So what's been cookin' at Green Monkey Pharmacy, you may be wondering. A lot! Summer's here so there's tons of vital, rain-fattened plants just waiting to interact with you! Freshly picked yarrow, artichoke, melissa sit in big jars, bathed in high-proof alcohol. The wormwood is thriving in the hot sun of the front yard, alongside the banana tree and all the vegetables. The very first plums are just starting to drop, signalling the start of summer fruit fermentation. As I write, I am distilling five gallons of bad beer made by my friend David. The resulting clear liquor will be introduced to some fragrant French Oak, and, with luck, the marriage will produce some decent whisky in a couple years. For now, though, the drink of choice is kombucha, since I am SCOBYsitting for Sara while she adventures in Japan. Green tea kombucha, pine-needle kombucha, pineapple kombucha, we do it all!
But the most recent development (though a long time coming), and what I'm most excited about, is this: nutmeg-whisky infused shredded reishi tea! Many months ago I made a bunch of 95% ethanol reishi extract, to isolate the steroidal fractions of the mushroom (for those of you unfamiliar with reishi, it is a medicinal mushroom that is chock full of compounds that are really good for you; if you want to nerd out on reishi, go here). I had so much shredded reishi left, still loaded with immune-stimulating polysaccharides if somewhat depleted of its bitter terpenes, that I couldn't bear to throw it out. So it sat in its large jar, perfectly preserved by the ethanol with which it was moistened. This morning I was inspired to add some flavor by pouring some whisky and honey into the jar. I tasted and decided it needed a little spice. Nutmeg! And a little more sweet goodness. Our friend Jenny gave us a liqueur she made out of a vanilla bean and some vodka, so I added some of that.
The jar will sit for a few days, and I will periodically turn it upside down to let the flavorful liqueur percolate through the reishi shred. It's really nice to handle, like wet redwood duff. Preliminary tests are positive. I think it would be good wadded between your gum and lip, like chewing tobacco. Or a pinch or two in a press pot with some boiling water, wait a few minutes, press. Pour. Sip. Mmmmm......
Come on over and we'll share a pot!
Uncommon Herb Formulas for Common Health Complaints
