BeeYouTiful

What's in this little bottle?

Stevia, a pleasant tasting herb that is native to Paraguay, has been used daily for centuries in the diet of the Guarani Indians who called it kaa he-he, or “sweet herb”. It was “discovered” in the late 1800’s by an Italian botanist, after which it began to be cultivated on farms for use, rather than just growing wild. Gradually, stevia’s popularity spread to other South American countries, and then to Europe. In 1970, an extract of stevia was introduced in Japan and in 1988, it began to be used in numerous food products there, from ice cream and candies to pastries, soft drinks, and even toothpaste.

Stevia has no known toxicity or side-effects and, when used in whole plant form, it has often been used as a digestive aid. The leaves have been used topically as a support in fighting acne, dermatitis, eczema and other skin conditions both by the Guarani and others who are familiar with the stevia plant. Stevia leaves are known to reduce scar tissue formation as well as to promote softer, smoother skin. Anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties have been found in both the whole plant as well as the extract and because of this, both have been used topically to promote wound healing and also in mouthwashes and toothpastes to inhibit bacterial growth that can lead to cavities.

Mix up your own anti-bacterial mouthwash with 1 cup of purified water, 3 drops of Peppermint Oil, 3 drops of Tea Tree oil and Stevia Extract to taste. Shake it up in a container with a lid, or stir well with a spoon. Use a small “swig” to swish in your mouth, then spit out. Sore throats also benefit when you gargle with this mouthwash.

Stevia Extract has most commonly been used in tea or coffee, or in baking and cooking due to its pleasing taste.

For a refreshing, lightly flavored water drink in the middle of a hot day, add 1-2 drops of Peppermint, Orange, or Lemon Essential Oil to 8 oz of water and 2 or 3 drops of Stevia Extract. Another variation, along the lines of an “orange cream” drink, blends 1-2 drops of Orange Essential Oil, ½ to 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2-3 drops of Stevia Extract in 8 oz. of water. *

Lemonade is another tangy, summer drink that can be made by mixing 1 gallon of purified water, 2 cups of fresh squeezed lemon juice (or try ¾ to 1 cup lemon juice concentrate), and stevia to taste (about 1-2 tsp). Pour it over ice and say “Ahhh…”.

Stevia Extract will bring some delightful sipping to your favorite teas or coffees, iced or hot. Just mix 2-3 drops Stevia Extract into your steaming mug or icy glass. Also add it, along with your favorite fruit, to your kefir smoothie for a nutritious snack. For a vanilla kefir smoothie, simply blend kefir, vanilla, and Stevia Extract to taste.

Berries and Cream! For a simple, summer dessert, use plain berries, or, if you prefer, add 1-2 drops of Stevia to a bowl of berries and stir gently until it’s well blended. Before whipping the cream to top the berries, add Stevia Extract and vanilla to taste. Top the berries with whipped cream and dip in.

Also try Stevia Extract in homemade foods such as ice cream, jam, pickles, salad dressing, ketchup and mayo, and in a variety of cooked and baked dishes. The possibilities are endless!