for·ti·fy

1. strengthen defensively so as to protect against attack

2. strengthen or invigorate mentally or physically

3. synonyms include rejuvenate, strengthen, energize, restore, revive, refresh, invigorate, vitalize

Here is the blend that I put together for maximum hormone, anxiety, and skin support:

• Oat Straw – high in calcium, magnesium, silicon, and chromium; oat straw is also beneficial to the central nervous system and may be soothing for anxiety and calming for sleep.
• Red Clover – reported to be helpful for skin conditions like acne, bladder infections, respiratory ailments, liver disorders, anxiety, and tumours. Also helping in addressing menopause symptoms, improving heart health, and reducing risk of osteoporosis. Apparently even Dr. Oz has recommended red clover tea!
• Raspberry Leaf – has Vitamin C, minerals, and is reported to be a great hormone-balancing plant for women.
• Nettle – immunity-boosting, reported to help with menstrual cramps, anti-inflammatory, and supports the digestive and endocrine systems.
• Chamomile – antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, soothing for the digestive system, supportive of health skin, and great to drink to calm down before bed.
• Peppermint – soothing to the digestive system and supportive of good digestive health, anti-inflammatory, promotes healthy skin, and is stress relieving.

This is really a highlights reel and is by no means an exhaustive account of the health benefits of these herbs. It is also by no means an exhaustive account of the beneficial herbs out there. In addition, many of the herbs I mention above also have tremendous benefits when applied topically, as in toners, or added to a warm bath.

And you don’t have to mix them! Each of these plant parts could make a tea on their own – if you want to try a taste test, make a cup with just one of these herbs and see how you like it. I purchase my herbs in the ‘bulk’ section of my local natural foods store, but I know you can also order high quality herbs/plants online, from different retailers. You could also grow and dry your own, if you’re feeling particularly pioneer-like and ambitious.

As always, adding anything into your diet should be done with care. If you have any allergies, food intolerances, or current health conditions, be sure to check with your health practitioner before trying any of these herbs and flowers.

If all clear, feel free to enjoy the benefits of the delicious fortifying herbal tea(s) above. Have fun making your own custom blends and experimenting with flavours. Lemon verbena could be nice, or just chamomile. Burdock root and calendula are also very health-promoting. I enjoy this tea in the evening (i just buy equal parts of all plants and throw them into a container, then scoop my tea from there), as part of my wind-down routine, but it can be enjoyed at any time during the day.

To Make the Tea Infusion:

1. Steep 2 tsps (or so) of the blended herb mix (or single herb/plant, if you prefer) in a cup of just boiled water for about 10-15 mins.
2. Sweeten, if desired (though I find the tea tastes just perfect as is – it is already a bit sweet from some of the plants, like red clover).
3. Sip away!

© Emily Joldersma, R.H.N. Eat Well, Live Vibrantly