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Crafting a nourishing infusion with apple, astragalus, and hawthorn is a delightful and healing way to incorporate herbal medicine into your routine. Each of these ingredients offers its unique benefits, and together, they create a tasty and powerful drink. Here’s how to craft this nourishing infusion:
Ingredients:
1 apple (preferably organic, any variety you like)
1 tablespoon dried Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus)
1 tablespoon dried Hawthorn berries (Crataegus species)
Water (about 4 cups)
Optional sweetener: honey, stevia, or maple syrup (to taste)
Cinnamon or ginger (optional for extra warmth and flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the ingredients:
Apple: Wash and core the apple. You can slice it into thin pieces or cut it into chunks. The skin can be left on to retain the nutrients.
Astragalus root: If using whole root slices, break them into smaller pieces. If using powdered astragalus, you can simply use the recommended amount for the infusion.
Hawthorn berries: If using dried berries, gently crush them to release their flavor. They’re tough, so this step helps to extract the full essence of the berries.
Combine the ingredients in a pot or kettle:
Add the sliced apple, astragalus root, and hawthorn berries to a pot or a heatproof container.
Pour about 4 cups of water over the ingredients.
Bring to a simmer:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it steep for 20 to 30 minutes. You want to extract the medicinal properties and flavors without boiling it too aggressively, which can degrade some of the nutrients.
Strain the infusion:
After the infusion has steeped, strain the liquid to remove the solid ingredients. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a smooth, clear liquid.
Optional add-ins:
If you’d like a warmer flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick or a few slices of fresh ginger during the simmering process. These additions pair well with the natural sweetness of the apple and the medicinal herbs.
If the infusion tastes a bit too herbal or strong, a small amount of honey or maple syrup can be added to enhance the flavor and create a sweeter, more balanced taste.
Enjoy:
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