Honey and Electuaries – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

Herbal Cough Drops (horehound)

I have made cough syrup with horehound in years past. This is the first year I attempted cough drops. This is a pretty standard recipe for making the traditional horehound candies that have been sold in American candy stores for decades. Horehound grows all around me as an invasive weed on land that has beenContinue reading “Herbal Cough Drops (horehound)”

Prebiotic Electuary (MARSHMALLOW)*

Prebiotics are special plant fibers that support healthy bacteria to grow in your gut by providing them with food. They are carbohydrates that your body can’t digest, so they make it all the way to the colon where they are needed most. Your body’s microorganisms metabolize and ferment the prebiotics. Upon metabolism, byproducts such asContinue reading “Prebiotic Electuary (MARSHMALLOW)*”

Honey and Herb Based Burn Ointment (Comfrey)

Every year I have theme that organizes what I am going to harvest and make from the backyard pharmacy. In 2020 I made a lot of tinctures. In 2021 I focused on infused oils and salves. For 2023 it was all about seeing how much I could truly harvest and use for large amounts ofContinue reading “Honey and Herb Based Burn Ointment (Comfrey)”

Plantain Succus

A succus is a concentrated, nutrient dense tonic full of vitamins, minerals, and medicinal properties. It cleanses/flushes the blood, liver, and lymphatic system. Once very popular with folk herbalists of the past this preparation is making a comeback on-line and in the home. Succi are very easy to make. If you have a juicer youContinue reading “Plantain Succus”

Herbal Honey (CLARY SAGE)

If you have not tried to make an electuary or herb infused honey you are in for a treat! They are a plant based medicine that can be made all year round. In summer I infuse fresh flowers like elder, hyssop, rose or lavender. As a honey I drizzle it over fresh fruit or iceContinue reading “Herbal Honey (CLARY SAGE)”