Sbiten: composition, useful properties and recipes for cooking

Sbiten is an old folk drink, which was made in Russia. Nowadays, this product is undeservedly forgotten, as well as many other culinary recipes of our ancestors. In fact, it would be good to learn from our forefathers to make medicines with their own hands, using only the gifts of nature.

Hot sbiten was made from honey, with the addition of various spices and medicinal herbs or their infusions. In its composition and method of preparation, this product is similar to mead, but at the same time they are two completely different drinks.

For the first time this drink became known back in the twelfth century. And since then, the Slavic peoples have known and practiced the healing properties of a warming and restorative product. In those days there were several varieties of sbitnj. These included hot, cold, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic solutions. Sbiten-kvass was also produced.

The drink in its hot form was mainly consumed in winter, while the cold variety was perfect for quenching thirst in the summer heat. You could add hops or homemade wine to sbiten.

The drink received its name from the old Russian word "to knock down", that is, to mix. The point is that the ingredients for sbiten were in two vessels. In one vessel various medicinal plants were infused, and the second was honey. Before use, both ingredients were mixed in one bowl, and the result was a sbiten. Interestingly, before the appearance of tea in Russia sbiten was made in samovars, it was considered the most favorite and frequently consumed product. This drink was drunk by almost all Rusians, on weekdays and holidays for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, at fairs and in baths, at home and as a guest.

The main spices were herbs such as sage, St. John's wort, and as spices could be used cinnamon, bay leaf, bitter capsicum, ginger. After the October Revolution the use of smotnin was significantly reduced, up to complete cessation. Instead of this drink people began to drink black tea and coffee.

What is sbiten

Sbiten is most often a non-alcoholic, sometimes alcoholic, hot or cold drink that contains water, honey, spices and spices, and medicinal herbs. As already mentioned, the name of this product appeared in the process of combining them, that is, whipping two liquids - honey, diluted in water, and spicy herbal decoction.

There are two main methods of making sbiten - simple and boiled. If the choux method is used, the process is accompanied by fermentation.

To get 1 liter of simple sbitnj, you need 100 grams of honey, spices and 1 liter of water. The specified amount of liquid must be divided into two parts: 200 ml and 800 ml. In a smaller volume of water dissolve the honey and boil over low heat, constantly removing the foam. Spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, wrap in gauze and boil in water. So that the spices and herbs saturate the water with their flavor as much as possible, infuse for half an hour. After this, mix both components and reheat before use.

To prepare a brewed sbiten should be combined in an enamel bowl 4 liters of water, 500 ml of honey, 4 liters of light broth, 30 ml of vinegar and 20 grams of ginger. The resulting mixture for 60 minutes should be boiled on low heat while constantly removing the foam. After that the mixture should be cooled and then poured into a hermetically sealed container. Here also add 0.5 tbsp. yeast. Put the drink in a warm place for 10-12 hours, so that it ferments. After that, open the pot and move it to a cold place. Here the potion should infuse for a few more days. Only after that can you consume the sbiten.

It should be noted that, in addition to spices, you can include in sbitenen various fruit and berry juices. As a result, the drink will become more fragrant and tasty.

Composition and calories

The benefit and harm of such a product consists in the properties of the main components, as well as determined by additional components. It can be cinnamon, lemon, ginger. As you know, bee products are a natural source of many useful substances, which are necessary to promote human health and maintain it. Honey promotes rejuvenation, in addition, supports and strengthens immunity, helps to cope with colds.

There are even known methods of cleansing with a complex of honey and water. However, before using such a remedy, it is necessary to study all the positive and negative qualities, as well as to consult with a specialist, because it is very important to prepare a drink consisting of the right ingredients.

Thus, sbiten contains mono- and disaccharides, starch, acids of organic origin, dietary fiber.

The mineral composition is represented by the following substances: Na, K, P, Ca, Cu, S, Mg, I, Zn, Fe and others.

The product is enriched with B vitamins. It is here that thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine are contained. In addition, ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol and niacin are present in the sbitnet.

The caloric value of this drink is about 60 calories per 100 grams.

