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Writer's pictureJeannine Love

Herbal Electuaries

An herbal electuary is a thick paste, made with powdered herbs and honey.  It’s a wonderful way to take your herbs, because the honey makes it taste great.  So, this is ideal for children, who may not like the taste of herbs.  However, do not give honey to children under 12 months of age, because honey can contain bacteria that produces toxins in a baby's intestines. 

 

The use of herbal electuaries dates back thousands of years.  They were used in ancient Arab culture as well as in the Paleolithic age.  In Ayurveda, honey is a great anupan (carrier) of herbs for people with high Kapha.  People with a predominance of Kapha dosha are strong with a broader and stable body frame, have good stamina and immunity, creamy skin, larger facial features, and thick, luxurious hair.  When out of balance, Kapha people can be overweight, and have cold, congestion, and stagnation.   Honey is the preferred sweetener for Kapha because it’s heating, astringent, and slightly drying, whereas other sweeteners are cold, damp, mucus producing, and contribute to weight gain.  But whether you have a lot of Kapha or just simply want a straightforward way to take your herbs, try an herbal electuary. 

 

Basic Directions:

There’s no exact measurement for making herbal electuaries; you simply mix enough powdered herbs into the honey until you get a thick enough consistency.  But here is a basic recipe:

 

  1. If you don’t have powdered herbs, then grind your cut herbs in a coffee grinder that you use specifically for your herb work, or in a high powdered blender.

  2. Add powdered herbs to a bowl.

  3. Add honey to the herbs and stir until the herbs and honey are thoroughly mixed and you have a paste of your desired consistency.  You can warm the honey first, but not too much since heat will destroy the enzymes in the honey.   

  4. You can eat the electuary as is or mix it into a cup of warm water and drink as a tea.

 

Here are some suggestions for herbs to try:


For Colds/Sore Throat

Astragalus

Coltsfoot

Echinacea

Elder

Elecampane

Horehound  

Licorice root

Marshmallow root

Mullein leaf

Osha

 

Digestive Aids

Caraway

Chamomile

Cinnamon

Coriander

Dandelion

Dill

Fennel seed

Fenugreek

Ginger

Oregano

Thyme

Turmeric

 

For a Good Night’s Sleep

California Poppy

Chamomile

Kava Kava

Passionflower

 

For Heart and Circulation

Arjuna

Brahmi

Ginkgo

Hawthorne berries and flowers

Motherwort

 

Herbal electuaries are easy to make and a fantastic way to stay healthy!

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