Christmas Love Potion

As we hurtle towards the silly season we are inspired by our beautiful rose-coloured branding to spread some LOVE because, as exciting as it is, it can all be a bit overwhelming and exhausting. We know the Christmas period is supposed to be joyous but, whether you celebrate it or not, it can be a source of stress, anxiety and depression for some. So as an antidote we have concocted a Christmas LOVE Potion containing heart-warming herbs so you can drink and be merry over the break. For extra nurturing we have added some rose (no not rosé) quartz which is known as the stone of love and emotional healing, working on the heart chakra.

While many people are making merry others find that the Christmas spirit can be undermined by the expense of gifts and food, the pressure of shopping, family tensions and the expectations of the festive season. The emphasis on family, friends and shared good times can exacerbate emotional triggers and feelings of isolation and bereavement. In times of stress and uncertainty plants can be turned to for nourishment and healing. Herbs are wonderful allies for vitality and relaxation and they have an innate ability to restore deficient and depleted energy. Some supportive and uplifting herbs to include in a mocktail to help you feel cheerful and jolly include Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) and Withania (Withania somnifera).

Christmas LOVE Potion Recipe

Recipe adapted from The Junior Herbalist Club rose lemonade recipe and Love Elixir in The Herball’s Guide to Botanical Drinks

Makes 1.5 litres

Ingredients:

• 20g dried organic rose petals

• 1 punnet (approx. 120g) of fresh or frozen organic raspberries, crushed with a pestle or fork

• 150g organic raw sugar (or sweetener of choice)

• 500mL boiling water

• 1L filtered water* (or sparkling water if preferred)

• 20mL of rose water

• 5 organic lemons

• 5mL Herbal Extract Company Hawthorn (or Arjuna)

• 5mL Herbal Extract Company Lemon Balm

• 5mL Herbal Extract Company Motherwort

• 5mL Herbal Extract Company Withania

Instructions:

1. Put the rose petals, raspberries and sugar into a large heat proof container, pour over the boiling water and leave for 10 minutes to steep.
2. Strain into a glass water jug, add the filtered (or sparkling) water and rose water.
3. Squeeze the lemons directly into the jug.
4. Add the liquid herbal extracts into the jug, add ice and stir.

This can be served over pieces of raw rose quartz crystals placed into glasses. Rose petals and fresh raspberries can be added for garnish. Sip quietly and savour.

*You may wish to infuse the 1L of filtered water with the rose quartz beforehand if you have time.

Rose Quartz-infused water

Gently clean the crystals under running water then carefully add them to a glass jug, pour over 1L of fresh filtered water, cover and leave to infuse for 2-3 hours, ideally in the sun.

References

Isted M. The Herball’s Guide to Botanical Drinks. Quarto Publishing Group:London. 2017. p.168
Hornby M. Official Leader Handbook. Junior Herbalist Club. c2023. https://www.juniorherbalistclub.com/