What is useful for sbiten

General benefits

As already mentioned, hot sbiten is mainly a winter drink, which was used to warm up after hypothermia. Due to its composition, the product is endowed with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, such a solution is useful to drink to restore the body after diseases, operations and injuries. Cold liquid is used to quench thirst in the bath, as well as on hot days.

The main therapeutic qualities of sbiten is due to the inclusion of honey. It is this component that saturates the drink with many vitamins and minerals. It has a tonic effect, helps to restore strength after severe mental and physical exertion. In small quantities the drink is allowed for use by diabetics. It is also important to include sbiten in the diet for anemia, indigestion, intestinal disorders, abnormalities of the cardiovascular system and diseases of the dermis.

Thanks to additional spices, sbiten acquires medicinal characteristics. Thus, if you add cloves to the drink, the result will be a potion that helps relieve stomach and intestinal cramps, reduce pain and provide the body with energy. Adding cinnamon to sbiten gives the drink anti-fungal properties, which can reduce the development of putrefactive processes in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as normalize blood glucose levels. Cardamom as part of such a solution will have a positive effect on the nervous system and help relieve stress. If you add to the solution of elecampane, you get a remedy that is effective in the presence of coughs. If you include sage, thyme or oregano, the drink will acquire anti-inflammatory properties.

It is not for nothing that originally sbiten was used in winter cold and bad weather. After all, it helps to restore strength, improves mood and enriches the body with vitamins. In addition, this product reduces the likelihood of inflammatory, respiratory, infectious pathologies. Also sbiten destroys pathogenic microflora, allows you to cope with diseases of the gums and mouth.

Moreover, this drink normalizes the activity of the liver, cleans it of toxins, improves intestinal peristalsis, promotes the removal of stones and stool deposits. If you take the product on an empty stomach, you can get rid of parasites, as honey in its composition has a devastating effect on pathogens. When warm, such a cocktail can reduce acidity, restore intestinal mucous membranes, and eliminate dysbacteriosis. As for the drink in cold form, you should remember that it can irritate the intestines. For this reason, it should not be used in the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

For women

For the fairer sex, the product is useful because it has a calming effect, that is, it helps to cope with stress, restores the nervous system. Useful properties of such a drink are its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory qualities.

Girls appreciate sbiten also for the fact that it has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes, stimulating fat burning. In addition, the liquid helps to restore energy balance after workouts. Thus, when consuming sbiten on an empty stomach in the morning, the benefits of the product manifests themselves in the improvement of the digestive tract and urinary system, in awakening the body and reducing headaches.

In addition, the drink helps to reduce appetite. If you need to get rid of excess weight, it is recommended to use such a useful product, as it helps to burn fat, speeds up the digestion process. To enhance the effect of fat burning, you can add to the solution components such as lemon, ginger or apple cider vinegar.

The usefulness of the solution is also manifested in the cosmetic field. In this case, the composition helps to cleanse the skin, strengthen the structure of hair and stimulate its growth.

We can say that the drink has a complex effect on the entire human body, saturating all its cells with useful substances.

If honey water is consumed before going to bed, it will act as a sedative, which in addition has a beneficial effect on the metabolism.

For men

For the stronger sex, sbiten is valued because it can improve the heart and blood vessels. It should also be noted that the drink helps to normalize the value of cholesterol in the body, which reduces the burden on the cardiovascular system.

In pregnancy

Although the complex of water, honey and various other herbal supplements is a very useful product for the body, still during the pregnancy of the baby, its consumption should be limited. This is due to the fact that the main component of such a potion is honey, which is considered a strong allergen. It is for this reason, during pregnancy, it is not recommended to consume such a cocktail on its own.

Such a composition will help to relax, relieve nervous tension and eliminate headaches. However, it is very important to consult a doctor about its use, so as not to harm the unborn child.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, you should also refuse such a product. Very often the baby has an allergic reaction to honey. If there is no tendency to allergies, there is no intolerance to bee products, the doctor may allow the use of such a useful solution. However, when breastfeeding, the use of the drink is inadmissible until the baby reaches three months of age. After three months, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician to change the daily diet without any harm to health.

