Get Your Year Off To A Good Start With This Herbal Tonic

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By Nicole - January 07, 2016

Get Your Year Off To A Good Start With This Herbal Tonic

Let's face it. During this time of year, some of us are probably not feeling like we're at our healthiest. Maybe we feel like we need something extra nutritious or something that can give us a little boost. We may not be terribly energetic, maybe we've put on a few pounds, or maybe we haven't been able to exercise regularly. For me, it seems like every year around this time, my body is begging me to give it some extra TLC. That may mean that I need to implement some dietary changes. Other times it means that I may need to do a detox. But oftentimes I've found that what I need is something that's gentle and just all-around supportive. That's when I turn to tonics.

Get Your Year Off To A Good Start With This Herbal Tonic

What Is A Tonic?

Tonics are herbs or remedies that are used for "toning" or strengthening the body and are generally mild and gentle. They can target one particular organ, one body system, or the entire body, and they are used primarily to aid in the overall health and well-being of the body. They are considered more supportive and nutritious than medicinal and are usually consumed as a tea or tincture, but they can be used many ways, even as a bath.

Let's talk about ingredients...

The superstar of this recipe is Rosemary. Rosemary has several different beneficial properties, including being anti-oxidant and anti-aging. This post has some great information on the benefits of Rosemary. And while Rosemary has a plethora of medicinal properties, I chose it for this recipe specifically because it's a tonic for the heart and brain. It aids the heart by stimulating circulation and getting the blood flowing, which in turn also benefits the brain. It's sometimes referred to as the "Herb of Remembrance" and is commonly used to aid in that very thing. It is a warming herb, which is perfect for the cold weather of winter and as an added bonus, you probably already have it in your kitchen! The second ingredient of this recipe is Red Rooibos. This little gem has quickly become my favorite tea. It's beneficial for a whole myriad of issues ranging from colic, to allergies, to aging. It's full of anti-oxidants and is caffeine free! It also happens to be a tonic and is warming as well. It's a mild and gentle herb that is safe enough to use on colicky babies, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. It tastes great on its own, but it also is delicious when combined with other herbs. It has a great depth of flavor that pairs really well with the Rosemary in this recipe. If you've never tried Red Rooibos Tea before, this would be a great recipe to try it in! I tested some other ingredients for this recipe, but found that it tasted perfect with just the two herbs. However, if you feel that you'd like to add a little something to it, I'd suggest trying some Orange Peel, Cinnamon, or Cloves. So without further ado, here is the recipe:

Warming Winter Tonic

Ingredients:

1 tsp. Rosemary
1/2 tsp. Red Rooibos Tea
Honey (optional)

Directions:

Combine herbs in a press & brew tea bag or mesh tea infuser.
Pour 8 oz. of boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 10 minutes, covered.
Strain herbs and add honey to taste if desired. (You can drink several cups of this a day.)

To me, this tonic is reminiscent of walking through the woods on a crisp winter day. It's "woodsy" and "wintery" in smell and taste. It's the perfect drink to get circulation stimulated and blood flowing to the brain. It's ideal for those cold winter days! This would also make a great homemade gift for someone on your gift list! Give them the gift of health!

In conclusion...

If your body is in need of a gentle pick-me-up and all-around boost, then a tonic is the way to go. It's a mild, but effective way to support your body, especially if you're feeling a bit stagnant. If you haven't already been implementing tonics in your holistic lifestyle, now is a great time to start! REFERENCES: