As many wonder how long the winter will drag on, the comforting faint call of spring smiles upon us. I will introduce you to the many wonders our earth provides us with that you can find in your own backyard or pantry to cure these winter blues and get ready for a wonderful spring and summer. Herbs and spices are nature's most powerful medicine that improves one's health physically and mentally! And to know the basics and how to utilize nature to the best of its abilities. The first step is to determine your need for wanting to use these herbs. As certain herbs are meant for certain purposes such as; stronger immunity, improved gut health, stress reducers, enhanced rest, and increased antioxidant intake. All of these are vital in our daily lives and here are some herbs and how to use them to get you started! While there are multiple versions of these recipes, it is encouraged that you get creative and just go for it!
*Please be advised that everything requires moderation and taking too much of anything natural or not can be dangerous.*
Garlic (Allium sativum) = a powerful herb that offers many benefits but for this recipe we're focusing on its immune support and antioxidant properties (1) that will cut that flu or cold to bits.
Recipe: Garlic Honey (2)
Bold and powerful garlic combined with the rich and sweet taste of honey
Ingredients:
1 garlic bulb
Raw honey *fun fact honey is packed full of helpful antioxidants and nutrients*
Mason jar with lid
Steps:
Peel garlic cloves and break up and chop the cloves
Add the raw chopped garlic to to mason jar
Add the raw honey and fill until all garlic is covered *do not fill to the top.*
Cover mason jar and shake to stimulate the fermentation process
Once it settles, slightly loosen the mason jar lid and store in a dark and cool area.
Take one teaspoon a day and enjoy
*Stores for up to 3 months*
Turmeric = a powerful spice that aids in digestive issues, anti inflammatory and many other benefits. This recipe is focusing on utilizing the amazing digestive properties it provides.
Recipe: Turmeric tea (3)
A fiery blend of warmth with notes of sweetness and just the right amount of sourness zing!
Ingredients:
Ground Turmeric (2 teaspoons)
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon) (fresh or bottled)
Honey
Black pepper (optional)
Water
Kettle
Steps:
Add turmeric to cup
Bring water to a boil
Add hot water to cup
Add honey for sweetener as much as you desire
Add 1 teaspoon of Lemon juice
Pinch of black pepper
Sip and enjoy!
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) = a fresh herb that is a natural stimulant, decongestant and soothes sore throats. (4)
Recipe: peppermint lemon iced tea (5)
Refreshing flavor of sweet mint and lemon with warm flavors of honey.
Ingredients:
*this recipe is based off another but includes my own adaptations to it*
1 cup peppermint leaves
water
Lemon
Honey
Ice
Pitcher glass
Steps:
Bring water to a boil and steep peppermint leaves for about 20 minutes
Let cool
Strain the tea and add to pitcher
Cut up lemon slices (as much as desired) and add to pitcher
Add honey for sweetness, as much as desired
Add ice and stir
Pour and enjoy!
Chamomile = a flowery herb that is dried up and packed full of antioxidants, promotes better quality of sleep and comforting calming effects. (6)
Recipe: Chamomile and lavender latte (7)
Warm soothing chamomile bathed in creamy oat milk with sweet hints of honey and lavender.
Ingredients:
*this recipe is based off another but includes my own adaptations to it*
(1/2 cup) Unsweetened vanilla oat milk (regular or any other milk substitute)
Loose dried chamomile and lavender (or use 1 bag of chamomile and lavender tea blend)
Honey
Cup
Steps:
Steep loose dried chamomile and lavender, strain and leave to side
Warm oat milk (regular or other milk substitutes)
Add honey to oat milk (as much as desired)
Add ½ of the steeped chamomile and lavender tea to milk and honey (or add the tea blend, steep and stir)
Sip, relax, and enjoy!
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References
7 impressive benefits of garlic. EverydayHealth.com. (2021). Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-benefits-of-adding-garlic-to-your-recipes-and-meals/
Herbal Academy. (2019, October 7). DIY Garlic Honey for cold & flu season preparation. Herbal Academy. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://theherbalacademy.com/diy-garlic-honey/
Bryan, A. L., & Bryan, L. (2022, December 27). Easy turmeric tea. Downshiftology. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://downshiftology.com/recipes/turmeric-tea/
Groves, M. (2023, March 10). 12 science-backed benefits of peppermint tea and extracts. Healthline. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea
New, E. (2018, December 27). Ice cold peppermint tea. The Frugal Farm Wife. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.frugalfarmwife.com/article/cold-peppermint-tea/
Elliott, B. (2017, August 18). 5 ways Chamomile Tea Benefits Your Health. Healthline. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-benefits-of-chamomile-tea#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
BODi. (2022, November 9). Chamomile and lavender oat milk latte. BODi. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/collagen-chamomile-tea-latte