Listen, I get it. If you had told me two decades ago, before I was an herbalist, that black eyed susans could suppress AIDs and some little berries could prevent influenza, I’d have said, “Suuuure they do,” whilst wondering what you were smoking. I wish I could make everyone see how incredible medicinal plants are. As a hands-on healer and medical intuitive, the plants rounded out my unusual gifts and I have such high respect for the plant spirits.

After helping thousands (not an exaggeration) of people and animals and having people come from around the country to see us, I am forever astounded at the original healing power of plants as food and medicine. It has saved our lives. It has healed us when we didn’t know if it could.

I make really, really good remedies for anything you can think of made from plant medicines that have been around since the beginning of time itself. Beautiful, beautiful, astounding remedies. A few months ago, I kept feeling like I needed to bring back my non-alcoholic remedies. As more and more people choose not to partake in the spirits of alcohol, a more viable option became clear. Since other modes of transport for plant properties are typically not quite as strong as alcohol, I really had to listen to get the recipes right.

Well, they are ready and they are lovely. Made from infused honey and organic apple cider vinegar, they have many benefits to them. Here is a simple recipe for you to make at home.

Digestive Tonic

In a clean pint canning jar, place a half inch piece of ginger, 1/2 tablespoon each, mint, lemon balm, chamomile, and fennel. Fill jar half way with honey. Double boil in a pot filled with water half way up the jar, letting water come to boiling slowly with canning jar in it to prevent breakage. Stir often with a chopstick. Let double boil until herbs have melded into the honey and honey has liquified- about 45 minutes. Fill rest of jar with apple cider vinegar leaving a little room at the top. Use a plastic lid or place plastic wrap under canning lid. Secure lid, shake well, and label what it is and what you put in it and the date (trust me, you’ll forget). Place in sunny window for two weeks, shaking daily until herbs start to fall to the bottom. You can store these anywhere. A little sunlight will not hurt them. Make sure you put your jar back in the window the day before the full moon for two nights. Your remedy is ready in 6-8 weeks. Take two droppers or 1 teaspoon as needed straight or in a small shot glass of juice.

Pint is good for two years. Do not strain, it continues to infuse.