Posted by Les Mauvaises Herbes
I have a love-hate relationship with coffee.
For a long time, I avoided the drink, which I found repulsive. During finals at university, while my friends relied on caffeine, I just drank water, even though I was yawning throughout my classes.
Although I drink my coffee black and unsweetened today, it took a lot of triple-sugar cappuccinos and extra-whipped-cream mochas to make me appreciate the taste.
If I had known that plants existed as a substitute for coffee, I would have filled my water bottle with some more stimulating infusions!
If you don't like coffee, want to drink something else to give you a boost, or simply want to reduce your caffeine intake, here are some tonic plants to increase your energy and concentration.
Warning: Some plants are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or may interact with certain medications. Do your research before consuming a plant, because natural does not mean harmless.
1. Schisandra
Latin name: Schisandra sinensis
Chinese medicine considers schisandra a premier tonic, especially for the nervous system. Its pretty scarlet berries are believed to promote concentration and memory, while calming anxiety and intellectual restlessness (that famous mental hamster wheel). It is recommended in cases of depression and for combating chronic fatigue.
Research seems promising regarding its effectiveness in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures (but be careful, for now, people with epilepsy are advised to abstain—see contraindications). A little bonus: schisandra is hepatoprotective (it protects the liver) and is said to increase libido—come to think of it, that might not be ideal during study sessions!
Dosage
Since the berries are tough, a decoction is preferred: 1 tsp of berries in a cup of water brought to a simmer for about ten minutes. The water should not boil! Then strain the mixture.
Contraindications
Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for people suffering from epilepsy, reflux esophagitis, high blood pressure, intracranial hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or for those dealing with a peptic ulcer. May interact with certain medications for depression and anxiety.
2. Bacopa
Latin name: Bacopa monnieri
In all honesty, I had never heard of this plant before doing my research, and yet, it is likely to become one of my favorite botanicals.
Bacopa, or water hyssop, is associated with mental faculties and has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. It is also called brahmi, in honor of the Indian god Brahma, creator of the Hindu pantheon and also linked to the brain.
Bacopa is said to stimulate cognitive faculties and memory, which is quite practical during exam periods, let's agree. Its slightly bitter and mild taste is ideal for starting the day off right.
Dosage
1 tsp per cup of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes.
Contraindications
Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid in cases of intestinal congestion, emphysema, or urinary obstruction. Bacopa could also increase the effect of phenothiazine, a neuroleptic.
3. Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Latin name: Eleutherococcus senticosus
The Chinese have enjoyed the benefits of eleuthero for millennia, and it wasn't until the 19th century that this tonic was popularized in Russia.
The roots of this forest plant are used to stimulate the immune system and fight fatigue caused by stress. If you want to maximize your training or beat your running record, this plant is your ally.
A little anecdote: in the Soviet Union, eleuthero was given to athletes to improve their athletic performance. Let's bet that other substances have replaced it since then...
Dosage
Since it is the roots of the plant, a decoction is preferred: 1 tsp in a cup of water brought to a simmer for about ten minutes, without boiling. Then strain the mixture.
Contraindications
Not recommended for children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or for people with high blood pressure or heart problems.
4. Chaga
Latin name: Inonotus obliquus
Chaga is not a plant, unlike its counterparts presented above, but a fungus that grows on trees, including yellow birch. With its appearance of a large burnt tumor, it is perfectly hideous!
Its stimulating, antioxidant, and antiviral properties make it an excellent ally during busy times and compensate for its repulsive look. Phew! It can be bought in powder or chunks (let's leave the foraging to the experts) by choosing Quebec products, because yes, chaga grows in the forests of our beautiful province.
So, if you're nodding off, or your workday seems endless, make yourself a little chagaccino or a hot chagalatte!
Dosage
It is recommended to heat the chaga in simmering water for at least an hour for the powder and for two to three hours for the chunks, using 10 g of powder or 16 g of chunks per liter of water. Once the decoction is finished, simply strain it.
Contraindications
Avoid with anticoagulants, after a transplant, or during post-transplant treatment. May interact with insulin.
A small chagaccino?
Did you know that chaga can replace coffee? Yes, ma'am, yes, sir!
Are you one of those people who only start to be human after 1... or 8 coffees? Are you also a victim of insomnia, but you're in denial because: "No, no, coffee doesn't stop me from sleeping"?
Insomnia or not, addiction or not, I have another option to suggest to you, to reduce your tremors and heart palpitations, or simply to please your taste buds (and for your general health!).
- Marie
Préparation
10 min
Conservation
recette minute
Rendement
250 ml
Hot Chagalat
This recipe is a must for warming the heart while giving yourself a boost! Thanks to its tonic effect and beautiful hazelnut color, chaga is very popular as a coffee substitute. In traditional herbalism, it is said to be adaptogenic: it supports the body and mind in the face of change and stress.
Préparation
15 min
Conservation
3-5 jours
Rendement
1 portion
Boreal Cream: Homemade Baileys, Quebec-style
A classic of winter drinks, "Baileys" is rich and comforting, on its own, on ice, or in your Sunday morning coffee. We've concocted a vegan version made with local ingredients: maple syrup, chaga, and sweet clover. We've named it "crème boréale" (boreal cream, Irish cream... ba-dum-tss!).
Préparation
10 min
Conservation
2 semaines
Rendement
500 ml
In the pantry
No need to take a trip to Siberia to perk yourself up! Some pantry herbs act as stimulants, promote concentration, and quite often, digestion.
This is the case for mint, rosemary, holy basil, and thyme, in particular. Much more than just culinary herbs, these medicinal plants also fight infections and are available everywhere.
Don't hesitate at all to make blends or incorporate them with other medicinal plants such as nettle and raspberry leaf.
Is a cold infusion possible?
Do you prefer to make your infusion cold? No problem, except for roots and fruits, which require a decoction. Just leave the plant in cold water all night and strain (but you can't be in a rush, right!).
Now you are equipped to face your exams, your hangovers, or your endless meetings at the office... without the coffee breath!
Wishing you good infusions,
Stéphanie
Sources
http://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=schisandra_ps
http://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=bacopa_ps
http://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=eleuterocoque_ps
http://alchimiste-en-herbe.com/description-plantes/
https://chaga.ca/comment-le-consommer
