Herbal infused honey is a fantastic way to combine the healing properties of herbs with the natural benefits of raw honey to make a soothing remedy to boost winter wellness. In just a few simple steps, you can craft your own flavorful, health-boosting infusion to help ward off the winter yucks.

Winter is full of challenges. From the cold weather and snow to the challenges of the ever-present sniffles that seem to plague everyone at least once during the season. If you're anything like me, you're constantly on the look out for natural remedies to not only help soothe the sickness, but also things to help prevent them to begin with.

I love combining raw honey and herbs, much like my homemade cough drops and cough syrup, this herbal infusion combines the soothing and antimicrobial properties of raw honey with the healing properties of various herbs to help create a tonic you can use to sweeten teas, take to soothe a sore throat, or even mix into treats to help lift your spirits and boost your wellness.

What is herbal infused honey?

Similar to herbal infused oils, dried herbs are steeped in honey to help extract their wellness benefits. This infusion results in a delicious, healthy infusion that can help support health and wellness.

Since it's so yummy, it makes it incredibly versatile as both a soother that you could take a spoonful of to help boost immunity and soothe a sore throat or cough as well as something to use to sweeten tea or even put in your morning, probiotic-rich greek yogurt.

Benefits of Herbal Infused Honey

Not only is herbal infused honey delicious, it also has tons of natural benefits that make it a must-have for your winter apothecary.

Immune support. Honey is naturally antimicrobial which can help fight off any seasonal germs lurking around. When you pair it with medicinal herbs like rose hips, ginger, and lemon balm, you create something that can aid at keeping the winter ills at bay.

Soothing for Sore Throats and Coughs. I love using raw honey as a natural cough suppressant and sore throat soother. It is a go-to in our family any time we start getting that tell-tale tickle in our throats.

Combine the throat-coating, soothing goodness of raw honey with calming herbs like chamomile and you have a wonderful, soothing cough and sore throat remedy to help make you feel at least a little better without feeling the need to cough your head off every ten seconds.

Promotes Relaxation and Better Sleep. Chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender are all wonderful, calming herbs that we love using in the winter time especially.

Infusing the honey with these wonderful calming herbs just helps promote all the relaxing benefits those herbs hold.

Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients. Both the honey and the herbs contain antioxidants which helps support overall health and fight off oxidative stress.

Versatile and Delicious. My favorite part about this is it provides benefits that taste good. I don't have to fight my kids to get them to take a spoonful of honey.

But not only is it good by the spoonful, it's good drizzled on oatmeal, for sweetening tea, or even drizzled over some brie.

All-natural and Super Easy to Make. No artificial sweeteners or colors here, just natural goodness. It's also incredibly easy to customize.

It only takes a few moments to make, a couple of weeks to infuse, and then you've got limitless opportunities to use it up to help support your wellness this season.

Best Herbs for Herbal Infused Honey

Elderberries and Rose Hips (Immune-Boosting Blend)

This blend is fantastic to help provide you with a little immune support if you're feeling under the weather or have people in the house that are under the weather.

Elderberries are great for combatting illness during cold and flu season. Known for their immune-boosting and antiviral properties they are also packed full of antioxidants making them a great choice for this blend.

Rose hips are a great source of natural vitamin C. These delicious additions add not only their tangy, floral flavor that pairs great with elderberry but also helps enhance your natural immunity.

Lavender and Lemon Balm (Calming Blend)

Long days, stress from the holidays, or just life in general can deplete our natural immunity. This blend is great to take to help boost it while promoting some stress relief and relaxation.

Lavender is by far one of my favorite herbs. Not only does it smell (and taste) amazing, but it also soothes and helps reduce stress while promoting relaxation.

Lemon balm smells amazing, but it's also known for not only its calming properties but also its antiviral properties making it a great addition to this blend.

Ginger and Cinnamon (Warming Blend)

This blend is fantastic for a little digestive and circulatory support. If you can mix it with a little peppermint tea, you'll have the benefits of peppermint to help calm and soothe your stomach.

