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This herbally infused honey is good for treating common colds, fever, diarrhea, stomach bugs, and or sore throats. It's an all-natural alternative to over-the-counter medications.
So long as you follow the instructions and ensure that you strain out ALL the plant material (flowers, stems, leaves, etc.) at the end and seal it tight, this honey will have a long shelf life of 1-2 years.
Do not give to children under the age of two, and do not take if allergic to ragweed or any of the above ingredients. Also, speak to your doctor before taking if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not take in the place of seeking medical attention. If your symptoms have not improved after 3-4 days of taking this honey it is best to call your primary care physician for an appointment. If you have a fever of 105 or higher do not wait to seek medical attention.
All that said, making herbal-infused honey is extremely simple!
Add your herbs to the jar (about 2 Tbsp. of each herb except raspberry leaf and white willow bark only add a pinch gently bruising them as you do), and cover them completely in the honey, you can smoosh the herbs down and mix them around in the honey after to really blend it in.
Lid it, and label it! When I label my honey I make sure to clearly write down what I made (herbal honey), list the ingredients, and most importantly I write the date I made it.
You'll need to let it sit for at least 2 weeks (I like to let mine sit for 3-4 weeks) to let the herbs really infuse into the honey. Because it does take a while to do its thing, I typically like to mix a batch or two of this in the spring and summer months so that I'm prepared for the cold and flu season.
After enough time has passed you should notice that your honey is turning a different color. It should look darker. That's good! It means that your honey has fused with the herbs soaking up all their natural goodness.
After at least 2 weeks, you want to open up your jars and scoop out all the spent-up plant matter. This part can prove a bit tricky and be a little on the messy side. Just do your best to separate and strain out all the solid material from the thick liquid. Your jar's contents will have gone down at least halfway. That's okay- a little of this goes a long way.
Once all your plant matter is removed and discarded you should just have darker, richer-looking honey left behind. Make sure that you strain ALL the solid material out leaving only the thick liquid behind. This is a vital step, if any plant material is left behind when you're finished, it will eventually begin to mold and decay. Finally, close the lid, make sure to add the date you strained it on your label, then store it in a cool dry place until you need it. Your honey will have a shelf life of at least a year. Mine usually keeps up to 2 years.
Dosing: Children ages 5 and up: 1 tsp per day. (if you or your child are still sick after a week make sure to visit your doctor)
Children ages 2-4: 1/2 tsp or check with your primary care physician first.
Here's a quick rundown of the herbs used to make this:
Honey: Boosts your immune system, cough relief, sore throat relief, helps with digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, upset stomach) Will naturally infuse with and preserve other herbs.
All Heal: (also known as Self-heal/ Prunella Vulgaris): Treats sore throat, boosts the immune system, helps digestive problems.
Marshmallow Root: Treats coughs and colds, pain relief, helps treat stomach ache and digestive issues.
Thyme: Boosts immune system (full of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A too), Treats coughs.
Chamomile: A mild sedative, soothing helps you rest, sore throat relief.
Sage: Sore throats, treats diarrhea.
Eucalyptus Leaves: Treats cold symptoms, helps alleviate pain, sore throat, is good for your respiratory system, boosts the immune system, is anti-inflammatory, reduces fever.
Elderberries: Cold and flu relief, stomach bugs, boosts the immune system, sore throat, treats bacterial and viral infections, reduces fever, helps migraine and headache relief, constipation, helps alleviate muscle and joint pain.
Raspberry Leaf: Stomach relief (Though it should be safe in such a small amount, take with precaution if pregnant whereas this herb can sometimes induce early labor.)
White Willow Bark: Migraine and Headache relief, Pain relief (Only add a pinch)
Cinnamon: Helps boost the immune system and with cold relief.
Disclaimer: Do not use it in the place of seeking medical care when needed. If you notice any reactions to taking this honey STOP immediately.
