Newton Community Farm
April 21, 2021
Nutrition and Healthy Recipes:
Homemade Herbal Tonics and Teas
The use of herbs for healing medicines, personal care, ceremonial purposes, and nutrition date back to the earliest cultures. Making herbal tonics and teas is much like cooking, but with different ingredients or combinations of ingredients than we usually use and sometimes for different outcomes. Herbal tonics and teas are becoming more popular as some people consume them on a routine basis while others only occasionally to address specific issues. 

Turmeric Fire Cider
 
Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy with a long history in folk medicine. This infused vinegar combines spicy herbs that may increase circulation and stimulate metabolism with pungent, sour vinegar and sweet, soothing honey. It can be taken regularly as a tonic or it may help prevent or support recovery from a cold or flu, clear upper and lower respiratory congestion, and enhance immunity. It is also a potent, warming digestive aid. Turmeric, a bright orange spice commonly found in curries, makes a flavorful addition and supports liver function and digestion.
 
Ingredients
Raw apple cider vinegar
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped garlic
¼ cup grated fresh ginger
½ cup grated horseradish root (pictured above)
¼ cup grated fresh turmeric root or 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground dried turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground dried cayenne
2 - 4 tablespoons raw honey
Directions
1. Combine onion, garlic, ginger, horseradish, turmeric, and cayenne in a glass jar. Add enough vinegar to completely cover all the ingredients.
2. Cover the jar. Vinegar erodes metal, so use a plastic, glass, or cork lid when making infused vinegars, or put a piece of waxed paper between the lid and the liquid.
3. Set the mixture aside to steep in a cool, dark place for four weeks.
4. Strain out the solids using a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or cotton muslin.
5. Sweeten with honey to taste, shaking or stirring well to dissolve. Store at room temperature; it will keep for up to a year.
Yields approximately 1½ cups.
Sage and Orange Peel Throat Soother Tea
 
Sage (pictured here) is an antibacterial and its pungent, bitter, aromatic compounds may help stimulate metabolism and activate the immune system. Herbalists use sage for common ailments, including colds and the flu, sore throats, stomach bugs, indigestion, tonsillitis, and mouth sores. The addition of honey to the following tea recipe makes it especially soothing in cases of a sore or inflamed throat, and it balances the bitter flavor.

Ingredients
3 cups of boiling water
¼ cup fresh sage or 2 tablespoons dried sage
1 tablespoon grated or chopped orange zest
Honey (optional)
 
Directions
Combine the sage and orange peel in a teapot or jar and pour the boiling water over them. Cover with a lid and let steep for 5 to 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey to taste, if desired. Drink ½ cup hot tea every 1 to 2 hours to soothe a sore throat or symptoms of a head cold.
Yields 3 cups.
Connect with Us
Check out our shows on gardening, cooking and story time on our YouTube channel. A new show will be available Wednesday, April 21 at 1 pm where Jay will make both of the recipes detailed above. You can also view our past shows on NewTV. An archive of our newsletters on gardening and cooking are available on our website.

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Best Practices for Home Gardening
Earth Day! Thursday, April 22, 11 am–noon, Online program

Avid gardener and Newton resident Barney Keezell will teach you what you need to know to jumpstart your home garden this growing season. Barney will discuss choosing the right plants, planting techniques, maintenance, pest control, and best practices for growing in our climate, whether you are gardening in containers, a raised bed, or your backyard.
Eat Your Yard: A Guide to Edible Landscaping
Wednesday, May 19, 6–7 pm, Online program

Unleash the potential of your yard by transforming it into a beautiful, vibrant area that offers a bountiful feast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener living in a city or the suburbs, edible landscaping expert Crystal Stevens will give you ideas on how to make use of your space with a colorful and abundant array of plants.
Check Out Our Online Seedling Sale
Newton Community Farm is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, EIN #20-2482452. If you would like to donate by mail, please send a check to Newton Community Farm at the address listed below. Don't forget to ask your employer if matching funds are available.
NEWTON COMMUNITY FARM
303 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
617-916-9655