Mockingbird Meadows Original Herbal Honey Spreads
These are the original honey spreads we have been making on the farm since the very beginning. Some of them we still make regularly, and some we offer only at special times of the year. When I first started out, I didn’t know much about the history or science of healing with honey and herbs. I relied on instinct and my own five senses to formulate herbal blends that worked well with honey and tasted good. I began making spreads because we had small children and needed a sweet and tasty way to get them to take medicinal herbs (some of which are notoriously bitter). I hope some of the stories behind each formula and the “herbs at work” demonstrate my thinking and process of creating a healing honey spread, and that they inspire you to make your own.
This is the very first formula I created with honey! It was designed for those who need a boost of healthy energy or a natural workout recovery supplement. Lots of people take this one to the gym or bring a jar along in their backpack when camping, hiking, or canoeing. There’s been quite a lovefest with this original cocoa formula.
Stir the powdered herb formula and pollen into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Honey before, during, and after exercise has been found to be highly beneficial. It releases steadily and so is a good sustained energy source before exercise. During exercise it has been shown to increase performance. Post-exercise it promotes muscle recuperation, glycogen restoration, and workout recovery. I played with herb and honey combinations for quite some time before I settled on ginseng (Panax ginseng), eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), guarana (Paullinia cupana), kola nut (Cola acuminata), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and cocoa (Theobroma cacao). Many of the commercially sold “energy shots” are high doses of vitamins combined with high doses of caffeine, plus added chemical stabilizers and sweeteners. They can actually be dangerous if overused and can cause liver and kidney damage. By contrast, this honey spread combines adaptogenic herbs with natural sources of caffeine to create a balanced energy source. Adaptogenic herbs, like honey itself, help the body with physical stress and recovery.
I originally formulated this to help my mother, who was experiencing insomnia. Many natural products use valerian (Valeriana officinalis), but in some people it can be a stimulant rather than a sedative. Others use melatonin, and while that can be a safer solution than chemical prescriptions, it is still a hormone. Anytime we introduce a hormone into the delicate balance of the body, we risk sending other hormones into a tailspin and affecting our endocrine system in a way that can create other issues. Feel free to play around with the amount of each individual herb in this recipe to match your taste preference.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: For those who have trouble falling asleep, this remedy is effective when taken as a 1-teaspoon serving within 30 minutes before bed. For those who wake in the middle of the night, I recommend smaller, more frequent servings of 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon every 10 to 15 minutes until you’re back to sleep.
I wanted to use powerful botanicals that were gentle enough for everyone. I chose hops (Humulus lupulus) for its sedative qualities and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) for its sedative and antispasmodic qualities. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) also has antispasmodic qualities and the noted benefit of calming a chattering brain. All three of these herbs are tonic in nature, and they feed and nourish the nervous system. As this is a gentle nervous system tonic, it can be taken at any time of the day for a sedative effect. There is no risk of becoming lethargic. Nervous system tonics do not knock you out, rather they support the health of the nervous system over time so that it can function normally. Many people who work in offices or other stressful environments have used this to help support their taxed nerves.
This creation started with my own postpartum anxiety. At the time I used an herb called kava kava, but I had some concern about its use due to adulteration issues within the herb industry. With so many people coming to me looking for a solution to anxiety and depression, I knew I needed to make something that everyone would be able to use. Over the years, I’ve fiddled with the proportions of herbal ingredients in this formula to please most palates. Each herb is equally important, but you can feel free to play with the amount to match your own taste preference.
Stir the powdered herb formula and pollen into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Note: Less is more with lavender. Too much will make your formula bitter.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a long history of use as a specific remedy for depression and anxiety. I added St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita) because of their soothing action in the nervous system but also because of their demonstrated abilities on lifting the mood. Anytime the body is experiencing depression or anxiety, it is a stress on the nervous system. I added eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which helps manage stress and strain on the nervous system. The fresh bee pollen in this blend is a complete protein, high in amino acids and other vitamins and minerals. It contains the complete B-complex. Both protein and B vitamins are called for when attempting to correct the imbalance causing depression and anxiety.
