The earliest alcohol remedies in China were produced by including specific herbs in the fermentation process of traditional rice wine. The procedure of steeping herbs in the stronger white liquor (baijiu) was introduced later and was widely used during the Qing dynasty. When V.I.P Jiu 8 was first devised by the great Chinese emperor Kangxi he selected nine specific herbs to create the imperial aroma baijiu.
Herbal remedies which include alcohol as a catalyst are included in all major Chinese works on herbal prescriptions. Since the 14th century, taking tonic wines became common practice amongst the Chinese elite. The Ming compendium Puji fang contains around 300 alcohol based prescriptions.
In the 8th century, the Persians developed the art of distillation and used the concentrated alcohol as an anesthetic. Ever since then some drinks have been praised for their medicinal value, treating everything from upset stomachs, to warding off disease. By the early 9th century, alcohol was widely prescribed as medicine. Alcohol was not consumed in the same way as it is today. In ancient times alcohol was seen as an important medical ingredient and an essential part of the diet.
Moderate alcohol intake can be stress reliving and relaxing on the body and mind. It is also an effective antiseptic. The combination of alcohol and botanicals create an effective medicine that has been around for thousands of years.
Taken in moderation alcohol is known to reduce blood clots, can prevent heart attacks and strokes, known to reduce the chance of getting diabetes. Also alcohols antioxidants and trace minerals helps with muscle pain, and osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density. Plus its anti-microbial properties help fight germs.
Having had V.I.P Jiu 8 scientifically analysed we knew it was packed full of good properties, but we wanted to know what restorative effects it had when taken in medicinal doses. We used V.I.P Jiu 8 as the main ingredient in creating toddies, teas and tisane, for they have their own benefits. Like honey which has anti-inflammatory properties and lemon which contains powerful antioxidants. The list of medicinal herbs is large and the effects of toddies, teas and tisane have been proven to aid in matters of restoring health.
So let us now look at some herbs that can go into hot toddies along with V.I.P Jiu 8 and what their restorative properties are. First of all what is a hot toddy? To keep it simple a hot toddy consists of hot water + lemon or botanicals + alcohol + honey. That is it, nothing complicated.
Some might argue that anything more than lemon in a toddy is bordering on a tisane, a tisane is a herbal infusion and may be classed as medicinal drink. One of the first writings about tisane was recorded in a medical book during the third century AD. By a Chinese physician named Hua To. He is known for making some of the earliest herbal treatments by decocting medicinal plants. Herbal teas are a beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices or other plant material in hot water. The Chinese have been using herbal teas as medicine for over two thousand years.
Toddy, Tea or Tisane?
Now let us make toddies, teas and a tisane or two. I am using an Irish coffee glass, but you can use whatever is handy.
1) This helps relive congestion, soothes sore throats and provides vitamin c.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, 200ml of hot water, the juice from ½ a lemon, a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey.
Put all the ingredients into a glass, add the hot water, then stir and enjoy.
2) This helps soothe sore throats and loosen chest mucus.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, 200ml of water, a one inch piece of ginger, a slice of lemon, grated nutmeg and a teaspoon of honey.
Put V.I.P Jiu 8, honey and lemon slice into a glass. Put water and ginger into a pan and simmer for five minutes, then pour over V.I.P Jiu 8, honey and lemon slice, add fresh grated nutmeg then stir and enjoy.
3) This helps relieve nausea, encourages sweating and eases coughs.
25 ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, a one inch piece of ginger, a two inch stick of cinnamon, 200ml of water and one teaspoon of honey.
Put V.I.P Jiu 8 and honey into a glass. Put the water, ginger and cinnamon into a pan and simmer for five minutes then strain into glass, stir and enjoy.
4) This helps to relieve indigestion.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, one camomile tea bag, a slice of lemon, 200ml of hot water and a teaspoon of honey.
Put everything into a glass and top with hot water, let it sit until desired strength is reached and remove teabag, stir and enjoy.
5) This is a good digestive aid and is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, one liquorice teabag, a slice of lemon, 200ml of hot water and a teaspoon honey.
Put everything into a glass and top with hot water, let it sit until desired strength is reached and remove teabag, stir and enjoy.
6) Used as an anti-inflammatory and decongestant.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, one juniper berry tea bag, a slice of lemon, a teaspoon of honey and 200ml of hot water.
Put everything into a glass and top with hot water, let it sit until desired strength is reached and remove teabag, stir and enjoy.
7) Use to lower blood sugar and cholesterol and promote relaxation.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, one gram of ginseng root, a slice of lemon, a teaspoon of honey and 200ml of water.
Put V.I.P Jiu 8, honey and lemon into glass. In small pan put the chopped ginseng and water, simmer gently for five minutes and then strain into a glass, stir and enjoy.
8) Use as an anti-inflammatory to reduce nasal congestion.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8, two sprigs of rosemary, a slice of lemon, a teaspoon of honey and 200ml of water.
Put V.I.P Jiu 8, lemon and honey into a glass. In small pan put rosemary and water, simmer gently for five minutes and then strain into a glass, stir and enjoy.
9) Contains antioxidants that support the bod’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage.
25ml of V.I.P Jiu, two cloves of garlic, a slice of lemon, a teaspoon of honey and 200ml water.
Put V.I.P Jiu 8, lemon and honey into a glass. Put water and crushed garlic into small pan, simmer gently for five minutes and then strain into a glass, stir and enjoy.