The Heathen is a drink meant to embody the essence of a lifestyle, time period, and the people who lived it. This methelgin/melomel does just that and more. It truly feels like a warm spring day on open fields and warm meals surrounded by loved ones. This drink was designed to have ingredients that were available to those people during that time, which is probably why it works so well. The word heathen is very similar to the word pagan, but with slight caveats. While the word pagan implies a more religious form of practice as well as poor social class, heathens were often Norse-Germanic peoples who specifically did not follow Christianity and/or dwelled on the plains were heather flowers grew. In the Anglo saxxon Chronicles the word heathen is used a hand full of times to describe the viking invaders. Especially compared to "Danes", which was used to reference the Norse far more frequently. Both labels were used to discribe Nordic peoples and Vikings, but like any other label it comes down to who is saying it and why and the time period.
The history is a fantastic part of what makes any of Ragnarok’s meads what they are, that is only but one aspect of many characteristics. There are several health benefits to our ingredients, not to mention a rich esoteric background to them as well. Because of the yearly availability of most produce, and recipe calibrations, we started incorporating and substituting more Buckwheat honey for general wild flower honeys. The Heathen has benefited greatly from this. The herbs and spices used to give shape to this magnificent metheglin/melomel are coriander, chamomile, and heather. These ingredients specifically give the Heathen its iconic flavors and boldness. Additionally, we throw some fruit into the mix to help give it a fuller sweetness that only fruit sugars can provide. In this case, we added apples, raspberries, and plums.
Though this drink has quite the mixture of fruits and herbs, I assure you they’re in perfect balance and harmony. The smell instantly has a strong floral and alcohol presence. A light body that coats the mouth and a fantastic sweetness from the apples and honey on the back flavor. Below I have listed the main ingredients with some fascinating information surrounding them, including health benefits and even magical purposes. The FDA does not regulate herbs and dietary supplements. The following was collected through multiple online and literary sources.
Buckwheat honey
Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this substance, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Buckwheat produces a fruit similar to rhubarb and has small flowers. Honey in general has been used to heal open sores and wounds, sooth coughs and sore throats, used topically as a skin care agent, highest antioxidants of any honey, reduces cholesterol, and even help repair DNA by reversing mutations.
Magical applications: All honey is the product of good weather from the Sun and hard work from bees. So understandably, honey has a strong connection to solar energies, and the earth from which all other nutrients are gathered.
Heather
Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Commonly used in tea, heather has a plethora of health benefits. Some of which are: kidney and urinary tract conditions, prostate enlargement, fluid retention, gout, arthritis, hyperhidrosis, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, respiratory issues, coughs and colds, digestive problems, liver disease, and more.
Magical purposes:When working with heather for spiritual enhancement, it’s not uncommon to be used for meditation, to promote inner peace, tranquility, harmony, and attracting positive energy. Likewise, this could also be used for protection from evil spirits and to bring good luck.
Coriander
Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits such as vitamins and antioxidants. The leaves and seeds are full of vitamin K which helps with blood clots and bone repair. The antioxidants in coriander help fight off loose oxygen molecules known as free radicals which damage cells causing potential cancer, heart disease, and signs of aging. It has also been used for digestive and respiratory issues.
Magical purposes: Utilized for protecting a home and its occupants, this little plant is best used for protection.
Chamomile
Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Most commonly used as a tea, chamomile has been utilized throughout history and the world over for many health benefits like: chest cold, fever, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, acid reflux, gastro and digestive issues, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
Magical purposes: Often correlated to the Sun, Chamomile is used to keep evil and bad luck at bay, to reduce melancholy and stress, and assists with visionary dreams.
Apples
Health benefits: Apples are approximately 85% water and have antioxidants, as well as fiber. These fruits have higher fiber than sugar which makes them a useful food to keep glucose at a good level. High cholesterol can be reduced by 5-8% by eating 3 ounces of dried apples a day. Apples contain not only fiber but quercetin, both of which help reduce inflammation. That latter has also been linked to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Magical purposes: Apples are said to be useful in love magic, and to leave the last apple of harvest on the tree will bring about good harvest the following year.
Raspberries
Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits. Part of the rose family, raspberries have several nutrients including: fiber, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, Omeg3 fatty acids, potassium, copper, and vitamin B/C/E/K. Like many fruits, Raspberries have anti-oxidants like vitamin-C, quercertin, and ellagic acid which helps reduce oxidative stress, free radicals, and helps promote collagen production. Oxidative stress is linked to higher risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes/obesity. Some animal studies with raspberries have shown to help reduce these illnesses, as well as inflammation and DNA repair.
Magical purposes: Some sources indicate that raspberries can be used for fertility and love magic, as well as protection. In the Greek story of Ida, raspberries had a connection to fertility. In fact, the Latin name for these berries is Rubus Ideaus, which means “bramble bush of Ida”.
Plums
Health benefits: There is said to not be enough modern scientific research to back up the claims made about the beneficial qualities of this herb/spice, but many cultures for centuries have sworn by them and their possible benefits.Not only do plums and prunes assist with digestive regularity, but studies have found them to be protective against bone loss with the help of vitamin K. Other studies have found that plums may possibly be beneficial to cholesterol and healthy blood sugar.
Magical purposes: Like most fruit, plums can be used for love and attraction. Other uses across many cultures vary from easing the mind and body, patience, ward off evil, resurrection, longevity, increase spiritual connections, and wisdom.
Disclaimer: As a reminder, all things in excess can be dangerous. Even drinking too much water can cause severe side effects or death. In the United States, all herbal remedies are listed as a dietary supplement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it is not subject to strict scrutiny for safety and efficacy. Unlike standard pharmaceutical drugs which are required to pass (Clement et al. 2006). The FDA mandates that all herbal remedies contain a disclaimer informing the consumer that any claims about the medicine’s therapeutic value have not been evaluated by that agency… Ironic, I know… The information contained in this article is comprised of multiple online sources, including but not limited to NIH and other government sources, WebMD, Heathline, and others.
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