The rose is a very special herb to us at Mockingbird Meadows. We currently have more than 250 old-fashioned roses growing around the farm from which we harvest, so rose was a natural fit in one of our spreads. Roses are known to open the heart chakra, encouraging the release of deep sorrow and loss and allowing love to flow. The resulting spread is one of my husband’s favorite blends because of its distinctive floral notes. It is just the thing for a delicious pick-me-up at any time!
Heartful supports the overall health of the cardiovascular system. In particular, the goal is to promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels with hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa).
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Supporting the heart and the overall condition of the circulatory system is the job of hawthorn berry (Crataegus species), a well-known heart tonic. I also chose motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) because of its long use as a heart tonic. Chinese cultures believed that the mindful consumption of motherwort was responsible for the longevity of some Chinese sages who were reported to have lived more than a couple centuries. I like to work in a hint of cayenne (Capsicum annuum) because of its effect as a vasodilator. It is an important spice for heart and circulatory issues. This simple little pepper can be a literal lifesaver if there is a blockage or constriction, and it should be kept handy in your kitchen spice cabinet. Finally, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a well-known muscle relaxant and sedative, but it also helps the heart beat steadily and efficiently. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is an antispasmodic and sedative for the nervous system with applications in the circulatory system. It is important for our heart health to keep a calm, healthy nervous system as there is a connection between our stress level and cholesterol and blood pressure problems.
Ache Ease was originally formulated for my dad, who had developed an arthritic pain in his neck. After a few hours of sleep, the pain became so intense that it woke him up. I gave this to him as a holiday gift. Each and every herb I use here is equally important, but feel free to alter the amounts based on your own taste preference.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
I used black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and celery seed (Apium graveolens) successfully in an arthritis tincture for a client, so I knew I wanted to start with those. These herbs, along with meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), are anti-inflammatory with specific action in the case of arthritis. In creating any spread, I focus on effectiveness first, but it has to taste good as well. I knew spices would fit this need, so why not use some with strong anti-inflammatory qualities? Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) would normally be perfect, but they left the taste a little unbalanced and harsh. Finally, I hit upon anise (Pimpinella anisum) and found its aromatic, volatile oils were the perfect fit to blend it all together. My father started using it and began sleeping better, and when the empty jar appeared at his next visit so that I could refill it, I began to think about sharing this new spread with my friends and other people. The response was immediate. Ache Ease shot to our top-selling spot. Since that time, we’ve had many testimonials from people who were skeptical at first, but after using it started to see relief from their pain for the first time.
Little Bee Calm has evolved over the years and is based on research in the areas of memory, brain fog, and ADHD in children. We’ve had a lot of success with this recipe because of its simplicity, and I always keep my ear to the ground for new science. You can also experiment with using bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) in this spread.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Add the lemon zest. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
I developed Little Bee Calm to help parents with children who have trouble focusing. This spread started with a need in our own household. At 4 years old, my son was going through a dramatic stage. When bumped or bruised, he would quickly lose all sense of proportion and have a giant meltdown. It was difficult for us to explain to him that he was fine because he couldn’t calm down enough to hear us. To create something to help Aidan, I started with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). Beyond its long history of use as a nervine, clinical studies demonstrate lemon balm’s abilities in treating disorders of focus and the accompanying anxiety. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) offers antispasmodic qualities. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) have sedative and antispasmodic characteristics, and both are gentle enough for a child’s nervous system.
When I made the first batch of Little Bee Calm, I gave my kids a spoonful to see if I had the taste right. By the time I got back to the kitchen, they were begging for more. The spread quickly became an important part of our household routine (we also use this at bedtime). I’ve found that the best way to use a honey spread like this is to make it available to children when they need it. We leave the spread and a spoon in a spot where the kids can reach it when they want to. This allows them to gain a sense of control over a situation that they often can’t otherwise.
The inspiration for Queasy Bee came during my pregnancies. I was constantly queasy throughout most of the 9 months and it was torture. This honey spread is for anyone suffering from an upset stomach; it is also helpful for motion sickness and morning sickness.
