Killer Harvest

When you think of Vikings and the Nordic people, pumpkins don’t usually come to mind. This mead wasn’t made to be a representation of a typical Nordic drink or recipe of any kind, but rather the celebration of harvest time which is extremely important to most cultures the world over. Harvest is a time to reap the bounty of a year’s hard work, toiling in the fields, and the closing of another year. Pumpkin Ale is a very American concept that was created by the early settlers, along with ciders, due to the lack of grains at the begin of modern American society. To truly celebrate harvest time, I have incorporated a variety of malts, sugars, and yeasts, which give this unique mead a full spectrum of outstanding qualities.

Coastal sage honey and award winning orange blossom honey, cider/wine yeast, German beer yeast, personal blend of pumpkin spice, three malt mix, and an orange pumpkin for one batch and a red pumpkin for another. Both batches were identical except for the pumpkins being used, and both batches came out to 10.5%ABV. Personally, I enjoyed the flavor of the red pumpkin only slightly more than the orange. This is probably because red Cinderella pumpkins have a naturally sweeter flavor, which is why they’re more commonly used for pies.  Two different kinds of sugars were added to help thicken the viscosity and sweetness for a more dessert like quality, I never back sweeten, EVER, so this was added during fermentation. The grains chosen, impart a sweat bready and mild toasty caramel flavor, and golden red hue. The pumpkin spice doesn’t come through nearly as strong as the alcohol and malt. In other words, if you were expecting a pumpkin pie liquor, this isn’t it. Like most of Ragnarok’s meads, this drink leans more towards a hard alcohol flavor and body.

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.

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. One of the most common and well known uses for honey is for coughs and colds. Honey many other benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidants which can help neutralize reactive oxygen species in the body. ROS can build up in cells causing damage, this can contribute to conditions like premature aging, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols, a plant compound, also plays a part in honey’s health benefits. Some studies have found that honey can be effective when administered to partial-thickness burns and wounds that had become infected after surgery.

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.

Barley

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. Grain being, one of the world’s possibly oldest and first agricultural products has been used in a multitude of ways and has many nutrients like fiber, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty oils. Barley water is thought to help with UTI’s, digestive pain, and kidney problems. It also contains many vitamins such as iron, folate, lignans, copper manganese, and selenium. Other symptoms that raw barley has been used for are cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, lowering triglycerides, fiber, stomach cancer, and controlling appetite by stabilizing blood sugar. Barley, like most other grains, comes with anti-nutrient content which impairs digestion and nutrient absorption. This can be reduced by sprouting the barley which will also increase vitamin, mineral, protein, and antioxidant levels.    Barley is generally safe, but don't eat large amounts of cooked barley sprouts during pregnancy. Barley may come with a risk of bacteria that can cause illness. As per the FDA, pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems should avoid eating raw or lightly cooked sprouts of any type. Moreover, avoid taking barley supplements when breastfeeding, just to be safe.

Magical purposes: As a symbol of rebirth and fertility, barley has had a very extensive background in ancient cultures worldwide. Its symbolism is the reason we use rice (a grain) to throw at weddings.

Allspice

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. This spice is harvested from the unripe berry of the Pimenta dioica tree and contains glycosides and polyphenols, which have antibacterial, hypotensive, anti-neuralgic, and analgesic properties. Two other important compounds found in allspice are Eugenol and Gallic acid which have selective antiproliferative and antitumor properties.

Magical purposes: Allspice can be used many types of magic including Health, prosperity, protection, love, and energy.

Nutmeg

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. Nutmeg is made from the seeds of a tropical evergreen tree found in Indonesia called Myristica Fragrans. Nutmeg contains power compounds that act as anti-oxidants in the body. Studies performed on lab rats which were given isoproterenol, a medication that induces severe oxidative stress, were also treated with nutmeg extract. The rats that were not given Nutmeg extract suffered cell death and significant tissue damage. Nutmeg also has anti-inflammatory properties, possibly enhances sex drive, anti-bacterial properties, reduces high cholesterol and heart disease, antidepressant, helps fight cancer, the oil is used in dental products to protect from bacteria and bad breathe, rich in fiber, and blood sugar control. Nutmeg also contains vitamin A/C/E, manganese, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, zinc, and iron.

Magical purposes: Used during meditation, as a cologne, in foods, under a pillow, and several other important situations to increase positive outcomes for luck, clairvoyance, love, safe traveling, and wealth. Can be used whole and ground in various situation depending on the application.

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. Has many beneficial 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.

Ginger

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. Native to southeastern Asia, Ginger can be used fresh, ground, dried, and preserved. Most common uses are for nausea and vomiting do to the bioactive ingredient gingerol which boosts the rate of digestion. This root can also be used for pain management and an anti-inflammatory for muscle soreness, osteoarthritis, migraine, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus.

Magical purposes: Ginger has a wide range of uses including love, power, protection, prosperity, amplifying, and healing.

Cloves

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. Made from the dried flower buds of a tree native to Indonesia, the medicinal parts of clove that can be used are clove oils, dried flower, leaves, and stems. Because of the intensity of this spice it would a good idea to be caution when using to prevent possible irritations or allergic reactions. Commonly used for dental cleaning products, clove is also high in anti-oxidants, improve liver health, may help against cancer, can kill bacteria, help regulate blood sugar, promote bone health, reduce stomach ulcers, and used for centuries as a food preservative.  The anti-oxidant and anti-microbial levels in clove is higher than most vegetables and fruits.

Magical purposes: Most common uses for clove in magic can be used in the same way it brings positivity when consumed. Because of its powerful characteristics, it be used for a variety of workings from love, to spiritual strengthening and connectivity, cleansing/banishing of evil spirits, and to bring good fortune. Cooking and food preparation is a very effective method but also amulets and oils are a few more ways to use this spice.

Cinnamon

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. Made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree there are two varieties of cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin which is believed to be harmful in larger doses. Ceylon cinnamon is regarded as “true cinnamon”, has lower coumarin levels, and is more widely available and affordable. Cinnamon is loaded with anti-oxidants, cinnamon has been connected to reduced risk of heart disease, anti-inflammatory, improved sensitivity to insulin thereby supporting better blood sugar control, normalizing neurotransmitter levels that improve motor function which combats diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, a coagulant for bleeding, and some studies have shown that it is toxic to cancer cells. Test tube studies have proven that cinnamon is effective against fungi that cause respiratory infections, inhibit the growth of some bacteria such as listeria and salmonella, and prevention of tooth decay and bad breathe.

Magical purposes: Can be used to reinforce solar magic or invoke the element of fire, has protective qualities and can be used some in work involving love.

Oak Aging

Magical purposes: Associated with many gods, including Thor, the Oak is a powerful and useful tree in many cultures. This tree also produces mistletoe which is still used today, like during the winter holidays and in Norse mythology in the story about the death of Baldr. This tree helps to invoke magic with weather, earth, and especially gods of thunder.

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.com, Harvard Health online, and others.