Long before Spring says her farewell to the rest of the country, summer comes to the desert. We aren’t at the AC point yet, but shutting the blinds has become a necessity. It’s the one thing that always signals the changing of the season that I always struggle with. After nearly 5 years as a transplant from the PNW I’ve finally learned it’s important to find ways to stay cool these next few months as we experience mother nature at her strongest.
One of the biggest challenges for me is keeping my busy toddler hydrated. She is a true desert girl and already knows and loves the power of water, but often forgets when she is immersed in her imaginary worlds. I also notice dehydration leads to her being a little edgy and frustrated as she becomes easily tired. The easiest way to keep those fluids flowing and administer herbal medicine to kids is with popsicles. Because she can be a bit hyperactive, not to mention other obvious reasons, it’s important for us to avoid the sugary, dye-coated grocery store pops. But I even worry about the 100% juice ones to an extent because of the increase in fructose without any fiber. My summer herbal pops can be a calming, cooling, hydrating solution.
I make a fairly strong tea, dilute it with organic unfiltered apple juice and water, then freeze in those skinny ice trays that are used for water bottles. It’s a hit every time, and even mama grabs one in a thirsty pinch or when I’m feeling overwhelmed by summer cabin fever. Most of the herbs have a calming effect and the mint keeps you fresh and cool. The only problem is finding all the empty sticks before the ants do!
Calming Cooling Herb Pops for Summer
2 tablespoons chamomile
2 tablespoons catnip
2 tablespoons spearmint
1 teaspoon valerian
1 teaspoon stevia
Steep in a quart size jar for several hours or overnight if possibleIn a large pitcher, mix in 1/2 jar of apple juice and 1/2 jar of water
Pour into freezer trays
Wait about 45 minutes (depending on freezer setting) then insert popsicle sticks
Freeze overnight
Enjoy!
For the Mountain Rose Herbs Recipe Contest (medicinal entry)
what a freakin' awesome idea!
I found you through Jenica (THANKS, JENICA!). For some reason I thought catnip was toxic to humans! My cats love it so I always have some around, and I would love to try these pops…they sound so yummy…so I'm guessing it's not?!
Yum!!
Congratulations, Latisha! Your recipe has won the Mountain Rose Herbs Herbal Recipe Contest for the medicinal category. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderfully calming treat with us!
Please send an email to pr at mountainroseherbs dot com with your mailing information and I will send the gift certificate your way.
Many herbal cheers!
~Erin
fabulous idea! sounds great.. especially since i can get everything from my garden!
no way no way no way!!!
That's wonderful! Thank you for this.
I plan on making these this summer.
where did you purchase the ice cube tray?
amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Ice-Tubes-Llc-Cube-Tray/dp/B002DCCZA6
Hi, it is difficult to find catnip around here. any suggestion as to what to use instead? thx in advance
gosh i dont know…lemon balm maybe? similar calming effect and much better flavor..come to think of it i might try that!
i do have a huge patch in my garden, but i have ordered it from Mountain Rose Herbs when i run out
Great recipe! Found you through Mountain Rose Herbs facebook page.