I hope you are staying well and mentally healthy, the best you can. These times sure are something for the books! Soon the sunny, hot days and nights full of musical sounds will wind down and the season will change, as will our health.
If you aren’t sneezing and rubbing your eyes from allergies you probably know someone that is doing so daily. Next thing we know those sneezes and scratchy throats will be from other fun visitors, not the pollen that is currently floating about, but fun “back to school” and “hello fall” colds and viruses. The regular run of the mill every year stuff!
I am happy to tell you the elderberry syrup will be steadily and readily available to help you and yours during the upcoming cold and flu season. You will be able to find many tonics, syrups, oxymels and even shrubs in the coming weeks. I love experimenting with these tried and true, old fashion, natural health remedies. Made from fruits, vegetables and herbs these alternative infusions make a great health tonic and offer a nutritional boost to your daily diet. Not only by the spoonful or in a beverage but they can be included in your culinary preparations. You can use them in a tea, mix with sparkling water for a natural soda, take by the shot glass, or add to a favorite dish. Drizzle over salad, try on your chicken dish or even in a soup recipe. Try experimenting. Look up recipes. Oxymels, tonics, syrups and shrubs allow many ways to incorporate botanicals, vinegars and herbal infusions into your daily routine and better your health and wellness.
If you haven’t heard I discovered a beekeeping family that infuses their wildflower honey with fruits and vegetables for the most amazing, delicious flavors you could imagine. These have been a hit and flying off the shelves. No worries. I plan to keep them stocked. There are 15 flavors to choose from. Here’s a sampling: apple, caramel, ginger, lemon, razzleberry, smoked and even watermelon. And that’s just a start.
Lastly, I came across another beekeeper (see the theme here) that makes these really delicious and unique beverages sweetened with honey. How about a Honey Sparkling Water or Honey Cream Soda? There even is a Honey Ginger ale.
More and more doctors are telling their patients to find honey for their sore throat, nagging cough and even laryngitis. After all, honey is a natural food with proven health benefits, also known as a functional food.
The North Bee in the village of Webster hopes to help you and your family nourish your mind, body and soul this upcoming season. I look forward to seeing you.
