Strizhament balm, like all the alcoholic beverages of the same name of the famous Stavropol plant, is an excellent example of the Caucasian combination of taste and benefit. This tincture, the recipe of which includes as many as 18 ingredients, is a historical drink that has not undergone prescription changes since the end of the 19th century. The composition of Strizhament balm and the history of its origin can be found in this article.
Historical reference
The famous Stavropol plant "Strizhament" has its history since 1868. It was in those days that the merchant Ivan Alafuzov opened the first distillery in the Stavropol Territory. Then there was no sonorous modern name, but many of the recipes used to date already existed. They were developed at the very beginning of the plant.
For example, the company's most famous products - the bitter tincture "Strizhament" - appeared only in 1977. This happened a little earlier than the entire factory was baptized by Strizhament and almost a hundred years later than the famous elixir appeared, which will be discussed. Of course, in those days, it was called a little differently. A little later, the drink was called "Strizhament". "Balm of healing herbs of the Caucasus distillery of the merchant Alafuzov" - with this label, this alcoholic herbal collection first appeared on the shelves. Its volume was about 200 ml. In such a pharmaceutical dosage at the time, all the balms came out, since in the first place they were considered a medicine, and not an independent drink. After the revolution, when the plant was named Voroshilovsky, "Balm of medicinal herbs", for unknown reasons, ceased to produce. But his recipe, fortunately, has been preserved. And so, after naming the plant the name of the famous mountain of the Stavropol Territory and conducting thorough rebranding, in the mid-eighties, the sweet drug, which retained an absolutely original recipe, reappeared on the shelves with the familiar name "Strizhament".
Composition
Strizhament balm is positioned as a collection of healing herbs in the Caucasus. However, medicinal plants make up only a third of the variety of ingredients. To prepare the balm, yarrow, clover and St. John's wort are used - this is the healing stronghold of the drink. These herbs are used as natural antidepressants, blood-regenerating and gastric medicines. Extracts of wild rose, sage, ginger, licorice, linden, lemon balm and mint are included as anti-cold elements. All these elements, in addition to the prevention of diseases, create a general taste background of the drink. Strizhament balm is moderately sweet, tinted with mint freshness. Light bitterness is given by the nutmeg, star anise, allspice and cardamom included in the composition. Oak bark extract, although it does not affect the taste, has a healing effect on diseased teeth and gums, as well as the herbs mentioned above, it helps the stomach.
The top of the taste and notes of aftertaste are almonds, cinnamon and coffee - thanks to these elements, the taste of the infusion, even when cooled, remains warm and tender.
Method of use
Like any alcoholic elixirs, Strizhament balm of medicinal herbs can hardly be called a drink. Despite the high degree, it is difficult for them to get drunk - a large number of medicinal elements in the composition with heavy consumption can cause an overdose effect: nausea, dizziness and headache. But with dosed use, it is difficult to get something other than pure benefit. Strizhament balm is good in the prevention of many diseases: colds, diseases of the stomach, teeth and gums, anemia. It is perfect as a light antidepressant or sleeping pill, a glass of Strizhament after a hard busy day will help you relax and relieve nervousness.
As a dessert drink, balm is best consumed not in its pure form, but as an additive to a cup of coffee or tea. If the tea is brewed leaf and the coffee is freshly brewed, the taste from the combination with Strizhament will be indescribable. Of course, with this use, the healing properties also will not go anywhere, so the drink will turn out both tasty and healthy.
Where could I buy?
For residents of Stavropol and the Stavropol Territory, such a question, of course, will seem strange - here the products of the Strizhament plant, including the balm of the same name, are sold in any store. Yes, and there are so many branded stores "Strizhament" that finding the nearest one is not difficult.
But residents of other regions may experience difficulties. It’s not for nothing that the Strizhament product is the most popular hotel and souvenir from the Stavropol Territory. But you can still find it - mainly in stores specializing in the sale of alcohol from different parts of Russia, or in large chain supermarkets such as Lenta, Auchan or Magnit. The average price of Strizhament balm is 250-300 rubles per 250 ml, and 500-600 rubles per half-liter bottle.