Herbal-infused honey is a delightful and healthful way to incorporate the benefits of medicinal herbs into your daily life. Combining the healing properties of herbs with the natural sweetness of raw honey, this recipe is as versatile as it is effective. Whether added to tea, spread on toast, or taken by the spoonful, herbal honey can easily elevate your wellness routine.
In this post, I’ll guide you through making herbal-infused honey and highlight some herbs that thrive in Central Florida gardens—yes, even elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)! If you’re inspired to include these herbs in your kitchen garden, I’d be thrilled to help you plan and plant the perfect space.
How to Make Herbal-Infused Honey
Herbal-infused honey is simple to make and endlessly customizable. Here’s everything you need to get started:
Ingredients and Supplies
Base Ingredients
- Raw Honey: Choose high-quality, raw honey for maximum flavor and health benefits. Avoid pasteurized honey, as the heating process diminishes its natural properties.
Herbal Ingredients
- Dried Herbs: Select herbs based on the flavor and benefits you want to achieve. Here are some great options that thrive in Central Florida:
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Calming and anti-inflammatory.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Warming and aids digestion.
- Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Native immune support and antiviral.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Relaxing and antimicrobial.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Stimulating and antioxidant.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Herbs
- Select and Measure: Choose your herbs based on their benefits. Use approximately 1 part dried herbs to 5 parts honey (e.g., ¼ cup dried herbs for every 1 cup honey).
- Combine Herbs and Honey
- Fill the Jar: Place dried herbs in a clean, dry glass jar, filling about ¼ of the way.
- Add Honey: Pour raw honey over the herbs, filling the jar to the top. Stir gently to ensure the herbs are submerged.
- Infuse the Honey
- Seal and Infuse: Close the jar tightly and let it sit in a warm spot (like a sunny windowsill) for 2–4 weeks. This allows the flavors and medicinal properties to meld.
- Occasional Stirring: Gently stir or turn the jar upside down every few days.
- Strain (Optional)
- After infusion, strain the honey through cheesecloth to remove the herbs or leave them in for ongoing infusion.
Store and Use
- Store the honey in a cool, dark place. Properly infused honey can last up to a year.
Customize Your Infusion
For Relaxation and Sleep
- Herbs: Chamomile, lavender, lemon balm.
- Use: Add to warm tea before bed.
For Immune Support
- Herbs: Elderberry, echinacea, thyme.
- Use: Take by the spoonful during cold and flu season.
For Digestive Health
- Herbs: Ginger, peppermint, fennel.
- Use: Stir into tea after meals.
For Respiratory Support
- Herbs: Sage, thyme, mullein.
- Use: Soothe a sore throat and ease breathing.
Central Florida Garden Herbs
Each herb featured here thrives in a Central Florida garden, including native elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). With our warm climate and long growing season, these plants can flourish with proper planning and care.
Ready to Start Your Herb Garden?
If you’re inspired to grow your own chamomile, elderberry, or lavender for herbal-infused honey—or simply want to start a beautiful kitchen garden—I’m here to help! As a garden coach, I specialize in helping new gardeners confidently plan and plant their dream gardens, tailored to Central Florida’s unique environment.
Herbal-infused honey is not just a recipe—it’s a way to connect with nature and enhance your well-being. Start creating your blends today and enjoy the sweet, nourishing benefits of your very own herbal honey!
~ Larissa