By Katheryn Langlier
As we welcome summer months, diets are naturally transitioning from the heavier foods of winter to the lighter, more cleansing green foods of spring and summer.
Along with shifting the food you’re consuming on a daily basis, now is a great time to consider working herbs into your diet in the form of functional foods and drinks like our tonic line and drinking vinegars.
First things first – consider the quality of the products you’re consuming. At Herbal Revolution, our herbs are grown pesticide and chemical free on a certified organic and non-GMO farm. We wild gather from pristine places in the state of Maine, and supplement with other local organically-raised herbs when needed. Superior quality herbs can make all the difference in building wellness. Our products are crafted in small batches to ensure the integrity and quality of herbs that are being used I find that herbs are often more beneficial when taken orally as a food or in liquid format. There are many herbal pills available that I personally find to be not as supportive or easy for our bodies to assimilate. This is one of the reasons I create organic raw apple cider vinegar based tonics that are easy for our bodies to absorb and digest. I believe food is medicine and medicine is food, which is why I nourish myself with wild, delicious foods and herbs. By creating botanical medicine that is meant to be incorporated daily in the food and drink we consume, or taken straight, we are creating an interactive, delicious, and effective way for people to support health in their daily life that goes beyond simply taking a pill.
Apple cider vinegar was a main component of botanical preparations that were used for ailments, longevity, and as energy drinks dating all the way back to 5,000 BC. We honor its rich history and utilize apple cider vinegar as an ingredient in many of our products. We elevate this power-packed, functional beverage by combining organic herbs, vegetables and fruits with raw apple cider vinegar and sweetening it with organic honey to create unique, beneficial and delicious tonics. The vinegar supports cleansing with its prebiotics, nutrients and minerals and is an ideal solvent for extracting herbs that are also nutrient dense.
Working with the body as a whole, it’s important to remember that everything is connected, and that supporting one part of the body can lead to improved function in other areas as well. The digestive system is expansive and includes organs like our stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. When creating formulas to support the digestive system, I incorporate herbs for the nervous system as well, since it plays a large role in digestive health.
The two restorative and cleansing tonics highlighted here are designed to support all functions of the digestive system, along with nervous and immune functions, for maximum health throughout the body:
Digestive Tonic
Digestive tonic is a cleansing lemon and ginger flavored tonic made with traditional herbs that support healthy digestive function and flora, as well as promoting nervous system health. Among its ingredients are burdock and dandelion, both of which contain prebiotics that keep digestive flora healthy. The addition of chamomile also aids in digestion and calms the nervous system.
Turmeric Tonic
This tonic is a delicious way to incorporate turmeric into your daily life. Turmeric has a rich history of use as a traditional medicine and food. Along with aiding in digestive health, Ayurveda practice suggests consuming turmeric to help support the liver, and I’ve found that this superfood is better blended with delicious warming spices and herbs in a drinkable tonic format. We’ve added in cinnamon, black pepper, and curcumin, all of which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are loaded with antioxidants. Black pepper is essential in activating the turmeric and assisting with absorption.
There are so many wonderful ways to support our bodies with herbs throughout the year, especially when moving through seasonal cycles. Tonics in particular can be turned into delicious summer drinks by adding to still or sparkling water. Apple cider vinegar is hydrating and restores electrolytes, making it the perfect base for beverages during hot summer months.
These tonics and the complete line of Herbal Revolution products can be purchased online at herbalrev.com
