In the continuing quest to incorporate the benefits of herbs into our lives in an ongoing way, it is easier to modify an existing habit than to create a new one. For example, it’s easier to replace a currently neutral or unhealthy beverage choice with a healthier alternative than to create a new habit of taking supplements on a regular basis. Acknowledging this truth has motivated companies to create beverages that include herbs and other beneficial ingredients. The result has been a boon to consumers, in terms of herbal alternatives and availability.
Companies such as Elix are working "to blend time-honored herbal wisdom and modern nutritional science with the finest natural ingredients from around the world, and to create innovative products that deliver clear functional benefits and make good nutrition a pleasurable experience." The philosophy at Elix is that "anything healthy must also deliver pleasure in order to have lasting value." Thus the company delivers a beverage named after itself, a powerful mix of herbal botanicals, minerals, and 100 percent or more of the daily value of nine essential vitamins. Bottled in 3.3-ounce dark brown glass, to protect ingredients from sunlight, the beverage contains no artificial flavoring or coloring, no preservtives, caffeine, sodium, sodium benzoate, propylene glycol, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, or animal products. Their slight sweetness comes from evaporated cane juice. The perfect size for popping in a lunch bag, a bottle of Elix has only 40 to 60 calories. Great care has been taken to develop rich, satisfying flavors for each herbal blend.
Elix, the beverage, is not intended to be a quick fix or a medicine. It is designed to be most effective when consumed as recommended for each product on a regular and consistent basis. Specific formulations include Energy, Strength, Mind Power, Antioxidant, Relaxation, Uplift, Stress Soother, Women’s Balance, Cold/Flu and Sleep. ERecommended use is one to two bottles per day, with the exception of Elix Sleep with Melatonin, where only one bottle should be taken before bedtime. Elix, the company, also advises that their product with Echinacea should be taken daily for a maximum of eight weeks, followed by a two week break. (With many herbs, cycling is thought to be more effective than continual use.)
Thorncroft also produces authentic English herbal beverages — based on Victorian recipes. The company’s non-alcoholic sparkling drinks contain fresh herbs and flowers. They contain no preservatives. A cold-extraction process protects the flavor, fragrance, and potential benefits of the herbal ingredients. Cane sugar is used as a sweetener. Elderflower is considered comperable to a dry, fragrant Muscat wine; Nettle Ale, reminiscent of a dry white wine such as a Sauvignon. Thorncroft’s third flavor, Pink Ginger, would likely be enjoyed in lieu of a wine spritzer or club soda. Any one of the three are well-suited for fine dining.
The Natural Group also produces sophisticated non-alcoholic herbal refreshments. Their Original Norfolk Punch is made from an ancient monastic recipe which includes extracts of more than thirty fruits, herbs and spices. A festive alternative to mulled wine, it is traditionally served piping hot, making it an ideal choice for a winter’s eve.
Amé is a natural alternative to wine, sweetened only with natural fruit juices and containing a blend of eastern herbs known for their calming and restorative qualities. There are four types of Amé — White, Red, Rose and Dry. Apres and Aqua Libra, both lightly sparkling, are also suitable substitutes for wine. Apres is available in Relaxing or Reviving formulas. Aqua Libra has been the subject of research recently at Aberdeen University in Scotland. Proved to have an alkalizing effect on the body, Aqua Libra may balance the effect of fatty foods and promote the retention of calcium in the body.
SoBe beverages include a healthy dose of levity along with herbs, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrient-enhancers in their lizard-labeled bottles. Most of the SoBe line is positioned to appeal to a broad market base, so potential consumers may be uninformed about herbal properties. While the company adds nutrients in a way that actually does add value to the product, the amounts added are necessarily smal l— about 20 percent of a supplemental dose. High fructose corn syrup is used to sweeten many of the flavors. Still, SoBe beverages are all natural and even if the nutrients are not in therapeutic doses, they may be better than the amount found in the soft drinks they replace.
SoBe Essentials, the company’s newest development, is more solidly placed in the healthy beverage category. Light and delicious blends of green tea and natural fruit flavors, Essentials are enhanced with supplement levels of herbs and sweetened with cane sugar. Qi Essentials is an energizing herb tonic; Shen Essentials is billed as uplifting, and Jing Essentials is considered enlightening.
The Republic of Tea is also making it easier for people to get their daily greens — tea that is. They have introduced a line of seven teas called Daily Green Teas in flavors that suggest enticement rather than duty to health: Kiwi Pear, Pineapple Ginger, Wild Berry Plum, Apple Blossom, Honey Ginseng and The People’s Green Tea. The series is packaged in natural unbleached tea bags, and Daily Green Tea Traveler’s Tins make the green teas completely portable in compact tins that fit just six tea bags.
Three of the teas in The Republic of Tea’s Certified Organic loose-tea line feature green tea: Forest Green Assam, Garden Green Ceylon and Rising Leaves Green Tea Darjeeling. For a comforting morning or evening beverage, try their green tea Chai, called Chai of Many Virtues. A 10-ounce bottle of all-natural brewed concentrate makes 2-1/2 quarts of Chai by adding one ounce to seven ounces of milk or a milk alternative. Echinacea, ginkgo, ginseng and goldenseal are included in the blend. Jade Green Mint Tea, one of the Republic’s new Bottled Iced Teas, is another convenient option.
Herbal infusions are not a new idea, but Kiva Tés are. Served at Nourishments cafe at the recently opened Kiva spa on East Pearson, they are sumptuous, high-quality healing beverages you can get on the run. Blends are available to address concerns ranging from allergies to P.M.S. Coarsely-cut herbs resemble potpourri more than tea, ensuring optimum retention of volatile oils. Kiva Tés may also be purchased as loose teas for home use. Lovers tea is a seductively rich licorice tea with whispers of flora and fruit, just right for February. Although you won’t want to hide their classic, clean-lined bottles, remember to store away from light to protect the potency of the herbs.
As always, it is important to be well versed regarding all aspects of the herbs you are ingesting. Be aware as well of any potentially harmful effects from consuming too much of a particular vitamin or mineral. In protecting yourself, you also protect the right of all consumers to continue to enjoy unrestricted access to a burgeoning abundance of enriched products.
Elix, 888-ELIX NOW
Kiva, 312-840-8120
The Natural Group, 209-522-6860
The Republic of Tea, 800-298-4TEA
Sobe Elixirs, 800-588-0548
Thorncroft Herbal Beverages, 847-866-1181
DISCLAIMER: Choosing a holistic approach to medicine means choosing personal responsibility for your health care. Herbs for Health offers a doorway through which to enter the realm of herbal healing, an invitation to further investigation on the part of the reader. It is in no way intended as a substitute for advice from a health care practitioner.