Since the abundance of summer is upon us, why not take some time to put a few herbs away for the rest of the year? One of the easiest ways to get a daily dose of nourishing herbs is to add them to you water bottle. It’s a simple practice that increases the nutrients and flavour of your water as you drink enough to stay hydrated. Fill your apothecary with these wild flowers and weeds now so you can convert them into delicious and nutritious herbal beverage. Here are my favourites! ENJOY!
(Recipes for preparations in bold can be found at the end of this list.)
- Put a handful or two of dried stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves, holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum ) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) blossoms in a Mason jar. Pour boiling water over the dried herbs to the very top and cover. Let infuse at least four hours (or overnight) and then cool your herbal infusion in the fridge. Fill your water bottle with strained infusion and sip throughout the day for an adaptogenic, anti-cancer, hormone nourishing brew.
- Add a tablespoon of herbal vinegar such as Goldenrod (Solidago sp.), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) or Rosemary (Rosmarinus off.) and a tablespoon of herbal honey such as Rose (Rosa rugosa) in buckwheat honey, or mints (Mentha spicata, piperita) in clover honey, or Sage in goldenrod honey, or fir tips in wildflower honey to two cups water. Shake and adjust to taste. I call this refreshing, mineral-rich beverage Herbal-Aid!
- Decoct a handful of dried Astragalus roots and dried Maitake mushrooms in a pot of water for 20-30 minutes. Strain and allow to cool before filling your water bottle with this immune boosting potion.
- Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 1/4 cup of dried rose (Rosa rugosa) petals. Steep for one hour. Strain and fill your water bottle with this nerve strengthening, heart nourishing, hormone balancing taste of heaven that will awaken all of your senses!
- Add a teaspoon of sweet herbal glycerite to your water bottle and shake before sipping. Lemon Balm (Melissa off.), Sacred Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Rose (Rosa rugosa) and Rosemary are wonderfully uplifting and delectable!
- Boil a handful of dried hawthorn (Crataegus sp.) berries and rose hips (Rosa rugosa) with a few slices of ginger (Zingiber off.) for thirty minutes or until herbs are soft. Strain, cool and pour into your water bottle to support heart health... physically and emotionally.
- Add a spoon of dandelion (Taraxacum off.) wine and St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) tincture to your water bottle if you need a dose of liquid sunshine on a grey day.
- Make an infusion of dried comfrey leaf (Symphytum off.), horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and milky Oats (Avena sativa) for extra calcium and stronger bones.
- Pour a tablespoon or two of anti-viral Elderberry (Sambuca canadensis ) syrup in your water bottle to fend off colds and flu.
- Cover dried Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) blossoms with boiling water, cover and steep for ten minutes. Strain and fill your water bottle with the filtered tea to relax your nervous system while promoting mental clarity and focus at the end of a long day.
Herbal Preparations for your Water Bottle Concoctions
Herbal Tinctures
Pick a full Mason jar of desired herb (flower or leaf) on a dry day. Chop herb and cover with your choice of alcohol which is at least 80 proof (40% alc.). Use a flavour you enjoy like licorice (sambuca) or peppermint (Shnapps). Screw lid on securely and label your jar. Place in a dark, cool place for six weeks. Strain, bottle and label your tincture.
Herbal Vinegars
Pick a full Mason jar of desired herb on a dry day. Cover with Apple Cider vinegar to the top of the jar. Use a plastic lid since the acid in vinegar corrodes metal if it’s left beyond six months! Tighten lid securely and label your jar. Place in a dark, cool place for six weeks. Strain, bottle and label your vinegar, or use it as is.
Herbal Honeys
Pick a jar of desired herb on a dry day. Chop herbs and cover with your choice of local liquid honey to the top of the jar. Screw lid on securely and label your jar. Place in a dark, cool place for six weeks.
Herbal Glycerites
Pick a jar of desired herb on a dry day. Chop and cover with 100% pure vegetable glycerin to the top of the jar. Screw lid on securely and label your jar. Place in a dark, cool place for six weeks. Strain, bottle and label your glycerite.
Monica
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©2024 Monica Giacomin