Lucky Herbal Branch 13:
JUST in time for Halloween!
"What is a really yummy Fall herbal creation that has lots of vitamin C?" (no, it doesn not involve pumpkins)
Ask anyone what they think the best source of vitamin C is.
You know what they'll say...orange juice.
But, is this really the best thing for us in northern latitudes to be drinking in the winter?
Vitamin C is only a small part of maintaining ones immune system, but for this Branch, we’re going to focus on it.
(I talk ALL about how to maintain your immune system in the Eight Simple Secrets to Treating a Cold Naturally. It’s free on this web site.)
There are many plants that grow in more northern climates that are incredibly high in vitamin C.
One of these plants HIGH in vitamin C is the rose plant. This time of year, we can gather the rose hips to dry for tea.
Herbal nourishment and tea making are covered in the free Roots and Branches course. It also covers how to learn about the plants of your area AND how to harvest.
We can also make delicious herbal creations with rose hips as well!
Keep reading for an incredibly SWEET recipe..... It was written by our new housemate, who just happens to be an herbalist! How convenient. :)
OH! Before I forget...Here is a good herbal immune system product that I really like.
FIRST...Updates:
Lots of updates at FamilyHerbalRemedies!
• Expanded Pregnancy section.
• Expanded Herbal Skills section.
• An eBook finder for those who need expanded advice on many ailments…and need it fast!
• Need herbs or supplies for your holiday gifts? Click here
• Wouldn’t the Herbal Medicine Making Kit make an inspiring holiday gift?
• Coming soon: Growing-an-herb-garden.com! Well, it isn't too hard to figure out what it is about. :)
HERE WE GO! The secret recipe...
Roses hold a certain mystical history. Their exotic beauty and alluring smell combined with prickly thorns have enthralled humans for thousands of years.
Roses have been found entombed with the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, and were highly prized by the Greeks and Romans. Josephine, Napoleon’s wife, adored them and is responsible for many of the hybrids we have today.
The North American continent is host to several native specie. In the Pacific Northwest we can find Rosa Pisocarpa, Rosa gymnocarpa, Rosa nutkana, and Rosa woodsii. Rosa rogosa is commonly found in North America and produces large rose hips.
Today most roses are grown primarily for their beauty, but historically roses have been an important food source.
The rose hips, or fruit of the rose, are higher in vitamin C than an orange and also have astringent qualities.
Take extra care when harvesting rose hips to avoid areas that have been sprayed with harmful pesticides.
Roses grown for commercial uses should be highly suspect. A wide variety of edible delights can be made from rose hips, including this yummy syrup. It is my favorite rose hip recipe.
Rose Hip Syrup, a great rose hip recipe
- Gather rose hips after they have developed and turned red. Some herbalists recommend waiting until after the first frost for improved flavor. (These fruits are commonly found on bushes well into winter.)
- Rinse rose hips well. Remove any stems or flower remnants.
- Bring two cups of water to a boil and add four cups of rose hips. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the water has been reduced by half.
- Allow to cool slightly and then strain through a jelly bag.
- Stir in one cup of honey, or to taste.
This rose hip recipe keeps well in the fridge. Rose hip syrup is especially good on pancakes or to sweeten teas.
Super top secret assignment for Roots and Branches students: Try this syrup on pancakes. For extremely dedicated students...cat tail pancakes. :)
ENJOY!
PS… If you want to read up on why you want to focus on eating whole foods and foods that grow native to your area, check out Traditional Foods are Your Best Medicine, by Ronald Schmid.
Simply copy and paste
Traditional Foods are Your Best Medicine
in the search box below, then click on the Amazon result in the top box...
