Antioxidant Herbal Power Punch With a Classic Fruity Flavor

Spring has sprung, and even though we’re not exactly feeling the truth of that up in the northeastern United States, I am hopeful that warmer weather is on the way–so hopeful that I have been preemptively planning and practicing my go-to beverages for summer as if I could will the passing of these cold days through the power of kitchen crafts. While I have not successfully summoned a 70-degree day yet, I have nailed down a fantastic punch recipe I’ve dubbed the “Antioxidant Power Punch.”

I wanted something that would be fruity, tangy, and ever so slightly sweet. Crushable and refreshing were both requirements for the finished product, which I also wanted to be as good for you as it is tasty. I quickly put together the herbal allies I wanted to bring together in this punch recipe, but figuring out the exact amounts took a little working out. It took a few weeks, and probably five batches to get it exactly where I wanted it.

I am so happy with how this turned out! The different fruity elements give it a very multidimensional classic punch flavor that also packs a powerful antioxidant punch. Antioxidants help to fight inflammation and oxidative damage in the body. The calming and soothing benefits of this herbal punch recipe can also aid in reducing the impacts of stress on the body. Let’s get into the benefits of each herbal ally in this recipe next.

Herbal Allies

Oranges

Candied oranges (Citrus x sinensis) contribute their signature addictive sweet and tangy flavor to the punch. In addition, they offer a bevy of health benefits. High in vitamin C and a host of flavonoids that work together to provide antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory benefits, oranges are a powerful fruit (Mateljan, 2007). 

Hibiscus

The calyces of the hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) plant are delightfully tart, with a fruity tang that quenches thirst yet keeps you coming back for more. Flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids all contribute to the antioxidant benefits of this herbal ally (Montalvo-González et al., 2022). Hibiscus also has a cooling effect which makes it the perfect summer beverage.

Chamomile

Fruity and floral, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) adds a delicious, apple-y note to the flavors of this fruity herbal punch. Furthermore, chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which make it a perfectly relaxing addition. It has a calming effect on the mind and body which can help us to manage stress and its inflammatory effects (Hoffmann, 2003).

Lemon Balm

A member of the mint family, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an ally to the nervous system through its soothing and uplifting impact on the spirit (Hoffmann, 2003). Supporting the nervous system can help us to better respond to stress, which can help us to minimize the harmful oxidative impacts stress has on the body.

Rose Hips

Rose hips (Rosa spp.) contain vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3, and K, and have long been regarded for its nutritional benefits. Nicholas Culpepper referenced the use of rose hips for “the scurvy” caused by Vitamin C deficency in “Culpepper’s Complete Herbal” published way back in 1880. Flavonoids punch up this herb’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power (Chevallier, 2000). The lightly floral and tart flavor of the rosehips gives dimension and zing to the flavor of the punch.

Elderberries

The fruit of elder (Sambucus nigra or S. canadensis) is now widely and commonly used in times of illness, often as a syrup. Containing vitamins C and A, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, these little berries pack a powerful antioxidant punch (Chevallier, 2000). It’s easy to understand why we lean on this ally in times of lowered vitality, but it need not be relegated strictly to a wellness syrup. This dark fruit adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the punch.

Licorice Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains isoflavones which have an anti-inflammatory effect, and its long-chain sugars (polysaccharides) help to protect the digestive tissues through their soothing demulcent effect (Chevallier, 2000). In this punch recipe, licorice adds a light sweetness to balance the tart flavors. 

In Closing,

Sipping this punch while envisioning myself in a sundress at a patio party is carrying me through this last stretch of chilly weather to warmer days. There are few things that thrill me more than when something is nourishing to the body and a delight to the senses, that perfect combination of satisfying and craveable. This herbal power punch checks all the boxes. With a full range of fruit flavors and just enough sweet to balance out the tang, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. 

REFERENCES

Chevallier, A. (2000). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine: The definitive reference to 550 herbs and remedies for common ailments. Dorling Kindersley. 

Culpepper, N. (1880). Culpeper’s complete herbal: Consisting of a comprehensive description of nearly all herbs with their medicinal properties and directions for compounding the medicines extracted from them. Foulsham.

Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press.

Mateljan, G. (2007). The world’s healthiest foods: Essential guide for the healthiest way of eating. George Mateljan Foundation.

Montalvo-González, E., Villagrán, Z., González-Torres, S., Iñiguez-Muñoz, L.E., Isiordia-Espinoza, M.A., Ruvalcaba-Gómez, J.M.,… & Anaya-Esparza, L.M. (2022). Physiological effects and human health benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa: A review of clinical trials. Pharmaceuticals, 15(4), 464. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15040464