Herbal Popsicles: Three Healthy Recipes for Scorching Days

There’s nothing like an ice-cold popsicle on a sweltering day.

Everything about the experience – from reaching deep into the freezer to pull one out, the slow bliss of the cooling sweetness sinking in, or the satisfying crunch and sticky fingers at the end – is refreshing and invigorating. I’m not sure how I would ever survive the summer heat without them.

In fact, I love them so much that this summer, for the first time (I have no idea why it took so long), I invested in my own popsicle molds. The molds themselves are relatively cheap and making the popsicles is so easy it’s almost ridiculous (the hard part is having enough patience to wait for them to freeze properly). The best part is that I can make all the flavors I want: gin and tonic, peanut butter and jelly. So many possibilities. It wasn’t until my second or third batch that I realized what a perfect vehicle they are for spices too; You can use herbal teas, add medicinal powders or even freeze whole leaves and flowers in the popsicles for a beautiful effect.

These are especially fun to make with children, who like to go into the garden to collect flowers and leaves for their own ice creams. As a bonus, I’ve found that adding soothing herbs like chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm can make the calming effects of this cooling treat even more pronounced. Adding electrolytic herbal infusions or coconut water as a base also makes them useful for protecting against dehydration. When I think back on all those years of being limited by the few options available at my grocery store, it’s a wonder how I ever got through it.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes to get you started. When it’s time to remove them, running a little hot water over the sides of the molds can be a big help to ensure they slide out easily.

Honey Chamomile Popsicles

These are perfect for kids of any age who tend to get a little cranky in the heat. Soothing and cooling, they make everything feel just a little bit better. Makes about 10 popsicles, depending on the size of the molds.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh chamomile flowers or 2 tablespoons dried flowers

Instructions:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes before adding the honey and fresh or dried chamomile flowers.
3. Place the lid on and let it steep for 10 minutes.
4. After the time is up, strain out the herbs.
5. Once the liquid has cooled, pour it into the molds and freeze for an hour.
6. Add the popsicle sticks and freeze for another 4 hours, or until firm.

Golden milk ice creams

Turmeric supports a healthy inflammatory response and I especially enjoy sipping it in the creamy, spicy drink known as “golden milk.” This is my summer version of the drink

Makes about 10 popsicles, depending on the size of the molds.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups full-fat coconut milk
• 4 – 5 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Mix the ingredients and pour into the popsicle molds. Place it in the freezer for an hour and then insert the popsicle sticks. Place in the freezer for another 4 hours, until the popsicles are frozen.

Berry Lavender Yogurt Pops

These eye-catching popsicles made from berry compote swirled in creamy yogurt remind me of berry cheesecake and the lavender really makes them shine. The elderberry syrup is already packed with nutrients from the berries and ensures that they also strengthen the immune system.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed berries
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
• 2-3 tablespoons of elderberry syrup
• 2 cups Greek or coconut yogurt
• pinch of vanilla powder or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend the berries and elderberry syrup in a food processor to a smoothie-like consistency.
2. Pour the mixture into a large bowl, add the lavender and yogurt and stir in the yogurt for a tie-dyed effect.
3. Check for sweetness and add more elderberry syrup if necessary.
4. Pour the mixture into your mold and freeze for an hour.
5. Insert the sticks and freeze for another 4 hours, until firm.

Writer Danielle Charles Davies has a BSc in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University and completed the two-year clinical training program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism in Montpelier, VT. Her articles have appeared in Taproot, The Journal of the American Herbalist Guild, and Kindred Magazine, among others. She lives in Northern Michigan with her husband, two dogs and eight ducks. She blogs at www.bluemoonkitchen.com.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.

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