One of the many reasons this season has always stood out to me, is the collective celebration of what it means to be living during the month of October. Pumpkin everything, cozy sweaters, an excitement over the natural show of golden and rusted leaves. As a culture, we are celebrating seasonality. And while it is sometimes clumsy or overly commodified, it comes from this innate yearning we all have to be closer to the Earth. Our ancestors celebrated the slightest seasonal shift, because it dramatically affected their lives. While the transition from fall into the winter won’t affect us in our modern lives to the same extent, even if on a subtle level we all feel the shift that is to come.
I have been noticing within myself and others, a sense of inner agitation and overwhelm. We found a pocket of slowness after the whirlwind of summer, and decided to fill our schedules to the brim. But here is the thing, the true energy of autumn is that of slowing down, dropping leaves into the soil bed of winter’s rest. To find the soothing medicine this season can grant us, we have to lean into slower Earth paced ways.
How can you find the boundaries around what is filling you up during this transitional season and make that your priority?
When I find myself rushing, it seems like such a waste. This season is sensational in every way. And yet, the colorful leaves are waning. The Earth is calling us to step outside and do nothing but appreciate this fleeting moment of in-between.
This recipe is presented to you, not as another thing “to do”, but as something to fill up your cup and support you in further leaning into the magic of this time.
Our New Extra Medicinal Mulling Spice
If you have been attending our classes, you have witnessed my enthusiasm for herbal decoctions. Decoctions are the best way to extract tougher herbs like roots, berries, mushrooms, and barks in water. You place herbs in a pot with water, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until it is reduced by 1/2. You will have a potent herbal extract that fills your home with aroma and feels deeply nourishing during this time.
A popular cold season "decoction" consists of mulling spices infused in water, wine, or apple juice! I thought I would add some of my favorite herbs for daily wellness into a blend that people are already familiar with to help introduce you all to the magic of decoctions, and infuse more medicine into your seasonal drinks!
Mulling spices are a traditional blend of aromatic herbs that help promote circulation, are antimicrobial, and carminative- helping support digestion and relieve gas/bloating. We took these healing properties up a notch by adding a few extra herbs that are supportive to overall health and seasonal wellbeing!
Our Extra Medicinal Mulling Spices are comprised of the traditional blend of aromatic spices along with Reishi, Hawthorn, & Burdock. These herbs help potentiate the formula to support immunity, heart health, detoxification and overall vitality!
These spices can be used anywhere you might use mulling spices, but I wanted to provide you with a fun, unique and delicious twist on the classic recipes- a Pumpkin Orange Mulled Mocktail! A perfect drink to help you soften and tune into the season.
Get your mulling spices here!
Mulled Pumpkin Orange Mocktail
Ingredients:
2-3 tablespoons Extra Medicinal Mulling Spices
1 quart water
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 orange
2 tablespoons maple syrup
*If you would like to make this a cocktail, add 1 shot of vodka.
Directions:
Add Extra Medicinal Mulling Spices to a pot with 1 quart of water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes (or until the liquid is reduced by 1/2).
Strain and let cool.
Add the water decoction to a quart sized mason jar.
Add the pumpkin puree, squeeze the orange and add the juice, and the maple syrup.
Lid the jar and shake well.
Pour into a serving glass over ice and an optional orange peel slice!
Enjoy and soak in the flavors of fall!