Posted by Les Mauvaises Herbes
I have a love-hate relationship with coffee.
For a long time, I avoided this drink, which I found disgusting. During the end of my university terms, while my friends relied on caffeine, I made do by drinking water, even though I would yawn throughout all my classes.
Although I now drink my coffee black and without sugar, it took a lot of cappuccinos with 3 sugars and mokas with extra whipped cream to get me to like the taste.
If I had known that there were plants to replace coffee, I would have filled my water bottle with slightly more stimulating infusions!
If you don't like coffee, want to drink something else to give you a boost or simply reduce your caffeine consumption, 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. Check before consuming a plant, because natural does not mean safe.
1. Schisandra
Latin name: Schizandra sinensis
Chinese medicine considers schisandra a top tonic, particularly for the nervous system. Its pretty scarlet berries are said to promote concentration and memory, while calming anxiety and mental restlessness (the famous mental hamster). It is recommended for cases of depression and to combat chronic fatigue.
Research seems promising regarding its effectiveness in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures (but beware, for now, it is recommended that people with epilepsy refrain, see contraindications). Small bonus: schisandra is hepatoprotective (it protects the liver) and is said to increase libido — come to think of it, that may not be ideal during exam season!
Dosage
Since the berries are tough, decoction is preferred: 1 tsp of berries in a cup of water that is simmered for about ten minutes. The water must not boil! Then strain the mixture.
Contraindications
Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for people suffering from epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux, high blood pressure, intracranial hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or peptic ulcers. May interact with certain medications for depression and anxiety.
2. Bacopa
Latin name: Bacopa monnieri
To be honest, I had never heard of this plant before doing my research, and yet, it is very likely to become one of my favorite plants.
Bacopa, or water hyssop, is associated with mental faculties and has been used for over 3000 years in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine. It is also called brahmi, in honor of the Indian god Brahma, creator of the Hindu pantheon and also associated with the brain.
Bacopa is said to stimulate cognitive faculties and memory, which is quite handy during exam season, let's agree. Its slightly bitter and sweet taste is ideal for starting the day right.
Dosage
1 tsp per cup of boiling water left to steep for 10 minutes.
Contraindications
Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid in case 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 benefited from the benefits of eleuthero for millennia, and it took until the 19th century for this tonic to become popular 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 workout or beat your running record, this plant is your ally.
Fun fact: in the Soviet Union, eleuthero was given to athletes to improve their sports performance. I bet other substances have replaced it since…
Dosage
Since it is the plant's roots, a decoction is preferred: 1 tsp in a cup of water that is simmered 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 sisters presented above, but a fungus that grows on trees, including the 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 rush moments and compensate for its repulsive look. Whoo! It can be bought in powder or pieces (we leave the harvesting to the experts), prioritizing Quebec products, because yes, chaga grows in the forests of our beautiful province.
So, if you are hitting your head against a wall, or if your workday seems endless, prepare yourself a little chagaccino or a hot chagalat!
Dosage
It is recommended to heat the chaga in simmering water, for at least one hour for the powder and for two to three hours for the pieces, at a rate of 10 g of powder or 16 g of pieces per liter of water. Once the decoction is finished, simply strain it.
Contraindications
Avoid with anticoagulants, after a transplant, or during treatment after a transplant. May interact with insulin.
Recette · Beginner
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
Préparation10 min
ConservationQuick recipe
Rendement250 ml
Recette · Beginner Recette · Beginner
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.Voir la recette : Hot Chagalat
Préparation15 minConservation3-5 daysRendement1 serving
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!).Voir la recette : Boreal Cream: Homemade Baileys, Quebec-style
Préparation10 minConservation2 weeksRendement500 ml
In the pantry
No need to take a trip to Siberia to perk yourself up! Some pantry spices act as stimulants, promote concentration, and very often, digestion.
This is the case of mint, rosemary, sacred basil, and thyme, notably. Much more than herbs, these medicinal plants also fight infections and are available everywhere.
Don't hesitate to make mixtures or incorporate them with other medicinal plants such as nettle and raspberry.
Cold infusion, is it possible?
Do you prefer making your infusion cold? No problem, except for roots and fruits that require a decoction. Just leave the plant in cold water overnight and strain (but don't be in a hurry, huh!).
You are now equipped to face your exams, your post-all-nighter days, or your endless meetings at the office… with one less 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
