Written by Joanne Graves, Owner, Herbalist, Bee Enthusiast
Simply put, an electuary is an herbal sweetened paste.
Long before the discovery of penicillin and the development of pharmaceuticals, our ancestors foraged for herbs and spices for their healing properties. Because herbs can be naturally bitter, they are often combined with raw honey, enhancing the healing benefits of both the herbs and the honey while making the mixture much more palatable.
Herbalism is a time-honored tradition passed down through generations and continues to be practiced by many cultures around the world. However, in the West, the focus on allopathic medicine has largely overshadowed the use of herbs for daily wellness.
When we think of herbs, we often associate them with culinary uses. For instance, who can resist sage in Thanksgiving stuffing or fresh basil paired with homegrown tomatoes? Herbs indeed enrich our culinary experiences, but they also offer a wealth of additional health benefits.
Herbs contain phytonutrients and antioxidants, which may support heart health and provide protection against cancer. They are rich in various compounds that can help reduce inflammation, improve symptoms of certain medical conditions, and guard against the development of chronic diseases. Incorporating herbs into our diets may assist in preventing and managing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Electuaries are a delicious way to integrate herbs into your diet for nutrition and wellness. You can add them to hot water or milk to make tea or lattes, spread them on toast, include them in smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal, or simply enjoy them by the spoonful—they’re that good!
Click here to see a selection of our latte and healing blends.
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