I've been working with a midwife + herbalist during my pregnancy, and she's suggested I brew up a specific herbal infusion every night and drink as a tea. Herbal infusions, for those not familiar, are made by placing herbs and tea leaves to sit overnight in an airtight container with hot water. As the hours pass, the leaves mineralize, releasing ample amounts of antioxidants, polyphenols and bioflavanoids, creating an incredibly potent elixir with herbs at their most bioavailable. With the temperature rising, I'm forced to get creative about how to stay cool— and have since turned my infusions into popsicles. It's genius for summer, healing, and ultimately oh-so tasty.
This specific combination is healing for both mamas-to-be and is great at combatting PMS symptoms.
Nettles is healing to the adrenals and contains ample amounts of chlorophyll, magnesium, tannin, vitamin D, sulfur and glucoquinine, as well as helpful in producing breast milk. Alfalfa comes from Arabic meaning "Father of all Foods," because it is one of the most mineral-rich foods on the planet. It alkalizes the body, strengthens the colon + the kidneys, and improves skin's elasticity. Red Raspberry is one of the most well-known pregnancy herbs, high in selenium, Vitamin C, and healing to the uterus + pituitary gland. Oat straw contains Avenin, which is extremely nutritious for cells, as well as helpful for strengthening the cardiovascular system, nervous system + the uterus.
Make these for optimum hormone health, in this sweltering heat! Xx
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Nettle leaves*
- 1/2 cup red raspberry leaves*
- 1/4 cup oatstraw*
- 1/4 Alfalfa leaf*
- (*Source all organic. I get mine from Mountain Rose Herbs in bulk.)
- Frozen organic fruit (I love raspberries in this!)
Process
- Warm a heat-proof ½ gallon or quart glass jar (a canning jar) under hot tap water. Note: It is very important to use a heat-proof canning jar. Otherwise it may shatter if it cracks.
- Put one or two handful of herbal mixture in empty, warm jar. If using ½ gallon jar, use 2-3 handfuls.
- Pour boiling water into jar, making sure to stir down herbs.
- Cover jar and leave overnight to extract nutrients.
- In the morning, pour contents through a fine mesh strainer (the metal screened-type with a handle works best), catching the liquid in a clean bowl.
- Rinse jar out and pour your infusion back into the jar.
- Option to add sweetener. I like maple syrup, but often don't sweeten at all if I'm just drinking as a tea. For popsicles, it's nice to add a little maple syrup. Usually 2-3 tablespoons. Shake after adding.
- Pour into popsicle mold, leaving at least 2 cm at top for raspberries.
- Add 2-4 frozen organic raspberries per mold
- Freeze overnight and enjoy!
