What an Herbalist Brings to a Day Party
Herbal Party Tricks That Double as Community Care
I’m an herbalist wherever I go, including my favorite Bay Area parties! So this past August, when the summer sun was packing the heat, I decided to bring two sweet treats for my community to enjoy: a hydrating and sun-protectant facial mist and some immune boosting herbal gummies.
Choosing What to Bring
When I’m packing herbal medicine to share as party favors, there are a couple of things I consider. First, I think about what conditions community members may be facing at the party. This time around, questions like, “How hot might it be?” and “What ways can I help folks before cold and flu season sets in?” were very much on my mind. I like to think seasonally and so I’m sure if I was heading into a day party that was being hosted in February/March, I’d likely bring something to help ease the allergic responses that typically flare up during that time. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions of herbal party favors that are easy to make and easy to share!
Herbal Gummies
Who doesn’t love a gummy? These squishy treats go fast at a party and are another great way to share needed herbal medicine. I love preparing these with fruits like peaches, apples, and strawberries to bring an added sweetness and depth of flavor.
How To Share
Select a hearty herb to make an herbal syrup with. I love this recipe by herbal academy and recommend skipping the alcohol. It’s a great preservative, but I’m not sure whether it’s conducive to making a gummy.
Warm 1.5 cups of your herbal syrup until it reaches about 90 degrees. (we want it to be slightly warm, but not boiling hot).
Remove from heat
Add 3 Tbsp of gelatin powder and whisk until the powder dissolves completely.
Place a silicon mold on top of a cutting board (this will help with our transfer to the fridge later!)
Pour mixture into silicone molds using a measuring cup that has a lip, a dropper, or a spoon and steady hand!
Allow the gummies to set for 20 minutes or until firm in the fridge.
When firm, apply pressure to the back side of the silicon mold to remove the gummies.
How to store
Store gummies in an airtight jar and consume within 1-2 weeks.
How to share
Holding your jar firmly, shake 1-2 gummies into your recipient’s hand, careful to keep the mouth of the jar from touching their hand.
Herbal lozenges
These are created using a mixture of dried herb powder, honey, and sometimes a tincture to help preserve the medicine, and they are a breeze to make.
How to make
Step 1: Select your herb/herbs of choice (total of 10 tsp)
Step 2: Grind your herb(s) using a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle
Step 3: Combine your herbs with 4 tsp local raw honey (optional: sub 1 tsp of honey for a tincture)
Step 4: Knead together until a dough forms, adding very small amounts of herb powder or honey to bring it to a firm, yet moldable consistency
Step 5: Form several small balls, about half the size of a cough drop from the dough
Step 6: Dust the outside of the balls with any remaining herbal powder. This will help them not to stick together.
How to store
Store your lozenges in an airtight jar, label the jar with the date as well as the herbs, honey, and tincture used. Pop it in the fridge for safekeeping until they are ready to work with! They’ll keep for up to 6 months in the fridge.
How to share
Holding your jar firmly, shake 1-2 lozenges into your recipient’s hand, careful to keep the mouth of the jar from touching their hand.
Herbal tinctures
While a tincture may take a bit longer to make, they are simple to set up and make excellent party favors. 2 ounces of a tincture contains almost 60 servings (1 serving = 1ml)! And the tincture dropper bottles are very compact, making it easy to tote around at a party.
How to make
Step 1: In a 4 oz mason jar, fill ⅓ of the jar with dried plant material. Or if using fresh herbs, add herbs until they fill the jar.
Step 2: Fill the remaining volume of the jar with alcohol (brandy, vodka, everclear, etc.) leaving a small amount of space within the vessel for air to flow.
Step 3: Cap your jar and label with the date as well as the herbs and type of alcohol used.
Step 4: Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Shake contents of your jar as often as possible, daily if you can, for 6-8 weeks.
Step 5: At the end of the 6-8 week time period, strain your tincture into a separate container and transfer your label
How to store
Even after straining, keep your tincture in a cool, dark place to preserve its shelf life.
How to share
Use a small bottle with a dropper to transport your tincture. When ready to serve, retrieve 1 dropperful from the bottle, hold the dropper a few inches above a drink and squeeze the dropper to release the tincture into the drink.
Herbal facial mists
This is perhaps by far the easiest party favor preparations. The contents of 1 bottle will likely last you beyond the party and on a hot summer day, just about everyone needs a bit of this!
How to make
Prepare an infusion by bridging 4 ounces of water to a boil, removing the water from heat, and pour hot water over a total of 2 tsp of herbs of your choice. I like to use herbs that have an affinity for the skin like calendula, chamomile, rosemary, and rosehips!
Steep for 40 minutes and strain
Once completely cooled, pour infusion into a clean spray bottle
To preserve, add 5 drops of organic essential oils to the infusion, again, leaning on herbs that have an affinity for the skin
How to store
Keep in the fridge for optimal preservation. This topical spray, with the addition of essential oils should last 2-4 weeks in the fridge.
Show to share
Shake vigorously before applying. Hold the pump at least 2 feet away from the recipient's face, and spray gently, careful to avoid direct contact with the eyes.
Cautions
When sharing herbal medicine with your community, it’s important to educate folks about the ingredients in your offerings as well as any possible contraindications. Before sharing, remember to do ample research so you can help folks use your medicines effectively and safely! And remember, folks should always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before working with herbal medicines especially if they are pregnant, nursing, have pre-existing conditions, or are taking other medications.
1. Recipe adapted from mountain rose herbs: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-lozenges-with-linden-powder
