This article gives a quick overview of how to make herbal popsicles at home. By aromatherapist and garden herbalist Sharon Falsetto Chapman.

You might be thinking that herbs in popsicles are an odd choice. In reality, the broad term “herb” is applied to fruit and herbs, combining the freshness of the season and the garden, in delicious summer treats!

In this article, I will give you some ideas of which herbs and fruits to use to make herbal popsicles, a guideline for how to make herbal popsicles, and where you can learn more and get access to some original and unique recipes!

What are Herbal Popsicles?

Popsicles are a great summer treat both for the kids and for you. Store-bought popsicles are packed full of artificial ingredients and colors which are not healthy for long-term consumption.

Fortunately, it’s fun and easy to make your own herbal treats at home, often with just a couple of fresh ingredients. Pick them up at the grocery store or you might be lucky enough to find them in your own garden.

I recommend that you become familiar with different herbs over time so you know how each one will react in a recipe and what your favorite tastes are. You’ll also need to know which part of the herb/fruit to use. In addition, it’s important to note contra-indications for each herb or fruit that you add to your recipe. Some herbs are not recommended in pregnancy, are not recommended for use with babies and children and, although some herbal popsicles are safe to share with your pooch, others are not pet friendly. Know before you experiment!

Simple Herbal Popsicle Recipe

Although each herbal popsicle recipe differs, you can expect to use some variation of the following formula:

• 1 to 2 parts water or herbal tea
• 2 to 3 parts fruit/herb
• Optional and dependent on herb used: 2 teaspoons raw honey

Herbs to Use

Let your imagination run free with your creations! Think about what herbs and/or fruits you enjoy. Some of my favorites include:

• Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
• Cherry (Prunus avium)
• Apple (Malus domestica)
• Mint (Mentha)
• Rose (Rosa )
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Blueberry (Vaccinium)
• Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Tips on How to Make Herbal Popsicles

There are a few important things to remember when using fresh herbs or fruits that you’ve picked yourself for herbal popsicles. These include (but are not exhaustive):

• Absolutely know – more than 100% know—that you’ve correctly identified the herb or fruit. Mistakes can literally be fatal.
• Know which plant part is used (each herb or fruit differs).
• Do not use herbs or fruits which have been sprayed with insecticides, pesticides, or any other type of chemical.
• Do not wild craft herbs or fruit from near roads, railway track lines, or any type of pollutant.

Learn More about Herbal Popsicles

Not sure where to start? We’ve collated a collection of original herbal popsicle recipes for our sunflower students in Botanical Aromatherapy™ school where you can find some fun and tasty recipes to try! You can download beautiful, PDF recipe cards to print and keep. And we’ve taken the guesswork out of it all, with precise ingredients, instructions, and safety notes.

Not quite ready to commit? Try our exclusive How to Make Summer Popsicles eBook available for a limited time through December 31, 2024. It also includes a $10 discount code for lavender or sunflower membership.

To learn more about Botanical Aromatherapy™ school and becoming a lavender or sunflower student, visit our web page to learn more.

About the Author:

The author of this article has been working in the health care industry since the 1990’s and in the aromatherapy industry since the 2000’s. She is a UK-certified aromatherapist, a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®, a gardener, and a certified herbalist with several years of study. She is also a botanical perfumer.

Sharon is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, and custom blend formulator. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she gardens and distills plants from her own aromatic gardens, surrounded by natural fauna and flora on an original pioneer homestead property.