Hemlock Drink (aka Hemlock Water) is a centuries-old recipe used in the days before science to cure sickness. It’s a simple mixture of hemlock leaves, dandelion root, and water.
People once believed that hemlock leaves were poisonous while dandelions were good for you. And while there are some great benefits to this drink, it’s best to read up on it before trying it yourself! You can find more info here.
How to make Hemlock Drink
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dried hemlock leaves
- 1/4 cup dandelion root
- 1-quart water
Preparation:
Step #1 – Parboil the hemlock leaves. To do this, bring the water to a boil in a saucepan and then turn it off. Add in the hemlock leaves and let them sit for about 5 minutes.
Step #2 – Strain and measure 1 cup of the hemlock water. Discard the leaves.
Step #3 – Stir the dandelion root into the cup of hemlock water.
Step #4 – Heat the mixture to a rolling boil and then reduce it to a simmer. You’ll want it to continue simmering for another 20 minutes or so.
Step #5 – Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until reduced by 1/3. It should be the consistency of a syrup.
Step #6 – Strain the hemlock root and dandelion out of the drink with a sieve or cheesecloth.
Step #7 – Store in the refrigerator for 3 days before drinking.
Step #8 – Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition facts of Hemlock Drink
A single serving of this drink has approximately:
- Calories: 0.9
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1
Health Benefits of Hemlock Drink
Some people believe that this drink helps relieve dizziness when taken before bed. It also helps relieve headaches and migraines,
as well as detox your body and restore balance to your health. Some herbalists also use hemlock Drink to help with recurrent colds and flu.
5 Best Variations for Hemlock Drink
1. A St. Patrick’s Day variation of this recipe would be to add a pinch of hibiscus flowers to the mix. It’s beautiful and tastes amazing!
2. Another great variation is adding a pinch of Fennel for more flavor.
3. Add some powdered ginger root to this drink for a stronger kick of flavor.
4. A variation with cinnamon and Fennel is also delicious. It’s also reported to help with healing!
5. If you like your drinks sweet, add a bit of honey to the mix or serve it over ice cubes. You can even add berries or make your sweet hemlock drink!
Side Effects of Hemlock Drink
Diarrhea and nausea are the two main side effects of drinking this drink. If you feel either of these symptoms, please discontinue your drink immediately.
Where to buy Hemlock Drink
You can buy dried hemlock leaves online (we recommend Mountain Rose Herbs or Frontier Co-ops). Dried dandelion roots are a bit more difficult to find, but they are also available online. If you’re in a hurry, you can make your hemlock drink by following the instructions above!
How to prepare time?
Preparing time: 5 min
Cooking time: 20 min
Soaking time: 3 days
Can I use any other kind of water?
Yes, you can use any other kind of drinkable water for Hemlock Drink. But it will not taste as good as using pure spring water.
How should I serve it?
Hemlock Drink has a strong herb flavor, so please dilute it with some ice cubes or put some water in the drink to dilute the flavor. It can also be served hot or cold.
Is It Kids Friendly?
Yes. Hemlock Drink is safe for kids to drink because it’s so easy to prepare and is tasty! It can be served warm over ice cubes or cold with some milk.
Can I make this in a Day?
You can make this drink in a day (with the soaking time) by following the instructions above. The only step that might take more time is parboiling the hemlock leaves, which will take about 20 minutes.
Is It Suitable For Pregnant Women?
Hemlock Drink is not recommended for pregnant women because it may cause harm to their unborn child. Please consult a doctor before trying this recipe!
Can I drink too much Hemlock Drink?
You can drink as much Hemlock Drink as you want, but you should be aware of the side effects that could result from doing so.
You can always dilute the drink and add some ice water if you feel any ill effects. Also, if you plan on drinking more than one serving of this drink per day, you should probably talk to your doctor first.
Can I make Hemlock Drink during the Summer?
Yes! You can make this drink any time of the year. Keep in mind to soak your hemlock leaves for at least 3 days before making the drink to ensure that the leaves have time to detox and remove any toxins from your body. You can find more about which herbs will help with detoxification here.
What are some other drinks that I can make at home?
If you like the taste of hemlock and want to try something different, you may enjoy making a tincture of this herb. You can find more info on how to make a tincture here.
What should I do if I have Hemlock leaves growing in my garden?
Don’t worry! You can harvest and use the hemlock leaves from your garden for your Hemlock Drink. Just make sure to harvest them as soon as possible after they sprout and be careful not to eat any of the leaves because they are poisonous accidentally.
Conclusion
Overall, Hemlock Drink is a great drink option if you like earthy and herbal tastes. It’s also really good for your body!
It can help detox your body and even help you overcome headaches and dizziness, but most importantly, it is mild in flavor so that anyone can enjoy this drink!
Please remember always to drink responsibly and never drive under the influence of alcohol or herbal drinks. You can find more great recipes on our blog, such as this recipe for Elderberry Wine Recipe.
