Roots and Berries Honeys

Honey is both an emollient and demulcent when taken internally, and a soothing moisturiser when applied topically.

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The following recipe uses honey to extract constituents from specific roots and berries through a cold infusion and can be added as a nourishing addition to food or hot drinks. This is a wonderfully adaptable folk recipe which enables experimentation!

Ingredients

  • selection of rowan and/or hawthorn berries

  • either dandelion or nettle root

  • Standard 450g jar of runny honey

  • Approx 20g glycerin* (optional)

  • 4 sterlised jars (2 for the second stage)

  • Chopstick or similar for the stirring stage

  • Strainer

Time for maturation – one month

Method

Simply pack the jar with herbs and fill to just under the rim with the honey (and glycerin if using). Be patient and stir gently with a chopstick or similar instrument. This should allow any bubbles to come up to the surface and dissipate. Keep stirring until none appear.

Then seal, label with date and ingredients and store in a cool, dark place for approximately a month. However do not leave it alone! It is important to turn the jar of herbal honey every day to help with the extraction process.

Once this stage is complete, strain into a sterlised jar and

You can either use fresh or dried herbs for this recipe. If dried are used, the shelf life will be longer but this may not be an issue once tasted.

  • Dandelion Root: Dandelion is a bitter tonic and mild diuretic and acts as a gentle liver and gallbladder detoxifier

  • Nettle Root: A Herber favourite! Nettle is a gentle blood tonic and purifier and diuretic with a high mineral content.

  • Rowan berries: A powerful herb with numerous uses, but perhaps best known for high vitamin C content

  • Hawthorn berries: A leading heart herb. Well documented as a beneficial tonic.

*edible glycerin may be used to help prevent granulation of the honey

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Everything we make is tried and tested but please be aware that all herbs have complex actions and each and every one of us is unique, therefore the final responsibility is yours. Do treat the herbs and your body with the respect they deserve.

Sarah Frances