what are botanicals?

Botanicals are plants that have been traditionally valued for their medicinal and therapeutic qualities, enhanced by the fact they add wonderful flavours and aromas to your food and drinks. Different plants come with varied health claims.

MINT

May help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, relieve indigestion, improve brain function and ease breastfeeding pain. Also helps mask bad breath. Made for a mint mojito.

SWEET BASIL

May help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides and improve blood flow by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax. Lace it with gin.

PERENNIAL BASIL (TULSI) May improve general wellbeing and help overcome colds and coughs. Adds spice to whisky.

STRAWBERRIES

Full of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, they are sodium-, fat- and cholesterol-free and have low calories. May help protect your heart, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, lower blood pressure and guard against cancer. Essential in a strawberry daiquiri.

LEMON BALM

May help relieve stress and anxiety, boost cognitive function, help ease sleep disorders, indigestion and nausea, and also aid in treating cold sores. For mojitos with a twist.

CURLY PARSLEY

Rich in vitamin A (for good vision, healthy skin and supporting your immune system), vitamin C (for maintaining healthy cells) and vitamin K and calcium (to improve bone health). May aid digestion and is a definite breath freshener. Twists up a gin julep.

THYME

May help fight acne, lower blood pressure, alleviate coughs, prevent bacterial infections and boost immunity and mood. Try it in an old fashioned – a whisky-based cocktail.

HEALTH TIP

The amount and application of botanicals needed for health outcomes varies considerably. Talk to your doctor or dietitian.

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