Mix all ingredients for the honey spread together. This does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Add a spoonful to your morning smoothie or eat one of the no-bake cookies from the recipes in this book, which you can take along with you when you travel.
It should come as no surprise that ginger (Zingiber officinale) is prominently featured in this spread. It is the most commonly suggested herb for a queasy stomach, no matter the cause. The volatile oils in peppermint (Mentha piperita) are soothing and are a well-known remedy for settling the stomach. Less commonly known is wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) for morning sickness. It is an antispasmodic. Queasiness can also often be minimized with vitamin B. To provide this nutritional supplement, add fresh bee pollen and a healthy helping of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Finally, the bright citrus tang of lemon peel helps combat any bitterness of the herbs and spirulina.
The idea behind Allergency started at the farmers’ market. For years people asked us about the validity of the claim that honey is good for allergies. It was frustrating to know that while our honey could help with seasonal pollen allergies, it could not help folks who have allergies to dust, mold, pets, or foods. For years I suggested raw honey for some allergy sufferers and herbs for others. Finally, I decided that I needed to combine the two into something that was easy and tasty. This recipe will work well with equal proportions of herbs, but feel free to play with the amounts of each to suit your taste.
Stir the powdered herb formula and raw pollen into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Allergency combines raw honey with raw pollen for an incredibly powerful allergy aid for seasonal sufferers. Nettle (Urtica dioica) adds natural antihistamine qualities. Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) and wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa) are important for their abilities to help decongest the liver. A histamine response is triggered in reaction to any kind of allergen and causes inflammation, sneezing, coughing, redness around the eyes, respiratory distress, and more. This response can get progressively worse, making the body sensitive to more and more new allergens if it cannot calm down between assaults. Our liver is meant to come to the rescue. It is intended to filter foreign proteins out of the bloodstream and negate the need for the histamine response. When the liver gets congested, it can no longer perform this function properly and the foreign proteins are free to circulate in the blood, creating more and more inflammation.
Eventually, the body starts reacting and life becomes miserable. Rounding out the formula is eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), an adaptogenic herb with similar actions as ginseng. It is known for its properties to help the body adapt to stress.
This spread is supportive at every stage of a woman’s life. The herbs are not formulated to stimulate any one hormone but rather they encourage a balance of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) and wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) are both known to aid general hormonal balance. Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) works alongside wild yam to decongest the liver. Nettles (Urtica dioica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) add nutritive components, specifically supporting a high iron content, vitamins A and C, and nourishing the female reproductive and endocrine systems. Nettles and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) support the adrenal glands, which are key to lifelong hormonal balance for women. In menopause, the adrenals produce estrogen when the ovaries slow down. These tonic herbs are meant to work over time to correct imbalances rather than address symptoms. We’ve heard from many women that this is a favorite aid for hot flashes. Others have reported more regular menstrual cycles, less PMS, and improved mood balance.
This spread was created in answer to the Women’s Balance formula. While there are a number of prescription products aimed at men who have imbalances in the reproductive and endocrine systems, it can be hard to find natural options. We originally sold this with a note on the front saying that it was designed to put a “little pep in your step.” Men always picked it up with a chuckle.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
This spread supports the heart and circulation with hawthorn berry (Crataegus species). All of us need some extra protection for our heart, and men tend to get disorders of the circulatory system that affect their reproductive function. I decided to support prostate health by adding saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Reproductive and fertility health required muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides), sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus), and fo-ti root (Polygonum multiflorum). To keep hormone levels balanced over a lifetime, we must support our adrenal glands. I added licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) for this work. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum species) and orange peel (Citrus sinensis) are added for the warming nature of their flavor. Finally, for physical and emotional stress I added adaptogenic herbs to encourage health of the nervous system. Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera) is the perfect herb to tone the body and help it handle stress in a healthy manner. All of these body systems work together for a healthy male system.
This spread is an adaptation of one of our most beloved tinctures here at the farm. It’s a simple one, but it’s very effective.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
I’ve been extolling the virtues of wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) for years and have just started to see information about its use in the mainstream. It is such a valuable plant, though it is commonly overlooked and considered to be an obnoxious weed. Wild lettuce is an opiate-level pain reliever without the unfortunate side effects or addiction. I combine it with St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), another favorite pain reliever. Finally, skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is not only an analgesic but also an antispasmodic. As I write this, many Americans suffer with pain every day and struggle to find a solution that is not opiate based. This is a great option if you are in that group.
