Make a Medicinal Honey

[Adapted from Sweet Remedies by Dawn Combs]

Electuaries, or medicinal herb-infused honeys, are a sweet way to make the medicine go down. Crafting them is a simple process, but at the same time, there is a distinct art in ensuring that the herbs you choose work well both with each other and with the honey.

  1. 1. Decide which powdered herbs you are going to use. You might include only one herb, or you might want to create a more complex formula (see Medicinal Honey Formulas to Try for some suggestions).
  2. 2. Pour 1 cup of honey into a bowl.
  3. 3. Measure out the necessary amount of your powdered formula for 1 cup of honey. Generally, you really only need between 5 and 8 teaspoons of powder for your electuary to be effective. This ratio of powder to honey will result in an electuary that is sticky but still easily spreadable. Feel free to use your intuition here. If you want to add more powder, do it. If you wind up adding too much powder and the honey stiffens up, then you can either roll it into pills or add more honey to loosen it up again.

    Note: In some people who are particularly sensitive, a lot of herbs, when amplified through the honey, can cause very quick, startling results. It’s not always a good idea for your formula to work too well! Tonic herbs should, in most cases, be allowed to work in a slow and steady fashion. You should not experience sudden dramatic results, as they can often be uncomfortable. If you find yourself in this situation, either add more honey to your blend to make it less concentrated or take 1⁄2 teaspoon at a time instead of 1 teaspoon.

  4. 4. Sift your dried ingredients into the bowl of honey. Sifting is not required, but it will make blending the honey and herbs together much easier. Many powdered herbs tend to clump while in storage. If you don’t break them up before adding them to the honey, it can take longer for them to soak into the mixture.
  5. 5. Stir everything together with a spoon until the blend is completely mixed. Then stir in any extra ingredients you desire, such as fresh herbs or fruits, oils, or other goodies.
  6. 6. Cover your bowl with a lid and set aside for at least 24 hours (in the refrigerator if you added anything fresh). You can use your electuary immediately if you must, but it will taste best and have the best mouthfeel if you allow time for the herbs and honey to marry. Before you use your electuary, you will want to stir it again. The herbs will tend to push to the top at first until they are completely saturated.
  7. 7. Store your finished electuary in a container with a lid to prevent contamination or evaporation of your honey. If you have added any liquid or anything fresh to your electuary, then it will need to be stored in the refrigerator and should be used within 2 to 3 months. If you have added only dried powder, then your electuary is shelf stable and will be good indefinitely.

To use: Your electuary can be “dosed” in 1-teaspoon servings or added to other foods to enjoy.