For children

Children should also be extra cautious about taking water with honey. Again, this is due to the high probability of developing an allergic reaction. Until the age of three, it is not recommended to introduce honey and other dishes with honey in them. After the age of three, you should consult your pediatrician and make sure that the child is not allergic to this ingredient. The first complementary food should begin with 1-2 tsp. Frequent feeding of children with honey in large quantities can harm the immature body and provoke allergies.

When losing weight

Water with honey for weight loss is used due to its useful qualities, which provide normalization of digestion and acceleration of metabolic processes. The use of such a drink improves the absorption of useful elements. In addition, it has a mild laxative effect, which allows you to eliminate problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This also restores intestinal microflora.

To reduce body weight, it is recommended to drink the cocktail warm 15-20 minutes before a meal. By the way, it has a beneficial effect on liver function. The useful properties of such a product are also manifested in the presence of ulcers, as it provides their healing.

As stated above, the caloric value of the complex of water and honey is not more than 55-60 kilocalories. Such a useful solution reduces the appetite, makes up for the lack of carbohydrates. To increase the effect of weight loss, you can add to the drink a variety of other products that have fat-burning properties. Such a useful cocktail should necessarily be present in the diet of a slimming person. If it is used incorrectly, which is important to consider, you can harm a person's health, so it is recommended to consult with a specialist in advance about the method of use.

Sbiten in medicine

The useful properties of warm water with the addition of honey and other components are manifested directly in colds, intestinal disorders, dysbacteriosis and other pathologies. Slightly heated solution provides normalization of important digestive processes in constipation. It should be noted that before starting therapy, it is important to make sure that there is no allergic reaction and other contraindications, so as not to harm the body. In no case you should not start taking such a useful solution and medicines on your own.

From parasites

If you drink sbiten in the morning and evening, you can get rid of worms. The healing qualities of such a product have a negative effect on parasites and their eggs. The mild laxative effect of the product is also beneficial to the body. In this case, it is recommended to combine this remedy with other medicines and drink 1 tbsp. of sbiten twice a day.

With gastritis

Water with honey is used to eliminate nausea and heartburn in the presence of gastritis and other stomach diseases. For gastritis, it is recommended to drink the drink directly on an empty stomach, an hour or an hour and a half before a meal, and in the evening, at least 3 hours after dinner. This liquefies mucus, eliminates pain, and normalizes the level of acidity.

For pancreatitis

A glass of water with the addition of a spoon of honey is useful in inflammation of the pancreas. The benefit of such a drink, drunk on an empty stomach, is due to the fact that the bee product is fully digested by the body and is a natural substitute for sugar, which is prohibited for use with pancreatic pathologies. Such a product is also used for anemia. Honey stimulates the production of hemoglobin, saturates all body cells with very useful substances for him. Remember that the uncontrolled use of sbiten is dangerous to health.

When diabetics.

In the composition of honey there is such a substance as chromium. It provides the normalization of blood glucose levels, and also prevents the appearance of fat cells. When consuming the drink for diabetics, it is important to calculate the correct dosage. Drink sbiten is best in the morning. At the same time, you should choose a quality product.

For the liver

It is possible to cleanse and treat liver pathologies with the help of a natural remedy, the basis of which is honey. The useful properties of such a component help to get rid of stagnant bile, promote the restoration of tissues of this organ. To cure the liver, it is recommended to use mineral water. The solution is best drunk on an empty stomach in the morning.

The cocktail can be used as a preparation for liver cleansing. In this case for several weeks you should drink the solution warm 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes before a meal, and also before going to bed. It is important to limit the use of sugar and sweets.

With colds and viral diseases

Doctors recommend using bee products as one of the best therapies for viral, colds. The properties of such substances allow you to restore strength and energy, suppress inflammatory processes, and also participate in the fight against germs.

Water with honey for coughs is recommended to use with additional elements, such as raspberries, radish, lemon, etc. Solutions and infusions made according to the requirements of the recipe are effective when consumed 1-3 times a day. Drinks using milk are also effective.

In diseases of the eyes.

With conjunctivitis, you can apply lotions of sbiten twice a day. The recipe for obtaining such a drink is very simple. You just need to boil 1 tsp of bee product in 250 ml of water for 2 minutes. After that, cool the liquid and apply as a compress for 15-20 minutes.

