Drinks – mama libélula

Drinks, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Bone Broth Hot Cocoa

February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 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.

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Drinks, Pregnancy + Birth, Recipes

Nourishing Pregnancy Tea

October 28, 2022November 4, 2022 Kristine

Proper nutrition is essential during pregnancy for the health of both mom and baby. While there is no substitute for a balanced diet, nourishing herbs help to bolster vitamin & mineral intake. Getting adequate nutrients can alleviate a variety of pregnancy woes, as well as more serious complications. It also helps baby to develop optimally, which contributes to better overall health.

Additionally, going into the birth and postpartum time well nourished promotes a more easeful labor, a plentiful milk supply, and better overall resilience to the stresses of caring for a newborn —all of which makes for a much smoother experience for the mother, both physically and emotionally.

This pregnancy tea combines four nutrient rich herbs that have long been used by wise women to support the pregnant body.

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Botanical Anthology, Drinks, Recipes

Roasted Roots: An Herbal Coffee Tradition

September 24, 2022March 8, 2023 Guest

Today’s post is an excerpt from the autumn edition of Botanical Anthology written by Anna Reisz. This seasonal, plant centered digital magazine is packed with fall crafts, recipes, foraging tips, articles & more . Click here for more info and to see the full table of contents.

Herbal coffee is a tradition that can be found, with a little digging, in many family histories. It was once common practice to replace or mix ground coffee with the roasted roots of plants like dandelion, chicory, and burdock. Not only did these easily-foraged plants make coffee go further, but they also cut some of the bitterness in the flavor. These roots also provided a nutritious and grounding alternative ingredient or replacement for coffee without the unwanted side effects of caffeine. Additional spices can be added to the mix for flavor and further health benefits, as well.

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Drinks, Plant Wonder Collective, Recipes

Rosemary Orange Sparkling Water

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022 Kristine

Rosemary has long been appreciated for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. It is rich in antioxidants and has been used to boost cardiovascular and digestive health. Studies have shown that rosemary helps to improve memory and may be beneficial in improving mental performance in elderly individuals.

This tasty sparkling water is a lovely way to enjoy the flavor, and potentially some of the health benefits of rosemary.

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Drinks, Recipes

Spicy Dandelion Root & Reishi Hot Cocoa

November 12, 2021July 15, 2022 Kristine

Spicy Dandelion Root & Reishi Hot Cocoa is my favorite spin on a classic cold-weather beverage. While this recipe is definitely more involved than stirring a packet of Swiss Miss into hot water, it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up and is well worth the extra bit of effort.

Unlike pre-packaged hot chocolate mixes, this healing beverage is made with herbs & whole food ingredients. Which means that in addition to tasting delicious, this cocoa is rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.

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Drinks, Recipes

Cherry Limeade Electrolyte Drink

August 10, 2021June 19, 2022 Kristine

Electrolytes are essential minerals that are vital for many key functions of the human body. We depend on electrolytes — including potassium, sodium, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate — to keep water levels balanced, move nutrients & waste, send nerve signals, relax & contract muscles, and maintain brain & heart function.

Electrolytes are depleted by vomiting, diarrhea, not drinking enough fluids, not eating enough, and excessive sweating. In the hot summer months, especially, it’s important for those who are exercising or working outdoors to replenish fluids & minerals lost through sweat.

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Drinks, Recipes

Tulsi Turmeric Tea

November 1, 2018August 12, 2022 Kristine

Updated March 1, 2022

This tea blend was crafted for my dad. When I visited my parents recently, he let me try his favorite tulsi + turmeric tea. He mentioned that the local store wasn’t carrying it any longer, so I jumped at the chance to blend up something similar for him. The result is warming, gently uplifting, and dad approved.

This tea tastes great and can certainly be enjoyed for flavor alone, but it also has an array of health benefits.

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Drinks, Recipes

Summer Cocktail: Strawberry-Lavender Julep

June 30, 2018May 26, 2022 Kristine

Updated March 1, 2022

This pretty cocktail was inspired by beautiful Michigan strawberries and some gorgeous lavender that is currently blooming in my mom’s garden. It’s a tasty twist on the popular mint julep. The fruity, floral flavor makes it the perfect drink for enjoying with friends on a summer evening.

It is also a lovely way to preserve fresh strawberries while they are in season. If you like, you can make a big jar of this flavored whiskey to enjoy later. It’s certainly good for brightening spirits during colder months.

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Drinks, Recipes, Wild Woman

Momma’s Bliss Tea

February 17, 2018June 19, 2022 Kristine

Updated March 1, 2022

This tasty and uplifting tea blend will give your body & soul a boost. It’s formulated with new moms in mind, but is beneficial as a relaxing, digestive boosting tea for men and women of all ages.

In our modern culture, motherhood can be an isolated and stressful experience. Simple rituals, like a soothing cup of tea at the end of a long day can help to ground us, and ease the worries of the day. While you sip, take a moment to breathe & quietly reflect or write in a journal.

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DIY, Drinks, Recipes

Make Your Own Herbal Dream Pillows & Tea

November 27, 2016June 19, 2022 Kristine

Throughout history, dreams have had a special significance in many cultures. There are written records of dream interpretations dating back to over 5,000 years old. The ancient Egyptians highly valued dreams, especially vivid ones, as they believed they were communicated from the gods. The Greeks also felt that dreams were divine messages and used interpretations of their dreams to help them make decisions, predict the future, and solve problems.

Today, dreams are still a bit of a mystery to us. Some researchers claim that they help to store memories, while others feel that they are important for resolving conflicts and regulating mood.

Poor sleep and difficulty with recall can make it hard to benefit from our dreams. Herbal dream pillows and teas can help promote peaceful sleep, vivid dreams & recall.

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