Garlic & Pepper- Health Vodka (Allium sativum – Capsicum spp.):
A tradition among seasoned New York City Russian bathers, this infusion will replenish the vigor lost from the intensified heat of the Russian sauna. Garlic and its “cure all” properties, has been known to cure maladies of the past such as the plague, to the recent epidemic of high cholesterol. With similar healing properties of protection from infection, hot peppers are also known to enhance mood through stimulation of endorphins. Combined, this infusion will increase circulation and provide an over-all increase in vitality and heat to ward off any offending agent.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus):
Consisting primarily of water, cucumbers are a popular vegetable known for its cooling nature. One of humanity’s earliest food crops, it has been cultivated on all continents. The Roman Emperor Tiberius held the cucumber in such high regard that he demanded it be present at every meal. In order to provide the Emperor with his daily cucumbers, his servants put them in carts and wheeled them out to sit in the sun during the day and then took them in at night. Such methods can be justified for a vegetable with the ability to cleanse and purify blood to restore normal body functions.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus):
Found in the same family as the cucumber, it is the most water-filled fruit known. Having originated in Africa’s hot and arid Kalahari Desert, watermelon serves to treat heat conditions with its cooling thermal nature. Watermelons have worked their way into many cultures as symbols and during various celebrations. They are found in Mexican art related to the holiday Dia de los Muertos and are also consumed in the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year for its lucky color.

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo):
This orange, sugary, fragrant summer fruit was named after the commune Cantalupo in Sabina in the Sabine Hills near Tivoli, Italy, a summer residence of the Pope. There, Pope Innocent (1721-1724) was known to enjoy port wine from a partially hollowed melon as an aperitif. By way of Christopher Columbus in 1494, cantaloupe was introduced to North America where it is now enjoyed throughout the summer season. Known to treat adverse heat conditions with its cooling properties, cantaloupe is a great choice after the heat of a steam bath.

Stone fruits (Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, Cherries- Prunus spp.)
These fruits are of the Prunus species and are also known as drupes. Fruits of this nature are known to have originated from China. They are referenced in many Asian folktales and traditions, typically as metaphors for fertility and longevity.
        Peaches play an important role in Chinese tradition representing long life. Notably they are known as a symbol of fertility, and are also thought of as magical - seen as an omen, signifying luck, abundance, and protection. It is the preferred fruit of immortals.
        Cherries have been cultivated on several continents for the multitude of benefits and uses found in these sweet, delectable berries. Native Americans taught European explorers traversing the plains, mountains, and deserts of North America, to carry these highly nutritious and medicinal light-weight fruits to stave off disease, combat inflammation and other likely ailments suffered on long journeys. Just a few a day can go a long way.

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
The recent charm of blueberries as an anti-aging healing food actually arose during World War II. Historically, blueberries were primarily made into jam, and British Royal Air Force pilots found that night vision was improved (sometimes dramatically) with a dollop of blueberry jam just before a mission. This enhancement was found to be the work of special compounds found in the blueberry skins that benefit the flow of blood to connective tissues throughout the body. Combined with the abundant anti-oxidants found in blueberries, they provide support through the aging process.

Blackberry and Raspberry (Rubus spp.):
Close cousins, these berries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and pectin. They can serve as an astringent and posses blood-building properties. In Medieval Europe, raspberry juice was used in paintings and illuminated manuscripts. During this period, only the rich partook of their tasty bounty. Blackberries were in olden days supposed to give protection against all 'evil runes,' if gathered at the right time of the moon. The whole plant had once a considerable popular reputation both as a medicine and as a charm for various disorders.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum):
There have been claims that tomatoes were considered an aphrodisiac and were thus shunned by the Puritans. This myth may be due to a mistranslation of a legend of a traveling Frenchman who became fascinated with the new taste of the tomatoes he had eaten. He went back to the chef, who was Italian, and asked him what this new ingredient was. The chef said "Pomme de' Moors" (apple of the Moors), but the Frenchman misunderstood and thought he said "Pomme d'Amore" (Apple of Love). Thus the modern Italian word for tomato is "pomodoro." Today, tomatoes are eaten freely throughout the world, and their consumption is believed to benefit the heart, among other things. Lycopene, one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, is notably present in tomatoes, to help ward off the effects of disease and aging.

Lemon Mint / Lime mint (Citrus spp. – Mentha spp.):
Lemons and limes have been known to be the most valuable of all fruits for preserving health due to the high content of vitamin C. Mint dates back to medieval times as it is referenced in many old writings and can be found wild in nearly all countries to which civilization has extended. Both are universally esteemed and mix nicely to aid in digestion. Some believe they are a cure for the hiccups.