You can also use honey water drops to relieve pain, fatigue, red eyes. The duration of treatment in this case is 2 weeks. At the same time, it is necessary to start each day with the injection of such a remedy into the eyes. After that, take a break for 7 days, and then repeat the course again.

Drops based on honey and water will also be useful for a person with elevated intraocular pressure. In this case, a special scheme is used for treatment. The therapeutic effect is achieved after 3 weeks of therapy, the treatment lasts up to 2 months.

To improve vision, a solution should be prepared, where the ratio of honey and water is 1 cup of liquid to 1 tbsp of honey component. Take the solution internally at night, and use it to wash the eyes for inflammation, tension and fatigue.

How to drink sbiten properly

To get the greatest effect and enjoyment from the use of tasty sbiten, it is necessary to understand how to drink it. There are several points regarding the use of this solution. If it does not contain alcoholic substances, in a small volume it can be drunk by almost everyone. Caution should be exercised only in the presence of allergies.

Very sweet products with this drink have a sugary taste. In summer, sbiten can be used as kvass, as it perfectly quenches thirst. And in winter, when there are frosts outside, it is a great warming drink.

If you dilute 1 tbsp. saturated sbiten in a mug of water, you get a vitamin composition, which will saturate the body with various minerals and useful compounds.

In order for the treatment with the drink to be effective, some nuances should be taken into account, which will allow you to get the maximum benefit from the course of therapy. First of all, it should be remembered that the solution should be applied immediately after it is made. In order to improve the activity of all organs and systems of the body, it is necessary to drink these remedies in the morning on an empty stomach. If it is necessary to improve sleep, such a cocktail can be consumed at night. The temperature of the solution should be comfortable. Application of the medicine in the morning is allowed no later than a quarter of an hour before breakfast.

Sbiten in cosmetology

In its pure form, the product of beekeeping is widely used in cosmetology, but has a number of contraindications. In its diluted state, the product does not cause allergies when used externally. The benefits of honey and cold water are felt in the care of the skin of the face and hair.

For the face

The honey-based tonic is characterized by its soothing and nourishing properties. This product is able to reduce dryness, redness and peeling of the skin. After applying this product to the dermis, it becomes very smooth and soft. The classic recipe of the cosmetic product in this case consists of 1 tbsp. water and 1 tsp. honey. Such a tonic is very easy to apply: it is only necessary to rinse the face twice a day after washing. It is important to remember that in excessive amounts honey is harmful to the skin.

For hair

Such a sweet balm for curls helps to improve their structure, saturate them with vitamins. In addition, this composition helps to reduce the number of split ends, has a protective effect.

To prepare the balm you will need 2 tsp. honey and 1 tbsp. warm water. The resulting mass should be distributed over the entire length of the hair, as well as applied to the scalp. The remedy should work for one hour under a cap. After that, wash your hair with an ordinary shampoo.

Harm and contraindications

Sbiten does not apply to medicines. You can consume such a drink without any restrictions. However, in such a case, you should remember that it contains components, each of which can provoke an allergic reaction, so in some situations you need to think before using the composition.

Such a cocktail can be not only healing, it can also be harmful to human health. First, this applies to people who are allergic to honey, and also have kidney or heart failure. In addition, the product is contraindicated to those who have an individual intolerance to certain ingredients of the drink.

With caution should be used sbiten in the presence of diabetes, as well as during exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract. This is due to the fact that the product can cause damage to the digestive system. Sbiten is used as a prophylactic for a number of diseases, and it is necessary to drink it in courses. Daily use of the drink is shown to maintain the health of the body.

When using a low-alcohol honey drink be careful with those who have contraindications to alcohol consumption. Such restrictions include disorders of the kidneys, heart and liver. The period of pregnancy, breastfeeding, chronic pathologies, circulatory disorders in the brain are also reasons to refuse the consumption of such a drug.

Girls who watch the figure and follow a diet, should know that this composition is quite a caloric drink, it has a high concentration of carbohydrates and glucose.

How to cook sbiten: recipes

When a person is very tired, the protective functions of his body are reduced, and he begins to get sick. Especially often it is observed in cold, frosty weather. And it is at this time will be useful recipes for making sbiten. It is believed that this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from colds. This drink is made without any special costs and skills. At the same time it allows you to improve the immune system, raise your spirits and do no harm, because it contains natural and safe ingredients.

