A Cup Brimming with Health: Vitamin C Tea

This tonic provides bioflavonoids and vitamin C in an organic, natural way so all the nutrients are easily available for absorption. Drink this blend regularly and you will feel fantastic. The amounts of ingredients are given in parts, as you may want to make a big batch of tea for the whole family.

Gather together

    * 2 parts lemongrass

    * 3 parts hibiscus

    * 4 parts rose hips

    * 1 part chopped cinnamon sticks

    * a teapot

    * honey

Blend the herbs using your mortar and pestle. Place in a teapot with 4 cups (960ml) of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes in your teapot, then strain and serve sweetened with honey to taste. If you make ahead, you should keep the mixed herbs in an airtight container. Serve regularly as a preventative during cold and flu season.

Liquid Love: Spicy Cinnamon Liqueur

This popular beverage gives peppy energy and can also be a love potion. These few ingredients can lead to a lifetime of love and devotion:

1 cup vodka

2 whole cloves

1 teaspoon ground coriander seed

1 cinnamon stick

1 cup simple sugar syrup

Pour the vodka into a bowl and add in the herbs; cover and place in a cupboard for two weeks. Strain and filter until the result is clear liquid. Clean the canning jar and dry it thoroughly, then put the clear liquid back in. Add the simple syrup and place back on the shelf for a week. Store this in a dark-colored bottle that seals; you now have liquid love! You can drink it “neat” on its own or add this to hot chocolate, water, tea, or milk for a delightful drink to share with your loved one.

Healing Spices

Did you know your pantry is like a pharmacy? Thankfully, it is far cheaper. Cumin is loaded with phytochemicals, antioxidants, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium and contains high amounts of B-complex nutrients. Cumin also helps with insomnia. Cinnamon is truly a power spice. Just half a teaspoon daily can dramatically reduce blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes and lower cholesterol. Cayenne promotes circulation and boosts metabolism. Clove is an antifungal and abets toothaches. Nutrient-rich parsley is a detoxifying herb and acts as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic as well as helping conditions from colic to indigestion. Rub it on itchy skin for instant relief! Sage is very beneficial in treating gum and throat infections. Sage tea has helped ease depression and anxiety for generations. Thyme is a cure for a hangover and doubles as a remedy for colds and bronchitis. Cilantro is a good source of iron, magnesium, phytonutrients, and flavonoids and is also high in dietary fiber. Cilantro has been used for thousands of years as a digestive and helps to lower blood sugar when it is too high, possibly as a result of stimulating insulin secretion or enzyme production. Ginger stimulates circulation and is an excellent digestive as it aids in absorption of food and clears bloating due to indigestion. Immune champion turmeric boosts production of antioxidants and reduction of inflammation. Blue Zone centenarians credit their long, healthy lives to drinking turmeric root tea daily. Pack your pantry with these seasonings for optimal health and happiness.

I also had the great good fortune to have grown up in the countryside on a farm. Much of what I know I learned from my wise aunt: what herbs to gather in the wild and which foods to cook for love, money, luck, health, and in celebration of the high holidays. It is exciting to go to the garden, the grocery store, or the farmer’s market and bring home the ingredients for positive life change. In addition to the secrets of magical cooking, I learned from this wise woman that the first task to “undertake is to clean your kitchen and purify it. If anything needs repairing, fix it. Any utensils, pots, or pans that are banged up can also be donated (so long as you can afford to immediately purchase replacements). If your kitchen curtains look shabby to your eye, make or buy new ones. If there is a bag of rice or beans past its prime, compost away. You should both clean the cooking space in the practical sense as well as cleanse it in the magical sense. Prepare your kitchen to be used for the purpose of healing.

Ready, Set, Go Spell

On a Monday, or any day you need to ready yourself for important events, meetings, or anything high-pressure, set aside a half-hour of quiet time and brew up some willpower to help you in any creative endeavors. Light a white candle anointed with peppermint oil and light spicy incense (cinnamon works well, if you can get it).

Take a sprig of mint, warm milk, and cinnamon sticks and stir together clockwise in a white mug. Say aloud:

Herb of minthe and spicy mead, 
Today is the day I shall succeed 
In every word and every deed. 
So mote it be.

Quaff the cup and “sit for a spell,” eyes closed, envisioning your new horizons. Keep the cinnamon sticks on your altar as a symbol of the power of encouraging words.

Peace and Healing Potpourri (Waxing or Full Moon is Optimal)

Sometimes, we all need a quick fix and this is exactly what this herbal mélange can do for you. Draw some fresh water and simmer this mixture on your stove whenever you feel the need to infuse your space with protection or do an energetic turnaround from negative to positive. A bad day at work, family squabble, an unfortunate incident in your neighborhood: instead of just muddling along, you can do something about it and your creation of the positive will help you and your loved one as well as your neighbors. This powerful potpourri will also safeguard from outside influences that can be disruptive. Set your intention and gather these herbs from your stores:

• 7 cinnamon sticks
• ¼ cup rosemary
• 4 Bay laurel leaves
• 1/8 cup sage
• 1 teaspoons juniper berries

Mix the herbs together by hand. While you are sifting, close your eyes and visualize your home protected by a boundary of glowing white light. Imagine the light running throughout you to the herbs in your hand, charging them with the energy of safety, sanctity and protection. Add the herbs to slowly simmering water and breathe in the newly charged air.