Spencre L.R. McGowan - Blotto Botany: A Lesson in Healing Cordials and Plant Magic

Drunk in Love 27

Sommarvatten 28

Avonlea Raspberry Cordial 29

Habanero Hero 30

White Wine Versus Red 33

Autumn 35

Elderberry Brew 36

Orange You Glad I Didnt Say Clove? 37

Chai Baby 39

Plum Drunk 40

Beets Me 41

Heart Healer 42

Winter 45

Cinnapomme 46

Digestive Brandy 47

Reishi Red 49

The Long Sleep After 50

Sassy Pants 51

Glgg 52

A Dreamers Cordial 54

Sweeteners 57

Syrups 58

Summer Berry and Schizandra Syrup from Summer
& Sarah of the Great Kosmic Kitchen 60

Elderflower Syrup 61

Reishi & Elderberry Syrup 62

Soothing Syrup 63

Forest Path by Milla Prince of
The Woman Who Married a Bear 64

Dandelion & Ginger Syrup 65

Shrubs 67

How to Use Shrubs 68

Blueberry, Lavender & Fig 69

Apple, Rose & Hawthorn 70

Blood Orange & Spruce Tip 71

Bitters 73

Orange Peel, Gentian Root & Sassafras 75

Cherry & Cardamom 76

Ginger, Chamomile & Rose 77

Blood Orange, Thyme & Peppercorn 78

Other Bitter Herbs to Consider 79

Materia Medica 81

Self-Care 95

Adaptogenic Sugar Rim 96

To Bathe in a Cup of Tea 98

Golden Milk 99

we spent many hours rummaging through fields and seaside brambles, our bicycle baskets filled to the brim with berries, weeds, and twigs. Our knees and palms were often scratched and dirtied from inspecting greens close to the ground, but the untold possibilities of these medicinal plants we collected always put our aches to rest.

A few years later, I attended the California School of Herbal Studies, where I truly delved into my practice as a medicinal herbalist, writer, and kitchen witch. Three days a week, I would wind my way down a narrow dirt road to a small red barn nestled into an emerald-covered valley. It was in that barn that I uncovered the deep history and value of cordials. Toward the end of the program, we were asked to create two different cordials and bring them along to a cordial party as one of our finals. This cordial party was con- sidered a formal event. By which I mean as formal as you can get in a barn in the middle of the Redwoods with a bunch of plant-loving nerds, draped in lace and drunkenly jumping up and down to the nineties top hits. It really was a magical night. Dozens of bottles lined the long center table, which bowed from years of use. The laughter and merriment that night cemented my already deep love of cordials and now here I am, sharing that love with you.

What I love about cordials is the real laid-back formula- tion process. Theyre quick to use up, which is perfect for someone who travels often. And in a pinch, they can infuse

overnight, making perfect last-minute gifts (my specialty) or barbecue contributions. I almost always use something called the folk method in my herbal practice. Folk method is the practice of using a sense of intuition while making herbal remedies rather than the standard, ratio-to-ratio mea- surements found in many cookbooks today. Many of these recipes include measurements as guidelines, but listening to my own gut and the plants has always been a little more suited to my style, and I encourage you to do the same.

Blotto Botany started out as a self-published zine, some- thing I made while living in a tiny farmhouse attic in Maine. It serves as a constant reminder to do what I love and listen to both my gut and plant allies. Here within the pages of this book, I invite you to make of these recipes what you will. Expand on them, love them, swap plants, swap spirits. This book is meant to be a look into an herbalists log; a variety of experiments and delicious concoctions intended to sprout new ideas and connect you with tradition.

Drink to your health, your ancestors, and your friends. Make zines, write daily, make plant friends, and stay true to your own tastes and well-being.

Blotto Botany started out as a self-published zine, some- thing I made while living in a tiny farmhouse attic in Maine. It serves as a constant reminder to do what I love and listen to both my gut and plant allies. Here within the pages of this book, I invite you to make of these recipes what you will. Expand on them, love them, swap plants, swap spirits. This book is meant to be a look into an herbalists log; a variety of experiments and delicious concoctions intended to sprout new ideas and connect you with tradition.

Drink to your health, your ancestors, and your friends. Make zines, write daily, make plant friends, and stay true to your own tastes and well-being.