Herbal Infused honey & syrups are an easy way to use botanicals if you are new to herbal medicine. Because it is fall I used herbs that support the lungs and immune system but you can experiment with what you have around you for different health benefits. This year I made elecampane (pictured), poplar bud, osha and elderberry infused honeys. All have effects on the lungs and are used for congestion, sore throat, and immune support so can double as a cough syrup when cut with a bit of water. The recipe is simple:

Infused Honey

1 part herbs

3-4 parts raw local honey

Directions: fill a jar with herbs and top with honey. Leave in a sunny window sill or warm area of your home to infuse for 3-4 weeks. Strain herbs from honey and store honey in a sealed jar. Take a tsp of honey straight or in tea.

*get creative with your strained off honey coated herbs - make a strong tea decoction, candy them, use in a face mask or an electuary, etc.

Cough Syrup

To make a syrup with your honey mix 2 parts honey with one part warm (not hot) water. Take by the spoonful. Store for up to two weeks in the fridge.

*Hot water will kill the beneficial bacteria in honey so always use warm. Adding water makes the honey less shelf stable so keep refrigerated.