Baba Yaga Bitters {The Crone}
In the darkest depths of the forest, she prowls the deer paths in her house on chicken legs…
A tale is passed down in Slavic folklore for thousands of years, telling of a primordial being that is both sought after and feared to the bones. Her name is Baba Yaga, a witch of the forest that flies around in a mortar and pestle and gallops through the woods in a house on chicken legs, and she is neither good nor evil. The one thing that is indisputable about this infamous being though is that she is wise. People traverse the dangers of the wood to seek her powers, not knowing if she will grant them their wishes or eat them alive. Perhaps at one time she was simply good, but as Christianity rushed in and demonized the pagan ways, she may have taken on a more evil glint to her eye. Either way, every trait they’ve placed upon her, every story and flaw has just made her more of the powerful witch we know today.
Baba Yaga personifies the crone aspect of the divine feminine. While women are taught to smile and be good caretakers, this defiantly fierce pinnacle on the triangle is either shunned or ignored all together. Embracing with wild ferocity can be a necessary and freeing action in understanding our own femininity.
Not only does this blend channel that divine ferocity, but it can also be amazing for people who are in the crone stage of their life. With memory and focus enhancing herbs, this blend helps to keep the mind and digestive system on point.
Baba Yaga by Ivan Bilibin, 1900
Herbal Spotlights
To channel this powerful deity, motherwort is used as the base bitter in this blend. She has all of the qualities of the crone: she is maternal in her abilities to heal female reproductive issues, but she is fierce in her potent bitter bite. Many people also find their way to herbal medicine through motherwort. I’ve heard many stories of people being called to this wise herb and feeling held and healed by her. So naturally, there could be no other option for this blend.
Rounding out the potency of motherwort comes in the form of aromatic herbs such as sage. This renowned herb not only stimulates digestion with its warming aromatic notes, but it is also well-loved for its ability to enhance clarity both energetically and physically.
Rosemary is another aromatic herb that benefits both mind and gut. Many people call upon this herb to strengthen memory, while like sage, its aromatic compounds stimulate and soothe digestion. Its beautifully complex flavor dances a fascinating waltz with the other aromatics and the piercing motherwort.
After creating this blend, I felt there was one thing missing. It took me a moment to figure out what it was, but when I did, I knew immediately. Holy basil, or tulsi, was the last herb to be blended into this formula for its clarifying properties, digestive support, and reputation of being one of the most sacred herbs on the planet.
Added Essence
The essence I added to this blend had to be about attachments. Women in particular tend to have a difficult time with this, whether it be good or unhealthy attachments. We tend to lose ourselves in other people whether it be our significant other, our children, parents, etc. Not to say this is a bad thing, but we occasionally need a reminder that we matter too. Lilac flower essence helps us detach in a beneficial way, whether it be from people, ideas or habits. By fiercely fighting for ourselves, we are tapping into the crone aspect of our being, and coming a bit closer to our wisest selves.
How to Enjoy this Blend
Like all of Woodspell’s blends, Baba Yaga is best enjoyed in sparkling water to experience its true flavor and digestive healing properties. Add 1/4-1/2 tsp to sparkling water daily before a meal, or as needed when experiencing digestive upset.
Baba Yaga is also delicious in this Tulsi Wisdom-ade. This herbal twist on a classic lemonade is sure to delight with its sweet flavor, brain-boosting herbs and digestive support.