Making Herbal Candies

Some people, especially children, don’t like the taste of herbal teas or tinctures, so a great way to get the benefits of herbs is by making herbal candy. The recipe for herbal candies is rather loose – add more sweetener, choose other toppings, and/or use herbs of your choice. Also, powdered herbs work best, but if your herbs aren’t powdered, you’ll have to grind them in an herb or spice grinder until they’re very fine.

Recipe for Making Herbal Candies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup nut or seed butter, such as tahini, peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, etc.

• 4 teaspoons of sweetener such as honey, rice syrup, or maple syrup.

• 2 teaspoons chopped dried fruit, such as dates, apricots, or raisins.

• 2 tablespoons powdered herbs of your choice.

• Toppings to roll herbal balls in, such as coconut flakes, crushed nuts, seeds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cacao nibs, or mini chocolate chips.

Directions:

• In a bowl, combine nut or seed butter with sweetener. Blend in chopped dried fruit and powdered herbs until everything is mixed well.

• Take a teaspoonful of candy mixture and roll into a ball. Continue until you have about 10-12 herbal balls.

• Spread topping on a flat dish and roll each ball into the topping.

• Store candy in an air-tight container with lid, and refrigerate for longer shelf-life.

There are so many herbs to choose from, but which ones you choose will depend upon the therapeutic benefits that you desire. The following are some ideas.

For Energy and Stamina

Herbs that help improve stamina and immunity are called adaptogens. They promote well-being and longevity, help us adapt to stress, and to recover from the effects of stress. Use one or more of the following adaptogenic herbs:

• Ashwagandha is a longevity and vitality tonic used in Ayurvedic medicine.

• Astragalus is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and supports healthy immune function. It defends the body against the effects of stress.

• Shatavari is called the “Queen of Herbs” in Ayurveda. It’s a powerful rejuvenating tonic for women. It’s a grounding, nutritive tonic that also calms the heart.

• Eleuthero root (Siberian Ginseng) is from China and is used to balance vital energy and to support general health.

For a Cold/Flu

• Mullein leaf is a lung tonic, soothes a sore throat, and is anti-inflammatory.

• Coltsfoot is a lung tonic, it soothes a sore throat, and helps eliminate mucus from the lungs.

• Echinacea helps boost the body’s defense against the flu, common colds, and other illnesses.

To Destress and Get Grounded

Choose any of these herbs to help calm the nervous system.

• Lavender is a relaxing nervine and antidepressant.

• Skullcap is grounding, a nerve restorative, and antidepressant.

• Chamomile is grounding, a nerve relaxant, analgesic, and a sedative.

• Rose petals are grounding, a nerve relaxant, and antidepressant.

• Ashwagandha is nourishing and calming; see above.

To Aid Digestion

• Peppermint helps relieve gas, eases nausea, and stimulate digestive juices.

• Fennel seeds help relieve gas, encourage healthy digestion, and settle nausea.

• Cinnamon is a warming digestive aid and helps relieve gas.

• Cardamom is a digestive aid, relieves gas, and encourages healthy digestion.

For Women

• Raspberry leaf is a rich source of minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, niacin, manganese, and vitamin C. It’s astringent and a tonic; and has traditionally been used for women’s menstrual issues and menopausal symptoms.

• Rose petals are an aphrodisiac and uterine tonic.

• Shatavari is an aphrodisiac and uterine tonic; see above.

These are just some ideas – so be creative!