The basic premise of these little delights has been around for decades. Referred to by a few monikers, you no doubt have seen them or heard them described. However, this should only serve to cement in your mind the legitimacy of this tried and true method of herb delivery - even for reticent patients.
Medicine balls have three rules (and as always rules are made to be broken). ONE.
Use a nut or seed butter base. Peanut butter is an American go-to, because of some historic farming practices and not necessarily its health benefits. Not a bad choice, as peanut butter is an inexpensive and a good source of protein, but you do have other options. Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, Tahini (Sesame Seeds), Hazelnut Butter, Walnut Butter, Brazil Nut Butter, Coconut Butter(not Coconut oil)- are all good options for their own reasons. Two or three choices in one mix generally adds a deeper flavor and texture profile - or, keep it simple and just pick your favorite. However you decide to go, the basic rule here is a savory source of sticky plant protein- in any combination.
THREE.
Pick Herbs and Medicinals. Generally, the best taste and results come from dried, powdered forms of the herb. For instance, if you wanted to add spinach leaf, fresh picks from the garden would not taste or store well. However, simply dehydrate them (oven, dehydrator, or solar screen), grind dried leaf to powder, and your garden spinach is ready to add.
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TWO.
Add a sweetener. Local, raw honey is an excellent choice. Manuka Honey, though a bit more expensive and not local, is a great choice to increase medicinal potency. As always, you want to be particular in the grade, UMF15+ or higher is worth your effort. Other good sweetener choices include: maple syrup, molasses, or stevia leaf powder. Alter amounts of the latter two sweeteners to taste. Dark Chocolate, as chips or melted, can also make a tasty addition.
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Popular Herb Choices
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Fun Additions
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Astragalus (3 parts) is an immune tonic, gently modulating the immune system making it an ideal daily herb, particularly for the young and very old. In chinese medicine, it is used to strengthen a depleted immune system. Astragalus membranaceus is antibacterial and strengthens the immune system in viral afflictions. As an adaptogen, astragalus acts on every system of the body in what is best described as bolstering and strengthening.
Eleuthero (3 parts) as an adaptogenic herb, increases the immune, nervous, and glandular systems’ ability to adapt to stress and change. Eleutherococcus senticosus, colloquially called Siberian ginseng, has amassed extensive research in its native country. Often given as a tonic herb to improve energy and sleep quality, it has proved itself an excellent supportive herb in illness and acute system stress by increasing T-Lymphocytes.
Cinnamon (1 part) is a warming herb through actions of circulatory stimulation in peripheral vessels, combating the cooling weather's effect on fingers, noses, and toes. Cinnamomum aromaticum is also antibacterial and antiviral.
Licorice Root (1 part) has a long history in eastern medicine, often added in small amounts to every blend to move the herbs throughout the body. This sweet herb is an excellent antiviral, immune modulator, and adaptogen. Glycyrrhiza glabra strengthens the endocrine function of the adrenals - modulating the body’s response to stress and cortisol.
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Dandelion Root (3 parts): This is a fall herb to “eat with the seasons”, as dandelion root is harvested in the fall when all the nutrients and sugars flow down from the leaves in preparation for the winter ahead. Taraxacum officinale is an excellent digestive tonic, aiding secretion of digestive fluids and subsequent nutrient absorption. It protects and encourages the functions of blood filtering organs, the liver and kidneys, in expelling waste products that accompany acute infections.
Echinacea (3 parts) a preventive wintertime staple, a variety of species act to decrease and shorten the duration of bacterial and viral infections. Echinacea spp. decreases inflammation and the associated breakdown of tissue.
Cardamon (1 part) CAR-damon is easily remembered as a CAR-minative - a classification of herbs that aid digestive power - in chinese medicine relieving “damp spleen”. Carminatives have a plethora of beneficial volatile oils, thought to increase blood flow to the bowel - increasing absorption, aiding in fat digestion and relieving gas and bloating. Celettaria cardamomum also inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Ginger (1 part) - a circulatory stimulate, thus having a systemic warming energy. Zingiber officinale is prized for its modulation of inflammation pathways, though it is also a carminative and antimicrobial.
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Ratios of ingredients are roughly 2:1:1
Use twice as much nut butter as sweetener, and equal amounts of sweetener and total powdered herbs. Hand mix ingredients in a large bowel. Roll into gumball size spheres, place on parchment paper, and chill. Store several weeks in the fridge or freeze. |
For instance, if you were making Autumn Blend, this could be an application of those ratios.
2 cups of Nut/Seed Butter 1 cup of Honey 3 tablespoons each of 1 tablespoon each of Dandelion Root Cinnamon Astragalus Licorice Root Echinacea Cardamon Eleuthero Ginger For a total of 16 Tablespoons of herbs or 1 cup. |
But, there is no hard and fast rule here, make it to your taste and of a consistency that holds shape and you have succeeded. Lastly, if you plan to store them, you may want to roll the finished balls in some organic cocoa powder, coconut flakes or a nut/protein powder to help them maintain their shape and prevent cohesion. |