Fragrant Family

Basil, oregano, lavender, rosemary and sage are all popular culinary members of the mint family that are perfect for winter dishes, drinks and even herbal medicine. Let’s look at two lesser-known mint family members that offer additional benefits in the winter months.

TULSI

Also known as holy basil, tulsi is among the esteemed adaptogen category of herbs. When taken regularly, these herbs help the body resist physical, emotional and environmental stress.

Tulsi is beloved for its floral rich scent and flavor, which can add a prominently delicious taste to any tea blend while offering a myriad of benefits to the body:

• As a nootropic, it supports healthy brain function. Specifically known for combatting menopausal brain fog, it can also help support memory function.
• It is known for helping to support what herbalist David Winston calls “stagnant depression,” which often endures after a traumatic event.
• It can be helpful in supporting someone experiencing extreme fatigue or adrenal fatigue.
• It can help with gas and bloating and can also help prevent and treat gastric ulcers, especially when combined with herbs such as calendula, plantain leaf or turmeric.
• Regular consumption of this delicious herb can help regulate blood sugar levels, especially for folks with diabetes, obesity or metabolic syndrome.
• Lastly, it offers antiviral activity. Add it to your winter tea routine for help during cold and flu season.

WHAT IS AN OXYMEL?

An oxymel is an herbal extraction made by means of an acid (oxy) and honey (mel). It was widely used in ancient Greece, Persia and the Middle East before distilled alcohol was available to extract herbal properties.

This easy homemade medicine can be made using just about any herb you desire, with honey and apple cider vinegar.

I like to use raw local honey (a medicine all in its right) as it provides antibacterial, antiviral and even antifungal power as it soothes the throat. Apple cider vinegar is known to help support liver function, digestive function and so much more. In this remedy, the vinegar also pulls the minerals and medicinal components of our herbs into the liquid. And together, the honey and vinegar offer a well-balanced sweet and tart flavor.

Your oxymel can be taken by the spoonful just like a cough syrup, but I like to use mine to create delicious everyday drinks full of medicine. I might stir 1–3 tablespoons into a large glass of water, adding ice and perhaps lemon or even a pinch of sea salt. Adding a bit of acid, sweet and salt to our water helps us hydrate more fully than just plain water.

Your oxymel is good as a base for a dressing or even to splash over roasted veggies for a pop of flavor. The important thing is that you use it! This medicine is meant to be enjoyed. Your oxymel will keep well in a dark cabinet for a few months or in your refrigerator for up to a year.

HOREHOUND

Largely forgotten in the United States since the days of penny candy, horehound deserves to be brought back into the family home. Its greenish white leaves are like soft bunny ears. This perennial herb will come back in your garden year after year and slowly spread.

Have you ever had that nagging cough that keeps you up all night? Horehound is your herbal friend for this. In fact, horehound was a common herb used in the early cough drops and is still used in some of the more popular commercial brands, such as Ricola. Our horehound tincture is one of our best-selling herbal medicines at Wild Moon.

Horehound benefits include:

• As an expectorant, it helps to move mucus from the lungs.
• It is helps soothe the chronic cough so your body can rest and heal.
• It offers potent bacterial fighting properties.