Tag: honey

Herbal Remedies

Making Medicinal Teas

Kristine

Updated March 1, 2022

“Herb teas, properly prepared, are warming and soothing to the soul. They provide essential medicinal qualities and healing energy. Preparing and drinking herb teas involves us in the personal process of healing and teaches us to be conscious of the role we each play in our well-being,” says herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar.

Certainly, herbal teas are an important part of boosting and maintaining health. If you’re new to herbalism, they are a great way to get started. Making tea is one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to prepare herbs medicinally. There is no complicated equipment or processing required. In fact, you probably already have all the tools you need in your kitchen.

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Herbal Remedies

Make Your Own Immune Boosting Fire Cider

Kristine

Updated March 1, 2022

Fire ciders are a well loved folk preparation that have been used traditionally to boost digestion, aid healthy body processes, warm one up on cold days, and help to ward off illness. Autumn is the perfect time to make a big batch of fire cider so that it can be used to promote health throughout the winter months.

Fire cider is simple to prepare, but it does need to infuse for some time before it’s ready. Depending on who you ask, the exact recipe varies, but the basic formula remains the same: vinegar + health boosting herbs + honey.

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Condiments, Recipes

Black Currant, Blueberry & Wild Bergamot Syrup

Kristine

Updated May 20, 2022

Summer is in full swing in Michigan, which means fresh berries and herbs are available in abundance. I love to make various preserves throughout the season so that I have a few jars to give as gifts to friends & family and some wonderful treats to enjoy myself during the long winter months.

This delicious, unique simple syrup combines some of my favorite flavors of these lovely summer months. Blueberries are a familiar favorite and the addition of black currants and wild bergamot gives this syrup a tasty twist.

Black currants are not extremely popular, at least in this area, and can be a bit tricky to find. If you’re lucky, you might be able to get them at a farmer’s market or find a fruit farm that will let you pick them yourself. We are fortunate enough to have a great orchard nearby where we can pick these tasty berries. If possible, growing your own is a great option. If you can’t find black currants and still want to make this recipe, just substitute an equal amount of blueberries. The currants add a unique flavor, but blueberry-bergamot syrup is also lovely.

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