Category: Plant Wonder Collective

Fermented Foods, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Dill Kraut

Kristine

Research has shown that maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut is not only crucial for proper digestion, but also plays an important role in modulating immunity & inflammation, and preventing chronic disease. Eating probiotic-rich lacto-fermented veggies is a simple and flavorful way to promote a healthy gut flora.

Probiotics balance the gut microbiome, inhibit pathogenic bacteria that cause digestive issues, and help to lessen the negative health effects of environmental pollutants and other toxins that are present in food.

The addition of dill (Anethum graveolens) seeds further boots this kraut’s benefits for digestion, as they have carminative, stomachic, and digestive effects. Which means that they help to relieve gas & bloating and to help boost the digestive process.

Continue reading “Dill Kraut” →
Condiments, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Dill Mustard

Kristine

Handcrafted condiments are a serious level up from store-bought renditions that are far less tasty, and are full of highly-processed ingredients like preservatives, food dyes, artificial flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. When I first started making my own mustards many years ago, I was delighted by how simple and truly delicious it was to whip this flavorful condiment at home. I haven’t bought mustard since!

Dill (Anethum graveolens) adds an interesting depth of flavor, reminiscent of anise and celery. It also improves the health benefits of this mustard. Dill seed is rich in antioxidants. It promotes digestion and helps ease stomachache. It is said to help boost the milk supply of lactating mothers.

Continue reading “Dill Mustard” →
Drinks, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Bone Broth Hot Cocoa

Kristine

The Aztecs and Mayans revered cacao as sacred long before 18th century Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, named the cacao tree Theobroma cacao —which means “food of the gods” in Latin.

In modern times, cacao is well-known as a flavoring in sugary desserts and chocolate candies. However, this herb actually has numerous health benefits when not heavily adulterated by processed sugars and other additives.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is rich in minerals and anti-inflammatory flavonoids. It provides mood-boosting, anxiety reducing effects. It helps to boost energy levels, mental clarity, and focus. Cacao has also been shown to boost heart health and lower blood pressure.

Combine cacao with bone broth for a decadent and deeply nourishing drink that is a far cry from the hot cocoa you made from pre-packaged packets as a kid. This delightful warming beverage tastes like a guilty pleasure, but packs a health boosting wallop.

Continue reading “Bone Broth Hot Cocoa” →
Condiments, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Lacto-Fermented Cacao Hot Sauce

Kristine

This hot sauce is reminiscent of mole poblano, a savory Mexican sauce made with cacao, chiles, and other spices. Authentic versions of this tasty sauce include 20+ ingredients and can take hours to put together. This rendition is much simpler. Lacto-fermenting the peppers adds depth of flavor without a lot of effort and after the initial wait for the peppers to ferment, the whole thing comes together in just a few minutes.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. One study showed eating cacao boosts mood. It may also be beneficial to brain and heart health.

Lacto-fermented peppers are naturally rich in probiotics, which help to boost gut health and and help to lessen the negative health effects of environmental pollutants and other toxins that are present in food.

Continue reading “Lacto-Fermented Cacao Hot Sauce” →
Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Flor de Jamaica Popsicles

Kristine

Flor de jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also known as roselle, is often enjoyed in a tasty, tart tea. It has long been utilized in folk medicine as a laxative, and as treatment for heart disease & nervous system disorders.

Modern research shows that this hibiscus species does indeed have many positive health effects. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which may be helpful in preventing various diseases. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Continue reading “Flor de Jamaica Popsicles” →
Natural Beauty, Plant Wonder Collective

Hibiscus & Peppermint Herbal Hair Rinse

Kristine

There are more than 300 species of Hibiscus that grow throughout the world, ranging from tropical to temperate regions. These Malvaceae family plants almost all have showy flowers and are appreciated for their ornamental value, as well as a number of culinary and medicinal uses.

Flor de Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also commonly known as roselle, is a type of hibiscus that produces large, deep red calyces. They are rich in anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant color. In Mexico and parts of Central America, these calyces are commonly made into a tea that is enjoyed for its tart flavor and health benefits.

Continue reading “Hibiscus & Peppermint Herbal Hair Rinse” →
Cookies, Holidays, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Vanillegipfeli: Swiss Vanilla Crescent Cookies

Kristine

Vanillegipfeli, more commonly known as vanillekipferl, is a crescent shaped cookie made with ground almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts and dusted with vanilla sugar. It’s popular in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, & Slovakia and is traditionally made at Christmastime.

Making my mother’s Christmas cookies with my daughter has become a sweet holiday ritual. This year I wanted to try baking some traditional Swiss Christmas cookies too, as a nod to her father’s heritage. When I asked his mother for recipes, she directed me to a Swiss food blog, The Helvetic Kitchen, that features recipes for several classic Christmas cookies.

Continue reading “Vanillegipfeli: Swiss Vanilla Crescent Cookies” →
Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Homemade Vanilla Sugar & Extract

Kristine

‘Tis the season for holiday baking and there’s nothing like homemade vanilla sugar & extract to make your festive treats taste even better. They are quick, and super simple to whip up. The hardest part is waiting patiently for the vanilla to infuse.