There are several options for making sbitnen at home.

A classic recipe

You will need the following products: 1 kg of molasses, 250 grams of honey, a pinch of cinnamon, 5 clove buds, 1 tbsp. ground ginger root, a few peppercorns, 7 pieces of cardamom, 5 liters of water.

First, you need to dissolve molasses in boiling water. After the liquid cools to 40 degrees, add honey. In this case, remember that if the bee product is added to a very hot liquid, it may lose most of its valuable qualities. After this, send the mixture to a low heat for 15-20 minutes. After that, add all the remaining ingredients, and boil the potion for a few more minutes. The resulting drink should be consumed in hot form.

Sbiten with the addition of strawberry juice

After winter, when the body is avitaminosis, mass epidemics of colds begin, you can use a valuable vitamin sbiten. To create it, the following ingredients are needed: 250 ml of strawberry squeeze, 1 tbsp of mint, 0.5 tsp of St. John's wort, 1 tsp of sage, 2.5 liters of water and 250 g of honey.

Strawberry juice should be poured into the boiling liquid and the mixture should be boiled for a few minutes. Then add honey and herbal ingredients. After that, cook the mass for about another hour, taking off the foam regularly.

There is another way of making sbiten by this recipe. In this case, you should first dissolve the honey component in boiling water and insist at room temperature for 24 hours. After that, boil the liquid for 2 hours over low heat. 10 minutes before it is ready, add all the remaining substances.

Suzdal sbiten

The basis of this drink is honey and sugar, taken in equal quantities, namely 150 grams each. In addition you will need another 1 liter of water and 15 grams of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, bay leaf and cardamom. Add honey to the hot water and boil the solution for 15 minutes. After that, add the spices and spices to the mixture, and then continue cooking for another 7 minutes over low heat. Filter the hot solution, and then add to it burnt sugar.

Another version of the preparation of such a potion is slightly different. First, you need 6 tbsp. Boil the sugar until it caramelizes, then remove from the stove and dissolve in 100 ml of boiling water. Pour about 0.5 cup of honey in 1 liter of water and keep on the stove for 20 minutes. Do not remove the mass from the fire, add these spices. Boil the mass for 5 minutes more. Strain the resulting decoction and mix in hot with burnt sugar.

Kolomna sbiten

To make this drink with your own hands you will need 150 grams of honey, 100 grams of sugar, 2 liters of water, a couple of clove buds, 5-6 peas of black pepper, 2 tsp. each of mint and St. John's wort, 1 tsp. cinnamon and a pinch of ground ginger.

The first thing to do is to dilute the honey product in a glass of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Do the same procedure with the sugar in the same amount of water. After this, mix both syrups and boil them until they form a thick mass. Boil the remaining 1.5 liters of water, add the spices mentioned above, and then cook for a quarter of an hour. After that, infuse the mass for another 10 minutes. Next, combine the syrup with the broth and warm to a boil. If necessary, filter the liquid. Serve the drink hot.

Low-alcohol sbiten

No less popular were drinks based on alcoholic ingredients. In such cases, wine and brogue were used. Alcoholic substances were added to a previously prepared broth or were used instead of water.

The method of making such a variant of sbiten is very simple. In this case, 500 grams of honey should be mixed with a bottle of red wine and boiled. To save most of the useful elements you can simply pour the bee product with wine, heated to 50 degrees. After that, take the mass off the fire, and add to it on the tip of a knife spices such as cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg. Now leave the solution until it cools completely. Before use, filter the drink.

Interesting Facts

1. For a long time, sbiten was served in a special container called "sbitnitsa". This was a clay vessel with a spout and a hole with a lid. People believed that to drink the drink from such clay containers is not only more beautiful but also much tastier.
2. In the beginning sbiten had other names, such as "var" and "perevar".
3. The drink was especially popular at fairs. People who sold such a product were called sbitenschikov.
4. Recipes for making sbiten were handed down from one generation to another. So you can try to learn the old way of making the drink from your grandmother.
5. In Russia, sbiten was used to treat prostatitis. It was believed that the product can not only improve blood circulation, but also increase potency.

Photo of sbiten