“Using plants is merely facilitating a biochemical reaction that is far beyond our understanding.” – Bevin Clare
In the wild, plants use alkaloids and natural chemicals to protect themselves from fungus, stop animals from eating their leaves, and attract pollinators to spread their seeds throughout the forest. Before a tree dies of a disease, it sends specific compounds through its roots to any of its young in the area, ensuring they have the proper defense to withstand the disease.
When we harvest and dry herbs, these compounds are still available inside the leaves, stem, roots, and flowers of plants. The same elements that protect herbs from a fungus can assist us in restoring health to our body. In the modern world, we are able to validate with precision the therapeutic benefits of herbal medicine and understand the complex structures that have beneficial effects on the body.
“Lemon balm causes the heart and mind to become merry”
There is no end to what we can learn from the interaction of these complex plants with our own physiology. The compounds held in a single herb have a bounty of biochemical actions affecting our health.
Berberine, a compound extracted from the plant Goldenseal, increases up-regulation of glucose and decreases overall cholesterol in the body. Lions Mane Mushroom boosts the synaptic connectivity in the brain to help with early onset dementia, while increasing the production of Beta cells to better manage high blood sugar levels. When properly prescribed, herbs have a transformative effect on the body, correcting and stabilizing the underlying factors that can lead to disease.
BREWING 101
Teas are a simple, easy and delicious way to incorporate herbs into your everyday life. Below are some examples of medicinals that I love.
STEEPING TIMES
Flowers: 2-3 minutes, bring water to near boil
Leaves/Stems: 3-5 minutes, bring water to boil
Roots: 5-20 minutes, can boil or steep roots
You can always steep your herbs longer, and enjoy the earthy taste of strongly brewed tea.
Ginger
Ginger is a great way to increase digestion, warm the body, and decrease nausea or morning sickness.
HOW TO BREW
Fresh ginger will be milder in nature than that of dried and is my preference of choice when making tea. To prepare, peel a piece of ginger (roughly the size of your thumb) with a spoon, removing all the skin. Next, thinly slice the ginger and place in a small pot of water, cover and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes. Strain, add honey and lemon to taste. The tea can be stored for five days and reboiled several times.
Tulsi
This tea is not only deliciously aromatic but yields exceptional benefits to the body. Its taste is similar to that of mint but more subtle in flavor. Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb, in that it targets and balances the central nervous system. It can be taken in the morning to get going or enjoyed at night to calm down and help with sleep. You can never have too much Tulsi.