Both can be used to enhance the flavor of baked goods, beverages, ice cream, and more. A bottle of vanilla extract or a jar of vanilla sugar would make a lovely gift, as well.

Continue reading “Homemade Vanilla Sugar & Extract” →
Herbal Remedies, Plant Wonder Collective

Oregano & Ginger Infused Honey

Kristine

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a well-known culinary herb that is commonly used to flavor Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a variety of other dishes. This aromatic plant also has many potent medicinal properties.

Studies have shown that oregano is effective against a variety of pathogens, including various strains of bacteria, yeast, and some fungi — many of which cause illnesses in humans and animals. One study evaluating the effectiveness of oregano against various strains of bacteria found that oregano had stronger antimicrobial activity than the antibiotic it was being compared with (Özkalp et al., 2010; Singletary, 2010).

Continue reading “Oregano & Ginger Infused Honey” →
Natural Beauty, Plant Wonder Collective

Oregano & Tea Tree Vinegar Hair Rinse

Kristine

It can be intimidating to make the switch from conventional shampoos to an all-natural hair care routine. Truthfully, it took me a long time to figure out what really worked for my hair. I tried out various DIY shampoo recipes, but nothing left my hair feeling as clean and soft as store-bought shampoo.

These days I have a super simple hair care regimen that I’m really happy with. First, I give my hair a light wash (not using much soap) with my friend, Ali’s, gorgeous goat milk soap or one of my own botanical infused soaps. Then I pour a bit of herbal hair vinegar over my scalp and rinse with cool water. This simple method leaves my hair feeling great.

Continue reading “Oregano & Tea Tree Vinegar Hair Rinse” →
Condiments, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Elderberry Barbecue Sauce

Kristine

Homemade condiments are a simple and flavorful way to improve any dish. Not only do they taste better than store-bought sauces, they’re also a much healthier option. Pre-packaged condiments typically contain questionable, highly-processed additives, which can have a number of detrimental effects on health.

Another perk of making your own condiments is that you can boost their flavor and health benefits by using ingredients that help to improve vitality.

This barbecue sauce is a lovely example of food as medicine. It’s made with delicious, flavonoid rich elderberries that have a number of beneficial properties. They are a good source of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects. They also help to boost immune function.

Continue reading “Elderberry Barbecue Sauce” →
Holistic Healing, Plant Wonder Collective

Immune Boosting Tincture Blend

Kristine

During seasonal shifts, times of stress, and while traveling we can become more susceptible to colds, flus, & other respiratory illnesses. Supporting the body with herbs that improve immune function during these times can reduce the severity of cold & flu symptoms, and may help entirely prevent getting sick.

This tincture blend combines three potent immune boosting herbs that have been long appreciated for their ability to bolster the body’s resiliency to help it fight off infections.

Continue reading “Immune Boosting Tincture Blend” →
Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Lemon Balm Jello

Kristine

For many folks, the word “jello” evokes memories of school cafeteria lunches or the fruit embedded jello salads that were once a staple at potlucks and holiday get togethers, but have now largely gone out of style. These iterations of jello are by no means a health food, as they are made with pre-packaged jello mixes that contain less than ideal ingredients —such as refined sugar, food colorings, and artificial flavors. However, homemade versions of this classic dessert food can be quite healing and nourishing.

Gelatin has a number of beneficial properties. It promotes healthy skin by helping to maintain its hydration and elasticity. It can help to strengthen the connective tissues in the joints, which may improve mobility and reduce joint pain.

Continue reading “Lemon Balm Jello” →
Plant Wonder Collective

Tulsi Mouthwash

Kristine

Proper dental hygiene plays an important role in our overall health and wellness. Poor oral health is linked to a variety of health issues. For example, studies have shown that people who have gum disease are three times as likely to have a stroke and twice as likely to die from a heart attack (Soong, 2011).

While many of the conventional mouthwashes available contain problematic ingredients — like fragrances and preservatives — that can have negative health effects, there are a number of herbs that can be used to promote healthy teeth and gums. This natural mouthwash combines tulsi, plantain, and chamomile, three herbs with well-documented health benefits for the mouth.

Continue reading “Tulsi Mouthwash” →
Herbal Remedies, Plant Wonder Collective

Adaptogenic Tulsi Elixir

Kristine

Adaptogens are herbs + mushrooms that boost our overall well-being, vitality, and resilience. Dr. Aviva Romm says, “adaptogens help your body to cope more effectively with the demands of everyday life. They provide a sustained sense of calm, and while they increase energy, […] they are non-stimulating. In addition to their effects on stress adaptation, adaptogens have profound antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect your cells from damage from a variety of chemical exposures.”

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), also commonly called holy basil, is a powerful adaptogen. It is a revitalizing herb that helps ease fatigue, boost energy, and improve resilience + longevity. It is calming and uplifts mood. Some find it helpful for reliving mild depression (Romm).

Continue reading “Adaptogenic Tulsi Elixir” →