Fig (Ficus carica):
Valued from the earliest days of civilization, figs have been referenced in many religious texts. Allusions to figs have been found in Scriptures, Latin mythology, and Buddhist texts. They have been celebrated for the beauty of their foliage and the sweetness and goodness of the fruits. Grecian athletes fed almost entirely on figs to increase their strength and swiftness. Today they are known to increase energy, as well as reinforce and support digestion.

Grape (Vitis spp.):
Dominating the largest fruit industry of the world, grapes are cultivated for its many versatile forms including: wine, table use, dried as raisins, and juice. There is a growing recognition of red grapes for their heart-friendly nutrient content, antioxidants, and anti-aging qualities, giving them commercial status as a “super-fruit” with their ability to increase vital energy.

Apple (Malus pumila):
From Johnny Appleseed to Adam and Eve, to its symbol as the great panacea to being a typical gift for teachers, apples have been used figuratively and symbolically across many lands and within many cultures and traditions. The useful qualities of this ubiquitous fruit come from the pectin, fiber, and nutrients, in particular antioxidant compounds and vitamin C. Such components make apples beneficial in cancer prevention, heart disease, weight loss, and protecting the brain from degenerative damage. An apple a day...!

Pumpkin (Curcubita pepo):
All Hallows Eve on October 31st marked the end of the old Celtic calendar year, and on that night hollowed out gourds with candles inside them were placed on windowsills and porches to welcome home the spirits of deceased ancestors and ward off evil spirits and a restless soul called "Stingy Jack," hence the name “jack-o-lantern.” Pumpkins are full of vitamin A and potassium and help to regulate blood sugar metabolism, especially helpful in the Halloween tradition of collecting candy and sweets.

Beet (Beta vulgaris):
Since Roman times, beet juice has been considered an aphrodisiac as well as treatment for illnesses relating to digestion and blood. Today, beets are well known as a liver cleanser and a universal panacea. As the color suggests, beets are a blood tonic and have the ability to stain hands as well as urine!

Citrus (Orange, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime- citrus spp.):
Due to the high concentration of vitamin C, Portuguese, Spanish, Arab, and Dutch sailors planted citrus trees along trade routes to prevent scurvy. In general the citrus fruits are effective cooling agents, be it from the heat of a fever, physical exercise, or hot flash. The citrus fruits are also known to be general tonics for weak digestion.

Orange-Banana (Citrus sinensis - Musa acuminata):
The sweet and starchy flesh of the banana combined with the sweet acidity of the orange makes this combination distinctive and reminiscent of a subtropical land. These stress-reducing images of warm sandy beaches, combined with the significant supply of potassium contained within both oranges and bananas, help to reduce stress making this combo beneficial for those with high blood pressure and nagging stress.

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia):
Vanilla beans are a misnomer. The long, thin pods of the vanilla orchid are actually the mature fruit of the orchid plant. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world to produce, being both labor and time intensive to harvest. In old medicinal literature, vanilla is described as an aphrodisiac and a remedy for fevers. Today it is considered a digestive aid and its consoling aroma is used to support self-confidence and to dissolve pent-up anger and frustration. It seems vanilla will sweeten flavor and demeanor.

Honey:
Found in the Old Testament as a symbol of all that is pleasant and desirable, traditionally enjoyed at Rosh Hashanah, depicted in Buddhist art, referenced in the Qur’an to name but a few, honey has been highly valued and esteemed in many cultures often viewed as a symbol or talisman for sweetness of every kind. During the Roman Empire, honey was used instead of gold to pay taxes. For centuries honey has been used as medicine, working naturally to harmonize the liver, neutralizes toxins, and relieve pain. This sweet, valuable substance is a luxurious natural substitute for sugar bringing delight and comfort to those who enjoy it.

Olive & Garlic (Olea europaea – Allium sativum):
Homer called olive oil "liquid gold." In ancient Greece, athletes ritually rubbed it all over their body. Known for their good fatty acids, olives are considered medicinal for high-strung, nervous energy. Ancient Greeks used garlic for more than fueling the fighting spirit; it was also used to tempt the underworld goddess of magic, charms, and enchantment. This synergistic blend is reminiscent of a distant extraordinary Mediterranean land.

Holiday:

Candy Cane:
The candy cane was originally a straight, hard, and all-white candy stick invented by French priests in the early 1400s. The evolution of the red and white striped peppermint flavored bent candy cane that we know today is relatively unclear. Some believe it was formed to represent a shepherd’s staff, while others believe it was invented as a functional solution for decoration of Yule trees. In any case, the sweet peppermint flavor is indicative of the merry times of the holiday season.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans):
Nutmeg, in fact, is not a nut but actually a brown seed of an Indonesian evergreen tree. In Elizabethan times, it was believed that nutmeg could ward off the plague, making it very popular. Found in medieval cuisine, nutmeg was a prized and costly spice. Today, it is known to aid digestion, relieve coughs, reduce pain, and flatulence. This sweetly perfumed spice also lends warmth for the cold holiday season.