Herbsicles

We were hit with a few nasty viruses this week.  And since I am less than two weeks away from my due date my midwife gave me some good tips on nursing everyone back to health, herbsicles was one of them.

First I brewed up a big batch of family immunity tea.  This one included what I had on hand but there are many variations.  Below is a mix of echinacea, nettles, oat straw, red clover, rose hips, red raspberry and alfalfa.  Just before bringing it to a boil I turned off the heat and covered it letting it steep for around 4 hours.

After the herbs were strained (and then reserved for the chicken scrap pile) we were left with a strong beverage.  I mixed a little with berry juice and encouraged Paul to finish a tall glass of it.  He did with all sorts of gasps and great facial expressions. 

I don't mind drinking bitter herb blends but just like Paul most my kids won't take it alone.  I was generous with the spoonfuls of raw honey I added because not only does it add sweetness but raw honey is also an immunity booster (still I would not serve raw honey to babies under 1).

Usually I'd just serve this infusion up as a beverage but since we were dealing with sore throats and sores in the mouth I poured it into popsicle molds.  

George and Henry have been clearing the nasty Hand-Foot-Mouth virus where it is so painful to eat and drink that there is risk of dehydration.  I was very pleased to see both of them consume a couple of these herbsicles with no problem.  I had to make a few batches to keep up with the demand because even the older kids liked them.

Then before I could fill another batch Paul got to the molds and made his own version of a healing popsicle, he filled them with fizzy root beer.   Clara experienced a quick recovering from a high fever on the couch and has since been declaring it was all because of Daddy's yummy popsicles......Gak!