Infusions, cordials and cocktail mixers made with garden fresh herbs, fruits and spices offer a health and nutrition conscious approach to mixing up cocktails.
The burgeoning garden-to-glass trend has taken the world of mixology by storm, resulting in drinks that are flavorful and visually appealing. At hotels and restaurants around the country, this new cocktail ethos is showcased in beverages like a Basil Julep and a cucumber-mint mocktail.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a beautiful herb that is easily recognizable by its pine-like scent. While it is a popular choice for cooking, it is also incredibly healing to the body and soul. Rosemary can be used in juice therapy to help reduce stress, stimulate digestion, improve memory, increase circulation, and boost the immune system. This herb has been valued for its therapeutic properties for millennia, according to the Juice Guru.
In fact, in ancient Greece and Rome, rosemary was a symbol of remembrance. It was used to remind people of the importance of staying true to their principles. Today, it is used to combat memory loss, anxiety, and depression. This is because rosemary contains phenolic compounds that act as natural antioxidants. The most important phenolics are carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and carnosol, which have all been shown to have powerful anti-oxidative properties.
A study found that the phenolics in rosemary are able to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is believed that this ability to prevent cell damage is what helps rosemary fight cancer and other diseases. In addition, rosemary may be able to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that contribute to infections.
Another way to reap the benefits of this medicinal herb is by drinking rosemary tea. This is an easy and effective herbal remedy that can be made at home. To make rosemary tea, add a teaspoon of dried or fresh rosemary to a cup of boiling water. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes and then strain. You can sweeten with honey or lemon, if desired. The brew can be consumed up to three times per day.
In recent studies, rosemary has been found to be an effective treatment for neuropathy. The phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid, has been shown to relieve pain by blocking the formation of acetylcholinesterase in the brain. It is thought that this process inhibits nerve impulse transmission that causes pain in the brain.
In addition to its neuroprotective effects, rosemary has been known as an antispasmodic and mild analgesic. It is known to alleviate intercostal neuralgia, headaches, and migraines. It is also a great antiseptic for wounds and can be used as a sedative to treat insomnia.
Thyme
Thyme is a timeless herb with a rich history of use. It elevates dishes with earthy tones, withstands heat and stands up to many cooking methods without losing its character. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it a pantry essential. It also is a medicinal powerhouse, offering respiratory, digestive, and antimicrobial benefits. As a garden hero, it attracts pollinators and deters pests, while lending its fragrant scent to the landscape.
Thymus vulgaris, better known as common thyme, is the most widely used culinary thyme variety. However, there are a few other varieties that can be used for medicinal purposes, including Thymus serpyllum (wild thyme) and Thymus praecox (mother of thyme or woolly thyme).
In addition to its savory flavors, thyme is an excellent plant to grow in the garden for its aromatherapy properties. The phenolic compounds in thyme, particularly thymol, have been shown to possess powerful antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungus, and viruses. During the Black Death epidemic in the Middle Ages, thyme’s natural antiseptic properties were celebrated, and people would pin sprigs of the herb to their clothes in hopes of protecting themselves from infection.
The respiratory health benefits of thyme are well-documented and have been used in folk medicine for coughs, congestion, and bronchitis for generations. Thyme tea is often recommended as a remedy for these symptoms, and research has shown that thyme has the ability to soothe coughs and reduce inflammation in the airways.
Thyme’s antioxidant properties are also well-documented and offer a broad spectrum of protective functions. A number of studies have found that thyme extracts and oils have superior antioxidant activities, even when compared to synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole and -tocopherol.
Juice Therapy: Add thyme to any juice that has light or sweet flavors. The mellow herb pairs nicely with fruit, such as pineapple and raspberries. It also complements herbal blends that include chamomile, lemon balm, or mint. For a refreshing drink, combine thyme with apple juice and fresh or frozen raspberries. Chamomile’s delicate flavor is great for soothing sore throats, while mint’s cooling, cleansing properties help to boost energy and balance blood sugar levels.
Basil
Basil is a bright green leafy herb that has a fresh, sweet taste and a delicate fragrance. It contains a number of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin K. It is also rich in antioxidants, particularly lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. Basil is most beneficial when used fresh, as the health-boosting compounds in it disappear during the drying process.
As with most leafy greens, basil is a powerful source of antioxidants that fight free radical damage to the body. It contains the anti-inflammatory compounds eugenol and linalool, which protect against oxidative stress and can help reduce inflammation in the body, as well as lower cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
In folk medicine, basil is often used to treat a wide range of conditions. Traditionally, it has been used to relieve indigestion, reduce bloating and water retention, and to boost the immune system. It is also believed to help with balancing blood sugar levels, and can help to alleviate the symptoms of colds. Basil also contains some natural antibiotics, and can be useful in treating ear infections.
Another benefit of basil is that it can help with reducing anxiety. The essential oils in basil contain phytochemicals that are known to reduce feelings of tension and anxiety, and can help to relax the muscles and mind. This is why it is sometimes used in herbal remedies to treat depression and stress.
If you want to get the most out of your basil plant, grow it in a sunny spot away from frost risk. It grows well in both containers and in the garden, and will last a long time when kept properly. It also makes a great companion plant for tomatoes and peppers, and will attract pollinators to your garden. Basil is easy to grow, and will thrive in most climates. In order to keep it healthy, prune it regularly to encourage bushy growth and stop it from going to seed. It is best to harvest it just before the flowers begin to open, as this is when the herb will be most flavorful. The leaves can be dried to use as a spice, but it is much better to make pesto or other dishes with fresh herbs to reap the benefits of the nutrients they contain.
Oregano
As its name suggests, oregano is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. It is a robust herb that can be used in whole leaves or ground up to add flavor to dishes such as pastas, pizza, eggs, poultry and stews. Oregano also makes an excellent addition to salads and vinaigrettes. Its savory taste is a welcome departure from the more common mint and basil, and it pairs well with tomatoes, peppers, chicken and avocadoes.
Like most herbs, oregano is high in plant-based nutrients. It is a good source of antioxidants, and it can help to protect against heart disease. It is also a good source of Vitamin A, which helps to support eye health. It is also rich in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. In addition, it contains carvacrol and thymol, which have antibacterial properties and can help to prevent food spoilage.
Oregano oil has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and improve symptoms of digestive issues. It can also reduce “bad” cholesterol levels, and it is thought to work through the same mechanism that some other antioxidants. Oregano oil has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
It has also been shown to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can help to relieve symptoms of a cold, such as coughing and sore throat. It can also help to relieve achy muscles, joints and bones. Its warming effects make it a great pain reliever.
Another benefit of oregano is its ability to stimulate digestion. It can help to relieve indigestion and spasm, and it can also help to eliminate excess gas. It is also a good source of fiber, which can help to improve the health of the digestive tract and reduce constipation.
Oregano is easy to grow and will reseed itself easily, so you can harvest it for use year-round. It can be grown in gardens and containers, but it is best planted in full sun. The plant is very hardy, and it can survive in a wide range of climates, including both hot and dry conditions. It is also drought tolerant and does not need frequent watering.
