Hi friends! We recorded the first episode in the Stanley kitchen, and it was so much fun! My good friend Tara Cote taught us all about different herbs and how they can improve our health and boost our immune systems. And we made tinctures and teas right on the spot! If you didn’t see the video, you can watch it here. And since no one has time for taking notes, we transcribed the video, and I’m excited to bring you the recipes we made. I’d love to know if you make any of these and what you think!
Zen Elixir
We’re going to make a Zen elixir. So this is a tonic that you could take a dropper full or two a day. You can start your morning with it, you can end your day with it before you go to bed. That’s going to help calm the brain, shut the tabs off and close all the windows. It just keeps you calm.
Herbs:
St. John’s Wort
American Skullcap
Lemon Balm
Ashwagandha Root
Chamomile
80-proof vodka (for tincture base)
Instructions:
Fill a clean glass jar about two-thirds full with the herbs.
Top the jar with 80-proof vodka, leaving a bit of airspace at the top.
Seal the jar, shake well, and store it in a cool, dry place for 6 weeks.
Shake the jar daily. After 6 weeks, strain with cheesecloth into a dropper bottle.
Heirloom Healing Elixir (Natural Antibiotic)
This is another vodka one. Heirloom Healing Elixir. And that’s an all-natural antibiotic. It’ll boost your immune system. I mean, granted, if anything happens and lasts longer than a week to 10 days, go see your doctor. But this will help speed up the healing process, boost your immune system naturally. And it’s just, most of the time, things that we have in our kitchen cabinets.
Herbs:
Oregano – Antimicrobial, boosts immune function
Sage – Improves memory and has antimicrobial effects
Rosemary – Enhances memory and concentration, contains antioxidants
Hibiscus – Lowers blood pressure and provides antioxidants
Olive Leaf – Supports cardiovascular health
Barberry – Antimicrobial and supports liver health
80-proof vodka (for tincture base)
Instructions:
Fill a glass jar two-thirds of the way with dried herbs (all herbs equal parts)
Top with vodka, leaving a little air at the top.
Shake daily and store in a cool, dry place for 4 to 6 weeks.
Strain the herbs and store the liquid in a dark dropper bottle.
Yarrow Tincture
Yarrow can be used topically and internally. It kills bacteria like none other. You can use it as a wound spray. So with the tincture that we’re going to make today, we can dilute it with water and put it in a glass spray bottle and spray it on a wound. It helps stimulate the healing process. It stops bleeding.
Internally, it is like a natural antibiotic. So it helps boost your immune system. You can take Yarrow tincture before you get on an airplane, if you’re going to go to a concert where you’re going to be around a lot of people, a lot of germs around you. So you can boost your immune system that way.
Herbs:
Yarrow – Helps coagulate wounds, promotes healing, and boosts immune function. Can also be used as a wound spray or taken internally as a natural antibiotic.
Instructions:
Fill a glass jar two-thirds of the way with yarrow leaves and blossoms.
Top with vodka, shake well, and store for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool, dry place.
Strain and store in a dropper bottle.
Flu and Cough Remedy
So this is onions and lemons and honey. If you start feeling like you’re going to be getting sick, or if you have a pesky cough, this is great. This is another one of those that you can drink in three days, but the longer it sits, the stronger it will be. It breaks up the cough, calms the bronchial, and keeps it from spasming. And then you’ve got vitamin C boost, you’ve got detoxification from the onion. Onions are one of those things that pull toxins from the body.
Herbs:
2 Onions – Helps detoxify and clear mucus
4 Lemons – Provides a boost of vitamin C for immunity
1 pt Raw Honey – Antibacterial, helps soothe sore throats
Peppermint – Relieves chest congestion and aids digestion
½ peppermint schnapp
1 pt Blackberry Brandy
Instructions:
Layer chopped onions and lemons in a glass jar.
Pour raw honey over the layers.
Sprinkle dried peppermint and add the schnapps and brandy.
Let it sit for 3 days, then strain if desired.
Take a spoonful as needed for coughs or congestion.
Clove Infusion (For Chest Congestion and Oral Health)
Cloves are one of those amazing spices that you have in your kitchen cabinet that you probably don’t know the power of. It’s another one that’s anti-inflammatory, it kills bacteria, and antimicrobial properties.
This induces a sweat. So this is great for chest congestion and bronchial issues. It’s strong and you will feel the heat rise in your body. This is like nature’s antibiotic. It raises your body temperature to help fight the fever. Fever’s bad, but there’s a reason our body has a fever. It’s bacteria. What kills bacteria? Heat.”
Herbs:
Cloves – Antimicrobial, helps with oral health and fights infections
Cinnamon – Antibacterial, supports circulation
Cayenne – Induces sweating and helps break up mucus
Anise – Supports digestion and helps with congestion
Boiling Water
Instructions:
Use 3 parts of cloves, 1 part cinnamon, cayenne, and anise.
Crush the ingredients and store them in a jar.
To prepare the tea, add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to a tea bag or infuser.
Steep in boiling water for 10 minutes and enjoy with honey.
Serene Transition Tea (For Perimenopause and Menopause)
This is great for perimenopausal and menopausal women. It helps with hot flashes, anxiety, and more.
Herbs:
Red Clover – Supports cardiovascular health and alleviates hot flashes
Sage – Reduces hot flashes and supports memory
Black Cohosh – Eases symptoms of menopause like hot flashes
Lemon Balm – Reduces stress and anxiety
Peppermint – Calms the digestive system and reduces inflammation
Instructions:
Use equal parts of each herb.
Boil together with water, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Strain and enjoy as needed.
Thanks so much for being here!
(and even though herbs have been used for thousands of years, here’s the disclaimer that big brother wants: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.)
