Makes 1 Quart

I asked Brighid Doherty, founder of Solidago School of Herbalism, if she had a most-recommended recipe for hot flashes. This was it! This infusion is composed of dried rose petals and sage leaves.

Rose petals are energetically cooling and nourishing to women’s reproductive and nervous systems.

They taste floral and divine. Sage leaves are cooling and drying. Sage is an astringent herb that is known to dry body secretions from sweat to breast milk, making it ideal for counteracting hot flashes and high pitta.

This tisane can be enjoyed in the evening before bed to cool night sweats or sipped throughout the day from a water bottle to help cool hot flashes. It’s most potent when made fresh daily, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To make a cooling face or body spritz, soak a washcloth with the tisane and rub it over the body, especially during night sweats, hot flashes, or reddening of the skin. Fill a spray bottle with the tisane and mist it on the face for cooling on the go.

• 2 tbsp dried rose petals
• 2 tbsp dried sage leaves
• 1 qt boiling water

Place the herbs in a I-qt mason jar or 4-cup teapot. Fill the jar or teapot with boiling water, and steep for 20 minutes.

Use a wire mesh tea strainer to strain the tisane into another jar. Enjoy it hot by the mugful or iced by the glassful, or carry it with you in a thermos -either hot or iced, depending on your preference-throughout the day.

Store in the refrigerator for up to five days in a mason jar with a tight lid.

Working therapeutically with herbs for women’s health is surprisingly effective. I have witnessed herbal therapies heal all manner of imbalances- and been healed myself.

Many people have affinities with certain plants. Once you discover the ones that work for you, the relationship between self and plant only grows stronger. Keep in mind that herbs are precious resources, and use them judiciously. Do not overbuy and waste them or let them languish. Start small, buy half a pound at most, and establish a consistent herbal practice before procuring more.

By Kate O’Donnell