Ginger has that zesty, spicy kick that pairs so well with honey and it also has digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cinnamon is perfect for winter comfort with its warming spice. It is also antioxidant rich and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Chamomile and Thyme (Soothing Blend)

I like to use this blend when I need some rest, but also want some respiratory support as it aids in both making it a great addition to nighttime tea.

Chamomile has a fantastic, mild, apple-like flavor and is known for its calming and soothing effects.

Thyme is known for its strong anti-bacterial and respiratory support properties, making it a great herb to balance out chamomile in this blend.

How to Make Herbal Infused Honey

I love this project because it's so easy and only requires a little time and a few simple ingredients.

You will need:

A cup of raw honey and 2-4 tablespoons of dried herbs. You may use your favorite herbs or use one of the blends I suggested above.

Step 1: Prepare your jar.

Use a clean and completely dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the jar is completely dry so we don't promote spoilage or fermentation with the moisture.

Step 2: Add the herbs.

Add 2-4 tablespoons of dry herbs to the bottom of the jar. Never use fresh herbs as again this will introduce moisture and we don't want that.

Using a pestle or a spoon, gently crush or chop the herbs to release their natural oils and help enhance the infusion.

Step 3: Pour the honey.

Be sure to use local, raw honey for the best benefits. Slowly pour it over the dried herbs, ensuring they are fully covered.

Next, gently take a spoon or a chopstick to stir them and remove any air bubbles. Once the honey has settled, add more if necessary to make sure the herbs stay completely covered.

Step 4: Seal, store, and infuse.

Put an airtight lid on the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow the honey to infuse.

Every 2-3 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and turn it upside down to keep the honey and herbs well-mixed.

Step 5: Strain (Optional)

I don't usually strain my herbs out, I leave them in to continue infusing and because I love the beautiful jars sitting in my apothecary cabinet when I open it.

However, if you choose, after you've infused the honey for 2-4 weeks, you can strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a fresh, clean jar to remove the herbs.

Step 6: Store

Simply store your honey in a cool, dark place. It will keep for a minimum of several months, if not longer.

Tips:

Always use dried herbs, this helps prevent fermentation and/or spoilage.

Make up small batches until you find your favorite combinations.

Make sure to use quality, food-grade herbs.

Label your jar with the date and infusion so you know what it is.

How to Use Herbal Infused Honey

Herbal infused honey is so versatile and delicious that I'm sure you can find multiple ways to use it up. However, here are a few ideas:

By the spoonful. Take it by the spoonful to soothe sore throats and coughs.

Tea. Add it to any type of tea to add some sweetness.

Warm water with lemon. This is great for a tasty, immune-boosting drink.

Morning latte. These infusions are actually all great in coffee for a little natural sweetness with herbal notes.

Cocktails. This is a great addition to your hot toddy or even whiskey sour.

Hot cocoa. I love adding cinnamon-infused honey to our hot cocoa.

Oatmeal. Add a drizzle to your oatmeal for some added sweetness and wellness.

Yogurt. I think it's great added to a little greek yogurt.

Toast, English Muffins, or Biscuits. Put on a dab of butter and drizzle with one of these delicious honey blends.

Cheese. Add to brie, goat cheese, or even aged cheddar to blend that salty-sweet flavor everyone loves.

Popcorn. Add to freshly popped popcorn and toss it all with a touch of sea salt for a delicious snack.

More Wellness Recipes to Try

• How to Make Elderberry Syrup for Immune Support
• Four Thieves Vinegar Recipe and Uses
• Traditional Homemade Fire Cider Recipe

I hope you’re inspired to make your own herbal infused honey and enjoy all the wonderful benefits it offers! If you give this a try, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Be sure to share your favorite blends or let me know how you use your infused honey. Don’t forget to leave a five-star rating if you enjoyed this post, and be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more delicious recipes, natural living tips, and inspiration.