WELL-BEING | LAPLAND TIPS Katja Misikangas puts roseroot into the mincer.
Arctic Warriors herb shots help boost your health and resistance to flu.
The washing of roseroot.
Fighting flu and winter blues with Arctic Warriors herb shots LOCALS HAVE LONG KNOWN the power of Lappish herbs and plants. Knowledge about their healing effect was passed from generation to generation. Katja Misikangas from Rovaniemi carries this knowledge forward. — I have learned this craft with my mother’s milk. My ancestors practised herbalism over 200 years, and my father was a famous healer, says Katja Misikangas. In 2015, she and her friends, Ilkka and Tuija Kauppinen, have decided to bring the beneficial effect of these plants to the consumers. They have started Arctic Warrios Ltd that now produces herbal extracts, honey with herbs and green powders. The ingredients for these products are grown at Katja’s family estate and gathered from local herb growers in Lapland. When Arctic Warriors invite me to join their harvest, I cannot say no! We start driving towards the Narkaus village some 30 km South from Rovaniemi, where Katja’s family estate is situated. It is already autumn, and the trees have changed their colours to vibrant yellow shades. Today they are washing roseroot (Rhodiola Rosea). It is a strange looking plant that takes at least 5–6 years to grow. There is a whole team of workers already foraging for plants. The process is labour intensive. They take the root from the ground, cut it, wash it, minse it and put it into the freezer. The roseroot foraged today is an essential part of their “Sinni” herb shot. In addition to roseroot, it only contains nettle and vegetable glycerol.
— Roseroot is excellent against stress. If you are wired, it calms you down, and if you are tired, it uplifts you. It helps you to concentrate, and it is also great for sports recovery, says Tuija Kauppinen. Sinni herb shots also work wonders against the winter blues. Winter darkness lasts for 2 months on the Arctic Circle. Body reacts to the absence of light with sleepiness and lack of strengh. Herb shots with roseroot is an excellent way to boost your energy! Another great local herb is Angelica Archangelica, considered holy by the Sami people. Angelica also grows in Europe, however, according to research, its healing power only really shows up in plants, grown in the harsh conditions of the North. — Angelica has a phenomenal antibacterial effect. It is a great way to tame the flu, because it disinfects the throat and kills germs, says Katja Misikangas. Arctic Warriors use Angelica and nettle seeds to produce their wonderful Mahti herb shots. The first time I have heard about them, I was sceptical. Certainly, I expected the shots to taste good, but I did not think they would actually work. I was wrong! Mahti herb shots have saved me against flu countless times in the last few years. The minute I experience flu symptoms, I start taking the Mahti shots. Of course, it is a good idea to take them proactively. Arctic Warriors herb products are available in 10x4g single shot packaging, as well as bigger 100 ml and 500 ml bottles. Find them in selected outlets!
SINNI: Brings balance to your mind and boost to your body.
MAHTI: A great relief against flu, containing angelica.
PUHTI: Herbal honey shot gives you natural energy.
AVAILABLE AT: Rovaniemi: Mandragora Shop, K-Supermarket Rinteenkulma, Science Centre Pilke, Restaurant Sirmakko, Citymarket, Santa Claus Office. Ranua: K-Market. Levi: LeviMarket. Kittilä: Ainut Shop, K-Supermarket. Ylläs: 7 Fells Hostel, Jounin Kauppa, Visitor Centre Kellokas. Sodankylä: K-Supermarket Pohjantähti. Pyhä: Café Loimu. Saariselkä: Design Center, Kuukkeli Shop. Ivalo: K-Supermarket. Inari: Siida Shop. Salla: Reindeer Park. Oulu: Kofeiinikomppania. Tornio: K-Supermarket Ykkönen. Muonio: K-Market. Nuorgam: Rajamarket. Kilpisjärvi: Kilpishalli. Shop online at www.arcticwarriors.fi ALL ABOUT LAPLAND | WINTER 2018
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