DIY Herbal Gift Guide

I don't know about you, but shopping for gifts this time of year can feel overwhelming. 

One of my favorite ways to take the pressure off and share something from the heart is by making herbal infused gifts. 

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The great thing about herbal gifts is that you can customize them, find the ingredients easily, and share the healing power of plants with the ones you love. 

Maybe you've already been making some of your own! I shared some ideas over on IG this week, but if you need a little more inspiration or handholding, I created a downloadable guide with 10 herbal recipes, perfect for gifting.  GET THE FULL GUIDE

From warming spice blends that support digestion while adding tons of flavor to simple dishes, to invigorating salt scrubs that rejuvenate dry winter skin and support lymphatic health, there's something for everyone on your list. 

And as a little gift to you, I included a sample recipe for making a DIY Warming Spice Blend below as a sneak peek into the guide. 

SPICE BLENDS

Making your own spice blends is an easy way to infuse your meals with medicine. Since all spices are enzymatic, meaning they help your body break down and assimilate food, they can offer daily digestive support.

One fun way to get even more out of your spice blends is to add in your favorite adaptogens such as ashwagandha, shatavari, maca, astragalus and reishi, to name a few.

You can think of your spice blend as an herbal formula, focusing on the energetics—cold, dry, hot and wet—that will be most balancing to your constitution at any given time, season or in a particular environment.

Get creative and experiment with your favorite spices and herbs to make your very own custom blend. While you can follow a recipe, using you taste buds will guide you to the perfect flavor balance.

NOTE: To make an even more delightful blend, buy whole spices and grind them yourself!

Slightly toasting your spices, just until they're fragrant, will also bring out more of their flavors and aromas to any dish.

KOSMIC CURRY SPICE BLEND

Make enough to fill a spice jar or a larger jar if you know you’ll go through a bigger batch. Use the ratios below, but feel free to experiment by adding in more or less of the flavors you love. Adaptogens pair well in this blend, as certain ones, such as ashwagandha, can have a stronger flavor. A “part” simply means a ratio, so it’s equivalent to 1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon, 1 ounce, or even 1 cup.

Ingredients

  • 1 part ground turmeric

  • ¼ part ground cinnamon

  • ¼ part ground cardamom

  • ¼ part ground cumin

  • ¼ part whole fennel seeds

  • 1 part powdered adaptogens such as ashwagandha, maca, or shatavari, optional

Directions

In a mixing bowl (or in a jar), mix all of the spices together with a spoon until combined. Store in a jar with a tight lid or in a spice jar.

Keep out of direct sunlight, and use within 6 months to 1 year.

Ideas for using:

  • Add to the base of soups and stews

  • Add to porridge or grains for more flavor

  • Mix into dressings, dips, or spreads

  • Toss with olive oil and salt before roasting veggies

Wishing you a magical holiday season!

xx - Sarah Kate

Sarah Kate