Meet the most functional mocktail of the season, featuring a blend of complementary ingredients to help you feel juicy, hydrated, balanced, and glowing! This antioxidant-rich recipe is seasonally harmonizing, offering potent and opportune benefits that help us find our flow—when it comes to Qi, nutrients, and fluids. Indeed, the Tremella extract and citrus juices both have a moistening action on Dryness—especially as pertaining to the interconnected respiratory system and skin, which can be pervasive during this time of year. From supporting optimal digestion to the beautifying effects of every single ingredient, allow us to elaborate on the reasons it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy this refreshing and energetically balanced elixir.
During times of transition specifically, we can be more susceptible to imbalances penetrating from the external to the internal levels. Especially in the modern era, when our biology might be a little less connected to nature’s cues that help us adapt, giving ourselves extra support in aligning to the energetics of the season can go a long way toward cultivating inner resilience. Thankfully, Osmanthus flowers and citrus both support digestion, to which we are invited to pay extra attention as we move from Summer (associated with the Small Intestine) to Late Summer (corresponding to the Stomach and Spleen). It’s a time to focus on the assimilation of Qi, nutrient absorption, and relieving stagnation. Osmanthus is known to warm the Stomach, supporting strong digestive fire and clearing Dampness, which is one of the most common causes of stagnation, or blocked Qi. Citrus, meanwhile, helps to stimulate digestive juices, thus supporting nutrient absorption and mitigating sluggishness. While energetically cooling, it also helps to resolve phlegm and Damp Heat—a constitutional imbalance exclusive to Summer.
Tremella is a wonderful ally for this Yang season, helping to nourish the Yin that supports burnout prevention. Many of Tremella’s health benefits are due to its high amounts of polysaccharides—a unique kind of antioxidant that have a special talent for locking in moisture, functioning as a natural humectant to maintain hydration through the Summer season. This is the same action largely responsible for Tremella’s renown as a beauty tonic, as these water-retaining properties act similarly to hyaluronic acid. They’ve also been shown to have both anti-aging and antioxidant effects because of their ability to prevent cell damage that’s caused by free radicals. The high vitamin D content of Tremella further enhances its beautifying and immunosupportive and properties, by promoting skin health and cell growth. With an affinity for the Stomach, it has a soothing and inflammation-taming effect that greatly supports metabolic health. Make this mocktail if you want to radiate from deep, deep within!
Ingredients:
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp Tremella extract
- 1 tbsp Osmanthus flowers
- ½ C water, boiled
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- ¼ C ice
- ½ C Sparkling water
Preparation Method:
- Steep the Osmanthus flowers in boiled water for 10 minutes to create a concentrated extract
- Strain and add the Tremella extract, using a handheld milk frother or blender to integrate well
- Add this mixture to a large glass or cocktail shaker together with the citrus juices, honey, and ice
- Shake well and pour into a glass, topping with sparkling water. Enjoy!
