goes great with creamy textures like yogurt and bananas, also with other warming spices such as cinnamon.  It also goes really well with citrus, apples, pumpkin, and many other fruits. 

 

Orange Ginger Smoothie

4 cups orange slices

1 cup avocado

2 teaspoons orange zest

¼ cup coconut water

2 ½ cups ginger flavored ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust sweetness if desired (some good sweeteners to consider are honey, stevia, and turbanado sugar).

Green Tea

    Green tea has always been a staple in my home and is one of my favorite comfort drinks.  It is also packed full of amazing nutrients like antioxidants.  Antioxidants have been getting a lot of publicity in recent years, they have been found to have major health benefits, the least of which include preventing cancers.  Green tea (Camellia sinesis) is also known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, combat fatigue, regulate blood sugar levels, and increase metabolism.  This makes it great for losing weight and a wonderful tea for diabetics. 

    Green tea goes well with vanilla, mint, rosemary, lavender, tropical fruits, citrus, and quite a few other fruits as well.

Tropical Green Tea Smoothie

2 cups pineapple

1 ½ cups papaya

1 ½ cups mango

¼ cup coconut Milk

2 ½ cups green tea flavored ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust sweetness if desired (some good sweeteners to consider are honey, stevia, and turbanado sugar).

Lemon Balm

    As its common name suggests, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has a lemony flavor and is soothing to the nerves.  It comes from the same family as mint, rosemary, lavender, and basil.  This amazing herb is used for quite a few things including soothing the nerves, sleeping problems, and menstrual cramps.  It also helps to relax stomach, uterine, and bladder muscles which make it ideal to relieve gas, cramps, and nausea.  It has also been shown to help increase mental clarity by reducing stress and insomnia.  Lemon balm is a great herb for almost everyone.  The one caution I have about this herb is concerning hypoactive thyroid conditions.  Lemon balm reduces production of the thyroid hormones, aggravating these conditions. 

    With its lemony flavor, lemon balm goes great with just about every fruit out there.

Peachy Lemon Balm Smoothie

3 cups peaches

2 cups banana

¼ cup lemon juice

2 ½ cups lemon balm flavored ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust sweetness if desired (some good sweeteners to consider are honey, stevia, and turbanado sugar).

    In trying these recipes, I found a good basic ratio that works.  Feel free to play around with it and have fun.  Smoothies are really easy to adjust to your own tastes.  My ratio is 5 cups of fruit, ¼ cups liquid, and 2 ½ cups of ice.  You can add in all kinds of powders, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits to your smoothies and I encourage you to do so.  Nouveau Raw has posted a good flavor pairing list that may help with flavor combinations.  Have fun and feel free to post any favorite recipes you come up with in the comments below!

Resources:

Annies Remedies: http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail4.php

Herb Wisdom: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chamomile.html

                              http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ginger-root.html

                              http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-green-tea.html

                              http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-lemon-balm.html

My Heart Beets: http://myheartbeets.com/10-herbs-for-smoothies/

Nouveau Raw: https://nouveauraw.com/raw-recipe-templates-and-development/flavor-prfiles-that-pair-well-in-recipes/