Tequila Raja

For low-down nights spent with the best of friends (including the furry ones) and toasting to the space in- between. 

Gather:

small mason jar of tequila

 1/4 orange peel

two vanilla beans

two cinnamon sticks

Cut open vanilla beans and scrape inside. Put into tequila. Infuse all other spices and orange peel in tequila overnight. 

The next night, Gather:

one can coconut milk (get the milk beneath the cream. The cream tends to lump up.)

maple syrup, to taste

carbonated mineral water

ice cubes

Strain spices out of tequilla. place ice cubes in each glass. Pour 1/2 of glass full of coconut milk. Add about a tablespoon of maple syrup into each glass. Pour a shot of infused tequila into each glass. Stir well. Top with mineral water. 

Chamomile: Matricaria chamomilla

Image from A Modern Herbal

"Earth Apple"

"Mother"

As I fill my little baggy at the food co-op with dried chamomile, my senses automatically remember the stark loveliness I experience when preparing and enjoying a hot cup of chamomile tea. If you're a chamomile fan, you know what I mean. Chamomile is used for a range of physical ailments, but for me, it's subtle effect on the energy body are as dense. Chamomile's sedative qualities not only soften the head and the heart, but open my being up to push beyond the state I'm in. 

With it's daisy-like appearance, chamomile lends a certain kind of sweetness-- no wonder it's aroma has historically been associated with the apple, a highly regarded Celtic symbol because of its supposed transformative power to lift the eater into an elevated state. 

Noted uses of chamomile range from treating the common cold, liver disorders, wounds and burns, insomnia, indigestion, inflammation, menstrual pain, nervousness, sunburn, headache, conjunctivitis, and depression.

Bringing soothing and calming maternal-like healing to those who are in need, chamomile is one of nature's finest gifts. 

Food for Tired Eyes:

Submerge two chamomile tea bags in hot water for about a minute. Remove them from the water. Lie down and rest a tea bag on each eye. This trick helps relieve eye tension, including conjunctivitis, and can be great for headache pain. 

Sparkling Chamomile-Basil Lemonade:

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to boil. Add two teaspoons of dried basil and two tablespoons (or four teabags) of chamomile, and 1/2 cup of honey. Stir until well incorporated. Turn heat to low and simmer until 1/2 of the volume remains (about 25 minutes). Remove from heat, stir again, and let completely cool. Add syrup to a quart of sparkling lemonade. Serve over ice with fresh basil and berries to garnish. Sip and enjoy the fresh new breath it brings. :)

Chamomile Infused Honey 

Oh so good. Use in breakfast oats/cereals, teas, or to roast root veggies.