Brilliant Brain Tonic – for poor memory and concentration (from ‘Drugs in Pots’)
Exam season is upon us and the slog of revising all those facts and figures can leave even the most able of students feeling a little foggy in the head. Don’t rely on caffeine filled energy drinks and over processed snacks to keep you going, instead brew up this fabulous herbal tonic and enjoy your natural boost!
This refreshing drink has rosemary, thyme and peppermint to enliven the mind and wood betony to send blood to the brain. Gotu kola stimulates blood flow to the head, clearing the mind, enhancing concentration and increasing creativity.
Ingredients (makes 650ml (21 fl oz) tonic):
60g (2.5 oz) each fresh or 30g (1 oz) each dried rosemary, thyme, gotu kola, peppermint, wood betony
600ml (1 pint) water
500g (1 lb) sugar
30ml (1 fl oz) brandy (optional)
How to make:
1. Pour the boiling water over the herbs
2. Leave to infuse overnight, then strain into a jug through a fine mesh sieve or piece of muslin, press as much residual water from the herb mixture as you can before discarding it.
3. Mix the sugar into the infusion in a pan and heat it until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has started to thicken, stirring frequently. If desired, add 5 per cent brandy to preserve the syrup.
4. Store in sterilized dark bottles, clearly labelled, and keep in a cool place, preferably the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
How to use:
Take 2 teaspoons 3 -4 times daily, over several weeks, for the best results.
Enjoy!