This spread was created for our own family’s immune support during a brutal cold and flu season. I needed something to fend off winter germs that was so delicious I wouldn’t have to chase the kids down to get them to take it. Over the years, I’ve played with the proportions of herbal ingredients in this formula. It will work well with equal parts, but feel free to adjust the amount of each individual herb to match your taste.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has scientific support for its ability to shorten an illness and relieve symptoms. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), too, is a known immune system tonic. When our immune system takes a hit, we also often suffer from the stress an illness causes to our body as a whole, and so I added astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) for its adaptogenic qualities and its ability to promote a healthy stress response. Finally, I added shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes). Many of the mushrooms we take for granted as a simple addition to our eggs or pizza are highly medicinal! Shiitake is no exception and has a lot to offer when it comes to our immune system.
My first attempts at this blend were far too “mushroomy,” and while all of our honey spreads are focused on effectiveness, they must be tasty! After some experimenting, we hit on a more berry-flavored spread with mild undertones of earthiness from the mushroom. Whenever anyone in my family shows a hint of an illness, we grab a spoonful of Well Fast.
This blend of nutritionally superior herbs is combined to make a tasty powerhouse formula perfect for weekday mornings or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
There are many, many herbs that could be blended in different ways to make up your own version of this recipe. As you choose which to put together, keep in mind how they taste. It is often helpful to understand what each tastes like alone in order to guess how they may fit together in a formula. In this particular blend, the alfalfa (Medicago sativa), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), nettle (Urtica dioica), chickweed (Stellaria media), rosehips (Rosa species), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) all contribute big nutrition and delicious flavor. When we choose specific plants for a blend, it isn’t always because they’ve adapted to contain some fabulous new chemical. Often it’s the simple nutrition, those compounds plant scientists call “primary chemicals,” which play the most important role in our formulas. Look for plants that are high in a balanced interplay of vitamins and minerals that are also not so targeted that they contain problematic secondary chemicals and side effects.
This is my version of a classic formula for optimal health during pregnancy.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) and nettle (Urtica dioica) are both high in the nutritional elements needed for a healthy uterus. Nettle builds the blood and supports all those blood volume changes, encouraging a healthy level of hemoglobin to give a body plenty of oxygen and energy. Raspberry leaf supports healthy contractions. This doesn’t mean that it causes contractions, only that it strengthens the muscles in the walls of the uterus so that when it is appropriate to relax they do, and when it is appropriate for the muscles to contract they are effective and efficient. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a good source of calcium and magnesium, but could be substituted with oatstraw or milky oats (Avena sativa) if you desire. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a great addition for flavor that also settles an upset stomach. Rose (Rosa rugosa) is in there because pregnancy can be a time when a woman might need help in reducing anxiety and feeling loved. Rosehips (Rosa canina) add vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, which are so important in building a thick, healthy placenta.
Everything in this formula is a galactagogue, an herb that encourages strong milk supply for a nursing mother.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
This blend of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), hops (Humulus lupulus), nettle (Urtica dioica), raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), and blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) make for a tasty blend that encouarges an increase in milk flow with fennel as the featured flavor.
Most of the herbs in this blend have well-deserved reputations for supporting a hearty appetite in your love life. The sexual imbalances men and women experience from time to time can result from improper blood flow to the sexual organs. Many of these types of formulas are aimed at men, but so many women have told me I’d be a millionaire if I came up with a formula for female desire that I just had to give it a go.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) improve blood flow to the pelvis. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an aphrodisiac for both men and women, while ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), cinnamon (Cinnamomum species), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and moringa (Moringa oleifera) are said to be most effective for men. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) have a specific affinity for women. As I worked through this formula, it began taking on a decidedly chai feeling. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) round out the warming feel of this blend and also complete the chai taste.
