tonic

Folks looking to be active may think of working on some muscle strength, but let’s not forget about those important bits that actually hold us up and let us move…our various connective tissues. Tendons, ligaments, cartilage as well as our bones are all, technically, connective tissue.  Tendons connect muscles to bone, which is why we can move.  Ligaments connect bone to bone, which is why we don’t just collapse into a pile on the floor.  Joints are a collection of connective tissues (cartilage and ligaments) that also let us move.

A cordial is a health-promoting, good tasting herbal drink that contains alcohol both as a preservative and solvent for extracting herb and spices. Cordials are generally taken in doses ranging from around 1/2 teaspoon to an ounce. The term derives from the Latin cor, meaning heart.  Cordials are said to have originated during the Renaissance, but I would guess that their origins are actually older, given that distillation is an ancient process.

I thought I was up to date on probiotic-packed fermented products, but it turns out I was missing one very old, and very important tonic: beet kvass. I was first introduced to this powerful beverage sometime last year, when a stall at the local farmer’s market I frequent suggested I try their homemade kvass. 

Kombucha has been made and used in various forms by many cultures for centuries. If you don't know already, kombucha is fermented black tea and sugar or honey.

If you don’t know what herbal tonics are, winter is a really great time to learn about them. They are easy to make and simple to store, but the benefits are incredible.

What Are Tonics?

Herbal tonics consist of an infusion of herbs mixed with water, consumable alcohol, vinegar, or oil. Tonics are used to restore and refresh our bodies, as well aspromote our general health and well-being. There are various ‘tonic herbs’ that will increase your overall vitality, improve longevity, invigorate the internal systems, and even strengthen the spirit.

Got a bad gut and need some help digesting your food? This tonic should help: It's specifically designed to work with fall bounty too, so make it before the season is over! I recommend using it whenever you feel you've eaten too much food, or have an upset stomach. That said, you can also drink it as often as you like to promote good gut health on a regular basis. Cranberries are known for aiding in digestion, lowering wrinkle-causing inflammation, and even preventing urinary tract infections.

Driving through Dateland, Arizona, we had to stop at the travel center and get a date shake. With soaring summer temperatures and a long day’s drive, it was a much needed break from the road. The creamy, sweet shake got me thinking about the origin of dates and why an area would be so inclined to pride itself on a single crop. After investigating, I began to understand what makes this fruit so sought after and how its nutritional benefits have been enjoyed for thousands of year.

Garlic and honey are both individually renowned for their medicinal properties, a few of which include antibacterial components as well as components that increase health. Garlic and honey are both very well-known for being great ancient medicines  Ancient cultures and traditions have used both garlic and honey as staples to holistic healing. Turns out, they can be even more powerful together. When combined, garlic and honey can pack some serious healing power into even just a little spoonful.