Meadow magic in a jar

The merry month of May

and the meadows are alive with the sight of magic…

Infusing meadow herbs in honey is one of the best ways of harnessing their powers.

Really easy and so much more appealing than anything you can get from the pharmacy!

Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata): a member of the Plantago family, one with a long tradition as “first aid plants”, ribwort plantain has a proven track record in treating catarrh, coughs, bronchitis and asthma. Now is the time to “harvest” it, while the leaves are fresh and green and before it goes into full blossom.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): with an established reputation for the treatment of digestive ailments, yarrow is also said to intensify the effect of the other herbs it is used with

Elderflower (Sambucus niagra): is a diaphoretic, meaning it has the capacity to induce increased perspiration i.e. it helps you to sweat it out, whatever it is that ails you, not least fever and colds…

Snip or tear your freshly-picked herbs (ribwort plantain leaves, yarrow fronds and elderflower blossom) into a sterilised jar (I fill the jar with boiling water direct from the kettle and leave it to stand for at least 5 minutes before using).

Pour in the honey (ideally local and not pasteurised) – enough to completely cover the herbs and more – seal and leave to stand at room temperature for four weeks, turning the jar occasionally.

At the end of the four weeks, strain the honey into a clean jar, discarding the herbs, and use as required, either in herbal teas or direct from the jar, to combat coughs and colds.