HERBAL WINES

& THE HEALTH

PROPERTIES OF WINE
with Nathaniel Whitmore

Wines have been used in herbal preparations since antiquity. Medieval,

Ayurvedic, and Shaolin traditions are among those rich in the use of wine to
carry and preserve herbs and herbal formulations. Before the still allowed
common apothecaries to produce tinctures (herbal extracts made with
distilled alcohol), wine was a common way of preserving herbal formulas.

Medieval Wines
Wine works well to carry bitter and aromatic herbs such as
Dandelion, Mints, and others that are well-known to the
Western world.

Ayurvedic Wines
Ashwaganda is a famous herb of India. It is used in many forms, including as
wine. Though commonly considered a tonic and even a yang tonic, the
binomial nomenclature: Withania somnifera, hints at its relaxing effects.
Indeed, Ashwaganda is specific for the paradoxical combination of low
energy and poor sleep (as is wine itself).

Shaolin Wines
The Shaolin monks used many herbal wines to treat martial art injuries and
promote training; such as the Long-Winded Emperor Assist Training Wine.
While the traditional version of this training wine contains many herbs, my
simplified versions include fewer ingredients. One basic version included
Peony, Donq Quai, Chuan Xiong, Willow, Astragalus, and Lily.

Country Wines

Many country wines such as Elderberry wine, Cherry Wine, and Blueberry
wine have virtues due to the fruits they are made from, as does the standard
Grape wine. Additionally, aging wine in Oak barrels infuses wine with some
benefits from these majestic trees. Mead is also infused with herbal
tradition. Honey wine is one of the worlds oldest alcoholic beverages and
has probably contained herbs since the early days. Delicate versions receive
ingredients well.
Rhodiola Wine
This tonic herb has a distinct vitalizing property and rose flavor that I thought
would blend well with wine. I included some rose petals to increase the
aromatic flavor and uplift the wine.

Long-winded Emperor Assist Training Wine

Red Peony, Dong Quai, Rehmannia, Chuan Xiong (Chinese Ligusticum), Niu
Xi, Saffron, Mu Gua (Chinese Quince), Mu Xiang, Huai Zhi (Sophora), Citrus
Peel, Su Mu, Feng Xian Tou Gu Cao, Willow, Shan Ying Zhao, Lily, Astragalus,
Peach Bark
Quickens the blood and transforms stasis, frees the channels and quickens
the network vessels, scatters nodulation and stops pain, boosts the qi and
strengthens the bones
Indications: Injury due to fall and strike, redness and swelling due to injury,
pain due to blood stasis, numbness of the four limbs, hemiplegia, lack of
strength of the entire body, shortness of breath and fatigue
-

Secret Shaolin Formulas for the Treatment of External Injury by Patriarch De Chan
(Blue Poppy Press)

Aphrodisiac Wine
While wine itself has some aphrodisiac properties, some individuals like to
add herbs such as Damiana. More distinct stimulants such as Ginseng and
Yohimbe can be used with care. Many common spices are also used in
aphrodisiac wines. Generally, aphrodisiac wines are made with herbs that
are relaxing and herbs that are stimulating, which is also the case for Shaolin

training wines and other medicinals. The desired properties come out with
the formula and its use.

Health Properties of Wine

Resveratrol, tannins (polyphenols), antioxidants, and more are all
constituents of wine.