Many of the herbs here have long been my favorites for the common headache, but this particular blend is in answer to the many who have asked over the years for something to address chronic migraines.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
There is promising research to suggest that feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is effective at preventing migraines when taken daily. Nettle (Urtica dioica) has been helpful to some because of its antihistamine properties. I add skullcap (Scuttelaria lateriflora) to most any headache formula as it is my favorite antispasmodic. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a mighty fine muscle relaxer and an excellent pain reliever, while passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a mild sedative that can alleviate some of the stress and tension that often trigger a migraine. Finally, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) are mild nervines with their own benefits for a headache that also provide an element of flavor.
A urinary tract infection requires action, and quick! One of the first things to do is get plenty of water through the system. This formula helps by using two diuretics to flush your system.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Add the aronia berries, being sure to crush them slightly to release some of their juices as you stir. Keep in the refrigerator. Use within 3 months.
To use: Enjoy 1 teaspoon every 15 to 20 minutes until symptoms are relieved, and then 1 teaspoon three times a day until the recipe is gone.
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) and nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) are both diuretics. Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) works by preventing E. coli from attaching to the walls of the bladder. A traditional remedy for a urinary tract infection is to combine an uva ursi tincture with plenty of unsweetened cranberry juice. This was my method of choice for years until I discovered a common weed here in Ohio called aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) that is much more effective.
This spread helps promote optimal digestion and should be taken before eating a meal.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1 teaspoon about 10 to 15 minutes before each meal.
This blend is made up of some classic bitters: gentian (Gentiana lutea), dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale), hops (Humulus lupulus), and orange peel (Citrus sinensis), as well as some digestive aromatics, namely cinnamon (Cinnamomum species) and birch (Betula species), that are known to soothe and calm the digestive tract. These aromatics also add flavor to the formula. Bitters work by stimulating proper digestive processes. They encourage the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, and they help the stomach to increase appropriate levels of hydrochloric acid. When this digestive process begins before food hits the stomach, we are more likely to absorb nutrition and fully digest our food. Be sure that you coat the top of your tongue while tasting to get the best effect.
To promote brain health and memory function, try this spread.
Stir the powdered herb formula and lemon zest into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the most successful of all herbs for memory support. In combination with gotu kola (Centella asiatica) it encourages good blood flow to the brain. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been studied for its ability to increase focus, while rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has an ancient reputation for helping with memory. I’ve added eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) to this blend because, as an adaptogen, it supports a healthy stress response and a healthy aging process.
There are many times in a child’s life when a little extra calcium comes in handy, like when the first or second set of teeth is coming in. This formula is loosely based on a well-known calcium assimilation formula by the renowned herbalist Dr. John Christopher, but without the comfrey, which has some problematic alkaloids.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Most of the herbs in this formula are high in calcium, including basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and oats (Avena sativa). Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) contains silica, which is complementary, aiding calcium absorption. Low blood calcium can contribute to headaches and leg cramps (primarily in adults), and lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is an important antispasmodic as well as a source of calcium.
This spread combines a few of our favorite remedies for a sore throat in one convenient formula.
Stir the powdered herb formula and salt into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Add 1 teaspoon to 2 ounces warm water and gargle before swallowing down, two or three times daily. Alternatively, 2 teaspoons could be added to a cup of tea to sip slowly (you may wish to omit the salt), or you can make a spritzer for your sore, patchy throat by combining 11⁄2 teaspoons of the honey spread to 2 ounces of vodka in a 2-ounce spritzer bottle.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is hands down the most effective herb I’ve found for the average sore throat. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is present in case your sore throat is part of an infection; the patchy sores of strep throat are no match for echinacea. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) add a bit of heat and an anti-bacterial punch. Blended with salt and warm water, this honey spread is the perfect ready-made gargle you won’t want to be without when colds and flus are in the air.
This formula makes use of a blend of herbs that are useful expectorants (able to expel mucus).
Blend the fresh horseradish immediately into the raw honey. Stir in the powdered herb formula. Store in the refrigerator and use within 3 months.
To use: Eat 1 teaspoon up to three times a day until your symptoms have been relieved. This is especially nice added to hot water to make a tea.
