Samhain + Halloween Wellness Tonic

Samhain Tradition

This tonic honors the authentic herbs of ancient Samhain celebrations. Elderberry for protection from spirits, rosehips from autumn's final harvest, rosemary for remembrance of ancestors, and lavender for peaceful transition into winter's darkness. These plants were gathered and prepared by Celtic peoples to support wellness through the harsh winter months ahead.

During the transition from autumn to winter, our ancestors relied on elderberry to support wellness through the cold months ahead. This traditional tonic combines herbs used in ancient Celtic Samhain celebrations.

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Rich in vitamin C and powerful anthocyanins, elderberry has been treasured across European traditions for seasonal wellness support. This deep purple berry provides concentrated antioxidant protection, making it a time-honored choice for strengthening the body during seasonal transitions when immune support is most needed.

Rosehips

Rosa canina

These vibrant fruit of the rose plant served as a critical vitamin C source throughout history, helping communities thrive through harsh winters. Prized for their exceptional potency and natural astringent properties, rosehips offer gentle yet powerful support for seasonal wellness and have long been valued for soothing throat discomfort.

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Revered since ancient times for sharpening mental clarity and supporting circulation, rosemary earned its reputation as the herb of remembrance. Traditional herbalists valued this aromatic evergreen for enhancing focus and reducing mental fatigue, making it an essential ally for maintaining clear thinking during demanding times.

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender offers remarkable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that have been confirmed by modern research. This gentle yet powerful herb naturally supports stress reduction and promotes healing.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Malus domestica

Long valued for its digestive support and natural antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar serves both wellness and preservation purposes in traditional formulations. This time-tested ingredient enhances the potency and shelf-life of herbal preparations while contributing its own supportive benefits to overall digestive wellness.

Samhain Wellness Tonic

This tonic provides concentrated immune support, antioxidant protection, and vitamin C during the fall-to-winter transition when seasonal wellness is most challenged.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried elderberries (or 2 cups fresh)
• 1/4 cup dried rosehips
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender
• 4 cups filtered water
• 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
• raw honey to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add elderberries, rosehips, rosemary, lavender, and water to a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
3. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm.
4. Mash berries gently with the back of a spoon to release remaining juice.
5. Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass bowl, pressing herbs to extract all liquid.
6. While the tonic is still warm, add honey to taste, if desired.
7. Once completely cooled, stir in raw apple cider vinegar.
8. Pour into clean glass jar or bottles with tight-fitting lids.
9. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Traditional Use: Take 1 tablespoon daily for seasonal wellness support, or 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours at first sign of seasonal sniffles. Children can take 1 teaspoon using the same guidelines.
For children under 1 years old, skip the honey or replace it with another sweetener.

Other ways to enjoy this: Add to sparkling water as refreshing drink. Enjoy in tea for a wellness boost. Add to mulled wine along with your favorite warm spices as a warming wellness drink to share with your friends and loved ones on Halloween.

Want to learn more about the folklore behind these plants of legend? Read our blog post:

✨ Herbs of Legend: Samhain, Halloween + Botanical Folklore

Watch our video where we demonstrate how to make this wonderful, healthy tonic.