When weather starts to cool outside, the plants that were fully blooming in the summer are beginning to receive the most of their nutrients in their roots.
It is the perfect time to start thinking about adding a daily tonic to your wellness self care routine and incorporating the roots of herbs is the best way to do that to get the most out of them.
I like to think of Autumn as a slow descend from the high of summer.
We start to get cozier and start to think more about how to stay warm inside and outside.
Our bodies start to slow down also.
Our digestion starts to slow down making it an ideal time for soups that are easier to digests.
When working with an everyday tonic involving herbal roots, I like to take into consideration all the different organs and how each herb can support that organ as everything starts slowing down.
In this article I wanted to mention some roots you can think about incorporating into your very own everyday wellness tonic which you can drink everyday to support your health or provide support for someone in your community.
What is a tonic?
I keep mentioning this word “tonic” but you might not be familiar with it.
“A tonic herb is meant to be used regularly over a long period of time, in order to support the body to stay in balance. While tonic herbs support our overall well-being, some herbs have a particular affinity for specific body systems such as the immune, detox, cardiovascular and nervous systems.” (1)
Overall I would introduce a tonic to someone when they need overall wellness support before things in their body get out of hand. In case of Autumn wellness, it is best to get a jump start on your immune system with a tonic that you can drink everyday.
It is also important to look deeper into each herb you are using in your mix or with your clients.
Just because they are herbs does not mean they are not able to cause any unwanted side effects. Special circumstances like pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune issues or medications need to be looked to see if any of the herbs can cause more upset than wellness.
Getting Started
When making a tonic think first and foremost what is in your area that grows regularly that you can use.
Dandelion?
Ginger?
Fennel?
The herbs that grow locally are the best ones because of their quality, granted they are not on land which uses pesticides.
If finding locally grown roots is not possible for you, make sure you know the supplier is good from whom you buy your roots from.
I find that about 4oz (118ml) of herbs that you decide to purchase from a supplier will last about a season for only one person.
I usually think of making bulk and having it last for the season. Bulk is about 1/2 a quart and that means you will need a mason jar that size for the recipe below.
Herbal Root Mix & Match
If you are just beginning to blend teas then you can try to just follow the recipe below and then adjust as you need to according to your taste preferences.
A good piece of advice I got when learning blending was to choose which taste you want to highlight and then start working your herbs around that.
For example, if I am using dandelion in the mix and need it less bitter then I would focus on using more cinnamon in the blend to bring sweetness to the flavor. But if I want to highlight the earthy tone in the dandelion I would add in a little more cloves. This all depends on your taste…see?
With this in mind and looking at the roots in the recipe below, do not be afraid of playing around with the ratios as well as the herbs.
When looking at a root, I usually look at the body system the herb mainly supports when blending it in a tonic to use every day. Looking at dandelion for example as an herb that supports the liver, but it is also a diuretic and can be drying, so in this case I would think about maybe adding a moistening herb like marshmallow root if I have a client that has a body constitution that is already dry.
Actions
With all the info above in mind let’s look at the roots we will be using and think of what we are trying to create.
- Reishi – antiviral, adaptogen, boosts the immune system and promotes a healthy blood sugar balance. (2)
- Dandelion – digestive tonic and liver supporter. It is a bitter herb which the taste can be balanced with increasing other herbs. (3)
- Burdock – a slightly sweet, bitter and cooling root that is a great for the liver and kidneys. It is loaded with antioxidants. (4)
- Astragalus – immune system stimulant with a sweet flavor that can be warming and moistening. It is also an anti inflammatory, antiviral and diuretic. (5)
- Fennel – great digestive aid but also very mild, it is also very easy to find at stores.
- Ginger – well known warming herb with a lot of antiviral and anti inflammatory properties. Easy to find in a store that is organic and the whole root.
- Cinnamon- warming spice that adds a lot of flavor to a mix. It is known to help with blood sugar balance in the body as well.
Something that you will be drinking everyday needs a good balance. Your environment as far as climate is concerned also makes a difference in which roots you will be bringing into your mix.
If you live in a dry climate then adding more moistening roots like marshmallows root and increasing astragalus would be something that you can take into your herb experiment.
And again, if you tend to have a more dry body constitution, meaning dry skin or eczema prone skin then focus on more moistening roots and less drying ones.
Root Tonic Recipe
A typical way to make an infusion with roots is by making a decoction. A decoction is simply bringing your mix to a simmer and letting it simmer for 20-40 min.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp (45ml) Reishi mushroom
- 3 tbsp (45ml) Dandelion root
- 3 tbsp (45ml) Burdock root
- 3 tbsp (45ml) Fennel seed
- 1.5 tbsp (22ml) Ginger root
- 1 tbsp (15ml) cinnamon sticks crushed
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Astragalus root
- 1/2 tbsp (7ml) Cloves
Directions:
Mix the herbs together well and store in a glass mason jar with a label of the date on it in a cool dark place.
When ready to use in a decoction…
Add 2 tbsp (30ml) of mixed herbs and 4 cups (945 ml) water to boil and then bring down to a simmer.
Let simmer for at least 30 min to get the medicinal benefits out of the roots.
Let cool or enjoy warm.
If the taste is too bitter add in some honey or mix it with water to dilute it more and drink throughout the day.
Also…
You can do an overnight infusion with the roots if that is easier for you by simply using the same ratios, bringing the water to boil, adding in the roots and then turning off the heat completely and covering the pot with a lid overnight.
The next day it will be ready to go after you strain in.
The only thing is a decoction reduces the water amount usually by half but the overnight method does not so you will have the same amount of water as you started off with.
Final thoughts
Autumn is a great time to dive into the roots that are bursting with nutrients right now. Start slow with a root you may know well and experiment with the taste by either increasing the root you want more flavor of or decreasing an herb.
Have fun with the formulation process when making your own.
Sometimes you start off on a recipe but then you learn your own preferences for flavors (or flavors of your clients) and adjust as you go.
Using roots will help to get to know them better and having them be a part of your own or your clients wellness plans.
Hope this helps you on your journey!
Krystina
