About our Elixirs, Shrubs, and Tinctures
What is an Elixir and why is it beneficial?
An Elixir, sometimes also referred to as an Oxymel, is a concentrated extraction of plant material into Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw Honey.
We prepare our Elixirs with fresh plant material, finely chopped to increase surface area and the effectiveness of the extraction. Minerals and vitamin compounds extract very well into Apple Cider Vinegar making the constituents of an Elixir preparation different from any other infusion. These blends are steeped for a period of 4-6 weeks before being strained and bottled.
Apple Cider Vinegar is highly regarded for its many characteristics which support the body. It is associated with antimicrobial action, soothing muscle cramps, clearing congestion in the sinuses, and supporting digestion and metabolism. Apple Cider Vinegar products which are raw and contain "the mother", are considered to be prebiotic with enzymes, proteins, and beneficial bacteria. Raw Honey is also a powerful ally for the body and immune system. Honey is associated with being antimicrobial, soothing to mucous membranes, and antioxidant to name a few. Our Elixirs are made with the highest quality aged raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. It is crafted to perfection, from tree to bottle, at an orchard a few miles from our farm. Both the Raw Honey and the Apple Cider Vinegar used in our preparations come from small, local, family-owned businesses. The two are less than 5 miles away from our farm.
What is a Shrub and how do I use it?
A shrub is an infusion of fruit and herbs into a blend of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey. They are also often referred to as "drinking vinegars".
Our shrubs are comprised of the highest quality aged raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. It is crafted to perfection, from tree to bottle, at an orchard a few miles from our farm. We balance the tartness with Raw Honey from a local apiary. From here, we follow the inspiration of the season. We infuse fruit grown here on this land as well as from two local Organic growers. Black Raspberries, Peaches, Blueberries, Raspberries, Husk Cherries and more! As each long-infusion begins to develop its unique character, we select herbs from our garden or Maine-grown Organic Ginger and Turmeric to compliment the fruit and provide a refreshing experience.
Our Shrubs are crafted as beverage mixers. They pair excellently with bubbles, we recommend Tonic or Club Soda. Get creative and try flavored Tonic options! (if you find a combination you love, share it with us!) Each Shrub has a sophisticated flavor, vibrant and refreshing enough to be enjoyed at any party, gathering, brunch, dinner, date night, or couch hang you might have planned.
We love these as a Non-Alcoholic option! They will also pair nicely with your spirit of choice or with a crisp wine as a "spritz". However you choose, we sincerely hope you enjoy these creations.
For blending suggestions, see a Shrub product page. Our recommendations are specific to each flavor blend.
What is a Tincture and why is it beneficial?
A tincture is a concentrated extraction of plant material into alcohol.
Each of our tinctures is crafted specially for the characteristics of each herb that it contains. Our process takes into account the volume of plant material used and its unique profile of constituents. Oil-soluble components are extracted into alcohol and water-soluble components are extracted into water. The proper balance of alcohol and water as well as the proper ratio of liquid to plant material is needed to achieve a potent, balanced, and supportive blend. Another important aspect of these infusions is time. Each tincture steeps or "macerates" for a minimum of at 6-8 weeks before we strain, press, and bottle the infusion.
Tinctures offer several benefits. Preparing the herbs into this type of infusion allows us to gather plants at their freshest and most vibrant and preserve them in a manner that is shelf-stable for years to come. In addition, the balance of alcohol and water draws out the virtues of an herb in a holistic way. This extraction process allows nutrients to enter solution and be in a simplified form that our bodies can readily absorb. The energetic qualities of alcohol also help to warm the body's core and increase blood flow, this facilitates the components of the Tincture moving throughout the body. All alcohol used in our preparations is made here in Maine, USDA Certified Organic, and Non-GMO.
What is the best way to take a tincture?
We recommend diluting your tincture in an ounce of water to drink, or putting the suggested number of drops under your tongue.
Tasting the herbs present in the tincture is important. Our bodies gather a myriad of information from our senses, especially taste. Experiencing the flavor of an herb allows the body to use its innate intelligence from the moment it touches the tongue.
For example, tasting the bitter compounds naturally present in Dandelion encourages the Liver and Gallbladder to produce and release more bile which in turn aids digestion, food breakdown, and nutrient absorption. We recommend taking Dandelion tincture 10-30 mins before a meal to best support digestion in this way.