The Kitchen Herbalist

Blueberries & Sweet Cream

Welcome to the August edition of the kitchen herbalist. Here, the AIMC herbal pharmacy director Athene Eisenhardt shares seasonal recipes based on the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine.

Blueberries are a wonderful summer food high in antioxidants and support Heart, Kidney, and Brain function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all three of these organs are related. The Heart can be likened not only to the heart organ but also to the central nervous system, which includes the brain.

The brain is in turn fed and nourished by the Kidney essence. And, together, the Heart-Kidney axis helps properly regulate our nervous systems’ ability to respond to traumatic events and shock. The beautiful midnight blue color of these berries is a give away that they help nourish the Kidneys, and they also do so much more!

Blueberries with Lavender Sweet Cream

2 cups whipping cream
2-4 tablespoons lavender buds
1 pint fresh blueberries

Place the lavender buds in the whipping cream. Cover and let steep in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.
Strain out the lavender, whip the cream, and serve with fresh blueberries.

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