Matters of the Heart

If you know me, you may know that I am not one for the traditional valentine's day, though I love a good dark chocolate but why limit myself or others to one day known for gifting chocolates? On this valentine's day, if you and your lover find yourselves overindulging in rich foods and alcoholic beverages, I have a delicious herbal tea that can help with the after effects of such an evening. Brew yourself a big overnight infusion of Heart Punch before the events of the night unfold so that when you awake, brain fogged, dehydrated, and heavy you can strain, add ice and drink up leaving your blood a little bit cleaner, your brain clearer, and overall revitalized. (see instructions below for an overnight infusion)

Heart Punch's main flovor note is hibscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) which is what we will focus on for this post even though all of the herbal ingredients are going to benefit you in tremendous ways after a fun filled evening of indugance and beyond. Hibiscus is a fruity, tart tasting flower full of vitamin C, citric acid, mucilaginous polysaccharides, anti-inflammatory polyphenols, calcium, magnesium, iron, flavonoids, sodium, potassium and then some. Its energetics are that of cooling and astringent. Because of the cooling nature, Hibiscus helps with inflammation which is an immune response. This, along with the vitamin C, sodium and potassium make Hibiscus a great defense against a hangover. It is also linked to regulating heart rate and blood pressure both of which can be affected by drinking a little too much.

This plant is in the mallow family which gives it that mucilage component. It is native to North Africa and Southeast Asia making it a tropical/subtropical perennial and an annual in many more temporate climates. Please make sure, if you are harvesting your own hibiscus flowers, that you are harvesting from the right species of the plant. There are many ornamental varieties out there and possibly treated with pesticides. I purchase my herbs from reputable companies like Mountain Rose Herbs or Essential Organics.

As mentioned, Hibiscus is related to the heart and not just for it's medicinal qualities but in folk magic, hibiscus can tend to matters of love. Hibiscus is used to enhance passion, attract love and increase psychic abilities. It is a big compontent in love spells, incense, made into wedding wreaths to wear as a crown or decor blessing the union. Drinking Heart Punch on Valentine's Day or the day after is a wonderful way to stay healthy but to enhance your romantic or self love rituals.

Overnight Infustion

Tools

1 quart size jar

Large tea infuser or small metal mesh strainer

1/4 cup of Heart Punch

Honey or sweetener of choice (optional)

Start with bringing 4 cups of water to a boil. While waiting for your water to boil, add Heart Punch to your infuser or strainer. Once your water is heated pour over your herbs. You can also add your honey at this time. Adding your sweetener while the water is hot will allow it to melt in better. At this point your good to allow the infusion to rest overnight or if you want it same day, give it at least an hour to infuse. I like to cover the opening of the jar/infuser with a silicon lid or the flat metal insert to a mason jar lid just placed on top.

In the morning, simply strain out excess water from the herbs, add ice and enjoy!!