By Hilary Metcalfe
Growing up in Mexico, our local juice bar served La Quemagrasa — “the fat burner” — a thin, refreshing smoothie made from celery, parsley and grapefruit, blended with orange juice or water (for the die-hards). I loved its bright, tart flavour and, while it isn’t truly fat-burning, celery and grapefruit offer some genuinely powerful health benefits.
Grapefruit’s uplifting citrus scent is traditionally associated with mood support and gentle energising effects (which is why it’s a signature note in our skincare line). It’s also abundantly available at the end of winter in the Northern Hemisphere — when it’s at its seasonal best in both flavour and nutrient density.
Parsley is a classic blood-purifier and gentle detox herb, supporting circulation and lymphatic flow. Celery is excellent for digestion and for reducing bloating thanks to its unique sodium-to-potassium ratio and its active compound NBP. Together with celery’s mild liver-supportive properties, these ingredients are particularly helpful when you’re looking to gently depuff or rebalance — around your period, post-surgery with fluid retention, during postpartum swelling, or after travel.
Important: This tonic isn’t about aggressive detoxing or restriction. It supports hydration, gentle drainage, digestion, and mineral balance — the foundations your hormones need to regulate efficiently.
RECIPE
Serves: 2 tonics, or 4 small mocktails
Prep Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
1 pink grapefruit, with the peel removed
1 small handful parsley, chopped (stems included)
1 apple, cored and chopped (optional)
1 large glass (300ml) water or freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice
1 handful spinach
Optional sweetener: small squeeze of honey to taste
HOW TO
Cut away the pith from the grapefruit (the white layer beneath the peel), as this can make the drink bitter. Quarter the grapefruit and remove the seeds, or strain the smoothie later — noting that this will reduce fibre.
Layer the celery, parsley, apple (if using), grapefruit and spinach into your blender. Pour in the liquid and blend until smooth. If you’re using grapefruit juice, try blending it 50/50 with water for a brighter, more concentrated flavour.
Strain if needed to remove remaining fibres or seeds. A small touch of honey will soften the tartness if desired.
NBP, also known as 3-n-butylphthalide
Why This Tonic Works for Women’s Hormones
Hormones influence everything from digestion and hydration to detoxification efficiency and cellular repair. When oestrogen dips, cortisol rises, or progesterone slows digestion, the right nutrients can make a meaningful difference.
This tonic naturally supports:
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Oestrogen processing (via liver pathways)
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Fluid balance and circulation
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Digestion and bloating regulation
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Electrolyte balance
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Cellular hydration
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Collagen synthesis
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Postpartum repair
Every ingredient plays its part. Together, they create a simple, functional tonic that supports everyday hormonal resilience. See below the perfect SABI pairings to make this your daily hormone-balancing ritual.
Important: Hormonal regulation improves when the body feels nourished and hydrated — not depleted. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Functional Nutrition Notes
| Ingredient | Key Nutrients / Compounds | What It Supports | When It Helps Most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grapefruit | Vitamin C, naringenin, limonene | Liver enzyme pathways, collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection | PMS week, postpartum hormone clearance, perimenopause |
| Parsley | Chlorophyll, vitamin K, potassium | Circulation, lymphatic flow, reducing puffiness | Period bloating, luteal heaviness, postpartum swelling |
| Celery | NBP (3-n-butylphthalide), electrolytes | Digestion, fluid balance, bloating reduction, hydration | Luteal constipation, postpartum sluggish digestion, stress bloating |
| Spinach | Folate, iron, magnesium | Energy production, hormone metabolism, blood support | Menstruation, postpartum recovery, low-energy weeks |
| Apple (optional) | Polyphenols, fibre | Antioxidant support, digestive regularity, gentle sweetness | PMS cravings, morning tonic, travel reset |
When to Drink It
| Life Stage / Hormonal Phase | Why Your Body Benefits | Best Timing | Recommended SABI Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luteal Phase (PMS week) | Progesterone slows digestion and oestrogen dips → bloating, water retention | Morning or midday | The Digestive before meals |
| Postpartum | Oestrogen drop → dryness, puffiness, slower hormone clearance | Morning daily | Hydrate for minerals; The Calming Herbata |
| High Stress / Low Sleep | Cortisol spikes increase inflammation and disrupt digestion | Afternoon or early evening | The Calming Herbata |
| Perimenopause | Hydration drops, collagen production slows | Morning + early afternoon | Hydrate |
| After Travel | Dehydration, sluggish digestion, fluid retention | Immediately post-flight | Hydrate |
Ways to Serve It
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Morning tonic: Blend with water for light hydration
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Postpartum lift: Use grapefruit juice for extra vitamin C
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Mocktail: Pour over ice with a grapefruit slice and pinch of sea salt
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Period puffiness support: Add extra parsley and spinach
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Travel reset: Blend mostly with water and sip slowly post-flight
Your Perfect Ritual Companions
This tonic works beautifully on its own, but pairing it with targeted herbal support helps the body move through hormonal shifts with greater ease.
If digestion tends to slow in the luteal phase or bloating increases during stress, The Digestive offers gentle botanical support for gut comfort. When tension, poor sleep, or cortisol spikes leave you feeling puffy or overstimulated, The Calming Herbata supports nervous system regulation and nutrient absorption. And during period week, The Gentle Period blend complements this tonic by supporting circulation, warmth, and menstrual comfort.
Together, these rituals create an inside-out foundation for hormonal balance — nourishing digestion, hydration, and the stress response so the body can naturally rebalance, repair, and restore.
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THE BOTANICAL TRIAD
Nervous System • Digestion • Cycle Support
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THE CALMING HERBATA
Oat Straw • Lavender • Chamomile • Passionflower • Lemon Balm
THE DIGESTIVE
Cinnamon • Cardamom • Vervain • Holy Basil • Moringa • Nettles • Oat Straw
THE GENTLE PERIOD
Red Clover • Lady’s Mantle • Raspberry Leaf • Nettles • Holy Basil • Hibiscus
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Choose what matches your phase, mood, or moment.
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ABOUT HILARY Hilary Metcalfe is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, whole foods chef, and women’s health product developer whose work is grounded in both science and lived experience. Before co-founding The SABI, she worked in sustainability and corporate strategy—experience that now informs the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing, transparency, and long-term impact. |
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HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life, the SABI aims to change the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment and loneliness, to awareness and even pride. Much more than a wellness brand, SABI offers a carefully crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey; a set of rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and again by women and now, backed by medicine. SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep implications of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy and difficult period, miscarriage and difficulty conceiving
Here is an invitation to get to know your body and its cycles better and to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormonal cycle to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can always support and balance your hormone levels. Look for the right sources of information, know that there is help, and know that you’re supported.
DISCLAIMER
The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.
