Winter ELIXIR Remedies
This week I am teaching a class on Winter Botanical Elixirs and Remedies. I enjoy my role as an APOTHECARY BARTENDER. I deem it necessary to share some information with you on the subject. Winter Cold, Flu, and Covid season is quickly approaching. Still most do not understand what to do to alleviate symptoms. At the onset of the Covid 19 crisis, I was spiritually guided to use Wormwood (ARTEMESIA) Tincture. I made sure everyone I loved had at least one bottle in store for what was to come. Also at the time I heard that it is was useful in the treatment of Malaria in third world countries.
This is an article I recently found from the University of Kentucky supporting this theory. “Recent lab studies by chemists at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Potsdam, Germany) in close collaboration with virologists at Freie Universität Berlin have shown that extract from the medicinal plant Artemisia annua, also known as Sweet Wormwood, is active against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The new potential treatment has been added to the University of Kentucky’s innovative clinical trial for experimental COVID-19 therapies, which was launched by leaders from UK’s Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy in May. The new arms of the clinical trial will test the effectiveness of Artemisia annua extract as well as artesunate, a derivative of the plant that is a standard treatment for malaria in many parts of the world.”
Wormwood does contain THUJONE when consumed in large quantities . That’s why the call Absinthe Liquor “THE GREEN FAIRY”. It has antimicrobial properties, relieve pain, stimulate digestion, relieve depression (it fights off the Blues) and more…
When I am not feeling well I try to keep well hydrated. Listed Below is my recipe for a Botanical Brew of my own. This Elixir is not meant to replace Medical treatment. If you are pregnant or on medication, please consult your doctor first.
Recipe Juice of half a lemon, Apple slices, 3 Orange wheels with the peel on 1 rosemary sprig muddled, 1 tsp Manuka Honey
Bring to a simmer and let the flavors infuse well. Pour into a nice mug, add 1/2 a dropper of wormwood tincture (remember it is bitter, but full of healing energy and enjoy!!!!!,
if you are diabetic and can tolerate honey. Please use Tupelo Honey. It has a lower glycemic index . Tupelo Honey is one of the rarest honeys in the world and procured in certain parts of Georgia and Florida. It is made from the Tupelo Tree.
Healing Botanical Holidayesque Mocktail
Turmeric Spiced Simple Syrup as follows
Simmer in or steep1 cup of water, 1 cup of Honey, few rosemary and thyme sprigs, 1 few citrus peels. Chill and strain.
Add juice of 2 Clementines, Juice of half a lemon, top off with Bubbly Mineral water
You can also add any tincture to this such as ashwagandha or schisandra
Rosemary and pomegranate seeds to garnish.
ROSE MATCHA LATTE
Ingredients
rose syrup: I highly suggest making your own homemade rose syrup -- it's really easy to make and there are no preservatives or artificial colours added. I Love to use an alternative sugar such as Maple Syrup, Agave or Honey,otherwise you can buy rose syrup online
matcha powder: use a high quality matcha powder for the best flavour
hot water: about 80 degrees C -- the easiest way is to boil water and let it cool for 5-10 minutes
milk: or non-dairy alternative of your choice, such as oat, soy or almond milk
ice
How to make it
Add matcha powder to a heat-safe bowl/glass and add the boiled and slightly cooled water.
Give it a whisk (or use an electric frother) to dissolve the matcha.
In a tall glass, add 1-2 tablespoon rose syrup (to your taste).
Add ice cubes to the glass.
Pour in the milk and top off with matcha.
Garnish with extra rose petals (optional).
Stick in a straw, give it a stir and enjoy.
I Love to recreate this as a Hot Drink in the Winter Months with no Ice of course!
SACRED MULLED CIDRE
Serves 4
4 C. Apple Cidre I use Knudsen’s Apple Juice it is Organic and has a wonderful tang to it.
1 Apple cut in Slices
1 Orange Cut in Slices
3 Cinnamon Sticks
2 Slices Fresh Ginger
1 Tsp Whole Allspice
An array of Pine and Cedar Branches
Put all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 10 to 15 Minutes. This can also be done in a slow cooker
Serve in a glass smoked with Cedar Branch or Palo Santo wood.
Garnish with Organic apple slices.
MON CHERI (My Sweetheart)
24 oz Tart Cherrie Juice (organic)
scant 1/2 C. Honey (organic)
1/3 to 1/2 C. Elderflower Blossoms
Simmer 10 minutes let set and steep to cool strain and store in a jar. I use my old St. Germain Liquere bottles because I so LOVE Everything French.
2 oz Good Quality Whiskey
3 oz Coconut Milk
2 oz Cherry Syrup
Assemble cocktail
And drizzle with Wormwood cordial
I make a wonderful cordial with Wormwood cordial or syrup. It contains Anise seeds honey and wormwood. In a pinch you can use Absinthe or Chartreuse, Chartreuse was used as medicine in the Cholera Epidemic in the 1800’s
None of theses recipes are intended to replace medical treatment. Please always see your Doctor if needed.
Stay Healthy this Season!
Copyright Colleen Serra LLC