Potent expectorants included in this formula are horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). Eucalyptus and mullein are soothing to irritated membranes. Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) are particularly useful at thinning out mucus and breaking up congestion. Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) supports balance in the respiratory system. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and horseradish both boast antibacterial and natural antibiotic properties.
Keep this blend on hand for a quick and flavorful soup broth.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Add the tamarind paste and stir to combine. Keep in a cool, dry area in a glass container with a lid. Lasts indefinitely.
Note: You cannot use liquid broth in this recipe, as it will not yield a shelf-stable product.
To use: Add 1–3 tablespoons of the mix to a cup of hot water, season with salt as desired, and stir.
Of course many of the herbs in this blend are there for taste, but taste isn’t all they have to offer. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) boosts urinary tract and respiratory health and can be a real help for those with arthritis. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), onion (Allium cepa), and garlic (Allium sativum) are important for their cardiovascular benefits as well as for their immune-supportive properties. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) increases nutrient absorption and supports digestion along with cayenne (Capsicum anuum). Finally, tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is added to this formula to balance the sweet with sour. It supports good digestion and is anti-inflammatory. Taken all together, this soup blend is perfect anytime but will be especially helpful when you are struggling with inflammation and immune system issues.
Matcha is the powdered leaf of green tea (Camellia sinensis). It has been used for centuries throughout Asia as part of a ceremony encouraging alert calmness in preparation for meditation. Matcha has become increasingly popular in mainstream Western culture in recent years.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Add 2–3 teaspoons to 1 cup of frothed, warmed almond milk.
Appropriately sourced, good-quality matcha is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. It is a slight stimulant but without the side effects of jitters or lack of focus. To compliment the stimulant nature of the matcha and add to the sweet and creamy expectation of a latte, you’ll want to add high-quality cinnamon (Cinnamomum species), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), and vanilla bean powder (Vanilla planifolia).
This recipe is named in honor of the spicy chocolate drink of the Aztecs. This is the only formula not made with the whole herb. The mushroom experts I respect have convinced me that mushrooms should not be eaten raw; it is important to cook them. This, of course, doesn’t fit with our approach to honey. So the mushroom powders in this recipe are created by the old Chinese medicinal method of drying an infusion and then using the powder. You can also buy mushroom powders online.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Add 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of warm almond milk and froth.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) are two representatives of an amazing variety of medicinal mushrooms from around the world. They are traditionally used for their immune-boosting abilities and whole-body system support. In this case, we’re looking to support energy and stamina. Just as in the matcha latte mix, vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), cinnamon (Cinnamomum species), and cayenne (Capsicum annuum) are added for the flavor as well as to enhance the stimulating nature of this latte.
Golden milk is a popular recipe that makes use of the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa). The combination of honey and turmeric has a long history in Ayurveda where it is used as an effective antibiotic.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Add the coconut oil and stir to combine. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Add 2–3 teaspoons to 1 cup of warm almond milk and froth.
Most golden milk recipes have you blend all ingredients, including honey, and heat the mixture — but we advise not to heat honey. The convenience of this shelf-stable formula is further enhanced because coconut oil is already in the mix. You can take this mix with you anywhere; just add water or a warm milk of your choice. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) amplifies absorption and also adds flavor to the spicy chailike base of cinnamon (Cinnamomum species), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), and ginger (Zingiber officinale).
Smoothies offer a concentrated herbal benefit and can make your morning routine enjoyable and a little easier.
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Add the coconut oil and stir to combine. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Add 1–3 tablespoons to your morning smoothie along with your choice of milk, nut milk, or yogurt and a selection of fresh or frozen fruit.
This smoothie base incorporates a number of plants and herbs that are nutritional powerhouses. The goal is to provide a good source of the feel-good B-vitamin complex found in spinach (Spinacia oleracea), beets (Beta vulgaris), nettle (Urtica dioica), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and bee pollen. Orange peel (Citrus sinensis) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) also contain small amounts of B vitamins, so they are the perfect choice to round out the flavor here. It can be difficult for our bodies to assimilate all the nutrition packed into fruits and veggies, but the honey in this recipe makes those vitamins and minerals more bioavailable.