Medicinal Honey (for sore throats and coughs)
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Time to read 5 min
10 minutes
5 days
8 oz honey
Herbal Remedies
United States
Welcome to Peace Love Hormones, AKA The Modern Woman's Apothecary!
✨ A Nourishing Elixir for Sore Throats & Coughs: Herbal Medicinal Honey
When the seasons shift or stress runs high, our immune systems can use a little extra love. That scratchy throat, that stubborn cough—it’s your body’s way of asking for support, and nature has the answer. This herbal medicinal honey is our go-to herbalist-crafted remedy for soothing irritated throats, calming coughs, and nourishing the immune system from the inside out.
This isn't just any honey. This is a deeply infused, multi-herb honey—each ingredient chosen with intention, rooted in tradition, and backed by modern herbal science. Elderberries, lemon, rosemary, ginger, and raw honey come together in a synergistic blend that’s as delicious as it is functional. These herbs work in harmony to help reduce inflammation, fight off pathogens, and support your body’s natural healing process.
Let’s break down the plant magic:
🌿 Elderberries are a powerhouse of antiviral and antioxidant activity. Traditionally used to fight off colds and flus, these tiny berries support immune defense and help modulate inflammation in the respiratory tract.
🍋 Lemon adds a bright burst of vitamin C and bioflavonoids—important for immune strength and tissue repair. It also lends a touch of acidity that helps preserve the infusion and supports digestion.
🌱 Rosemary (fresh or dried) isn’t just for your roasted potatoes—it’s a potent respiratory herb. With antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory-boosting properties, rosemary helps open the lungs, stimulate lymphatic flow, and fight off infections.
🫚 Ginger brings warmth and movement. It’s a beloved root for easing congestion, soothing sore throats, and improving circulation. Plus, it enhances the absorption of other herbs and supports immune resilience.
🍯 Raw honey is more than just the base—it’s a medicine in its own right. Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it coats and soothes the throat while acting as a preservative for the herbal constituents. Its enzymes and phytonutrients offer gentle immune support and help calm dry, tickly coughs.
This herbal honey can be taken by the spoonful, stirred into warm tea, or used as a sweet herbal drizzle over your breakfast when you're feeling under the weather—or better yet, before symptoms even start. It’s both preventative and responsive. A little daily dose of this plant-packed elixir can go a long way in supporting your wellness through cold and flu season and beyond.
This remedy is your herbal hug in a jar. Keep it close, share it generously, and let its warmth carry you through.
Herbal Supplements for Women's Health:
Soothe: Designed to regulate hormones, support cycle regularity, and prevent PMS symptoms.
Crampy: If you need immediate relief from menstrual cramps, this tincture works quickly to ease discomfort.
Bitters: improves digestion and support nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
Sleepy: promotes restful sleep and supports nervous system health.
Ingredients
8 oz raw, unfiltered honey (local if possible)
2 tbsp dried elderberries (or 4 tbsp fresh)
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger (or 1½ tsp dried)
1 large sprig chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tbsp dried)
Zest of ½ organic lemon
Optional: a thin slice or two of organic lemon for layering in the jar.
Directions
Step 1:
In a clean, dry jar, layer in your herbs: elderberries, ginger, rosemary, and lemon zest. Add a lemon slice if using.
Step 2:
Pour the honey over the herbs, stirring slowly with a clean spoon or chopstick to make sure everything is well coated and no air bubbles are trapped.
Step 3:
Seal the jar tightly and let it infuse at room temperature for 5–7 days. Stir gently once a day if you can. *If using fresh herbs and/or lemon slices, make sure to store in the fridge and to give the honey a stir once per day to prevent mold growth.
Step 4:
Strain (optional) after infusion using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, especially if you prefer a smooth honey. Or, leave the herbs in and spoon around them as you use it.
Step 5:
Store in a cool, dark place and use within 2–3 months. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge.
💛 How to Use:
Take a spoonful straight up for throat relief
Stir into warm (not boiling) tea
Drizzle over toast or yogurt when feeling run-down
Add to warm water with a squeeze of lemon for a daily immune tonic
Let this herbal honey be your plant-powered companion through cold snaps, voice strain, and busy weeks when your immune system needs a little extra TLC.
If you try this recipe, let us know—we love seeing your creations! Tag us on Instagram @peacelovehormones, and don’t forget to tune into the Peace Love Hormones podcast for more holistic wellness tips, herbal wisdom, and hormone-supportive recipes.
What About Mold?
Mold can form if you're using fresh herbs or lemon in honey and it's not stored in the fridge, especially if:
The herbs contain a lot of moisture,
The honey isn't completely covering the herbs,
The ambient environment is warm and humid,
Or the jar isn't sterile or sealed properly.
Honey is naturally antimicrobial and preservative on its own, but when we introduce fresh, water-rich ingredients like ginger, lemon slices, or fresh rosemary, we increase the risk of fermentation or mold if it’s not stored properly.
🌿 What You Can Do to Stay Safe:
1. Use dried herbs when possible
Dried elderberries, rosemary, and even dried lemon peel reduce the moisture content, making mold less likely. You still get great medicinal value, especially when using quality herbs.
2. If using fresh herbs or lemon, refrigerate
Refrigeration slows down microbial growth and helps prevent fermentation or mold. Your honey may thicken slightly in the fridge, but you can warm a spoonful as needed.
3. Fully submerge herbs in honey
Make sure everything is covered in honey—this creates an oxygen-free environment and minimizes spoilage risk.
4. Use a clean, sterilized jar
Sterilizing the jar helps prevent introducing any unwanted bacteria or mold spores from the start.
Herbal Supplements for Women's Health
- Soothe: Designed to regulate hormones, support cycle regularity, and prevent PMS symptoms. It’s the perfect companion for women looking to balance their hormones naturally.
- Crampy: If you need immediate relief from menstrual cramps, this tincture works quickly to ease discomfort.
- Bitters: Great for gut health and liver detoxification, bitters can help improve digestion and support nutrient absorption.
- Sleepy: For those nights when sleep seems out of reach, Sleepy promotes restful sleep and supports nervous system health.
Summary:
This honey is more than sweet—it’s medicinal.
Packed with immune-supportive herbs like elderberries, ginger, rosemary, and lemon, this infusion helps soothe sore throats, ease coughs, and support your body’s natural defenses.
Each ingredient plays a vital role.
Elderberries fight viruses, ginger and rosemary reduce inflammation and improve circulation, lemon adds vitamin C and bright flavor, and raw honey itself is a soothing, antimicrobial base.
You can make it shelf-stable or refrigerate.
For longer storage without refrigeration, use dried herbs and zest only. If using fresh herbs or lemon slices, store in the fridge to prevent mold and fermentation.
It’s versatile, preventative, and delicious.
Take by the spoonful, stir into warm tea, or drizzle over food. This is a daily ritual you’ll actually look forward to—nourishing, easy, and plant-powered.
