Page 44 - The Valley Table - Winter 2022

Plants with Purpose
PETAL TO THE METTLE
Chamomile
A daisy-like flower, chamomile is best known as a sleep aid that can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Its flavor profile is mellow and calming, making it perfect to sip on post-dinner.
Passionflower
This sweetly named tisane has some history: passionflower was used as a sedative by indigenous peoples of the Americas and was subsequently introduced into European folk medicine after the Age of Exploration. These days many rely on it to promote gut health and induce sleepiness.
Calendula
Also known as a pot marigold, this bright yellow flower is most popularly used as an herbal oil to combat bacteria, fungi, and inflammation. When steeped, calendula can ease stomach issues like peptic ulcers, certain bowel syndromes, and acid reflux. We recommend Tweefontein Herb Farm’s Calendula Surprise herbal tea blend (New Paltz; tweefonteinherbfarm.com).
Chrysanthemum
A staple in ancient Chinese medicine, this simple flower can do wonders for headaches. Loaded with potassium, chrysanthemum
is also used to lower blood pressure and stabilize compromised immune systems. Many believe it helps heal skin, too.
Hibiscus
This beloved tropical plant is gorgeous
when steeped—its fuchsia tone alone is
worth giving it a try! Recent studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the Journal of Nutrition have found evidence that hibiscus can reduce inflammation, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure in arthritic and hypertensive patients. It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
Lavender
Though not everyone is a fan of its scent,
this herb offers up a wealth of remedies
for insomnia, digestive problems, anxiety, depression, and skin issues. Next time you turn to lavender for aromatherapy—try drinking it instead! According to Zacharewicz, lavender is easy to grow at home.
Butterfly Pea
You’ve probably seen it all over your social feeds—and if not, we’re happy to introduce you to this pretty flower. When it hits water, it changes from a shimmering blue to a vibrant purple and is believed to be a stomach soother.
Echinacea
The minute you feel a cold coming on, steep some echinacea, an immune-boosting herb that fights inflammation and eases sniffles and other symptoms.
PLANT POWER
Peppermint and Spearmint
Mint-based tisanes can soothe holiday stress. Peppermint—a blend of spearmint and water mint—can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was used to quell digestion issues.
Genmaicha, Matcha, Sencha
Consider these the holy trinity of Japanese green teas. Rich in flavor and color, the trio are packed with antioxidants, polyphenols, and chlorophyll. Green teas are credited with lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer, aiding in weight loss, and balancing blood levels. Low in caffeine, genmaicha is traditionally mixed with brown rice kernels. You probably know about matcha, a staple in both coffeeshops and Japanese samurai culture. In Japan, sencha is often consumed after meals because of its high catechin content, an antioxidant that may burn fat and boost metabolic rates.
Stinging Nettle
Muddle some nettle and you may notice fewer allergy symptoms and less sinus build up. It has “stinging” in its name for a reason: fresh nettle can cause irritation, so make sure you dry, cook, or freeze it before incorporating it into your next drink.
Mullein
This towering biennial plant can grow over
six feet tall—but it can also loosen mucus, helping you overcome allergies, the common cold, and the flu. It’s also been known to ease coughs associated with strep throat, whooping cough, and bronchitis.
42 THE VALLEY TABLE
DEC 2021 – FEB 2022