An electuary is a vintage term used to describe a type of herbal extract that is composed of powdered or finely ground medicinal herbs in a medium of honey. Typically it was used as a way to ingest herbs that otherwise didn’t taste very good. It wasn’t too far back before big Pharma jumped in to solve all our aches and diseases - essentially taking away the power from the fields, the herbalists, and a simple way of life - that we used ingredients available and accessible from the earth to heal us and all of creation.
Electuaries are a simple way to reconnect with the medicine you need in a delicious way that also has the added benefits of raw honey. Raw honey is a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. Raw honey is naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and is used commonly to treat coughs, and topically to treat burns, promote wound healing, and is excellent as a moisturizing facial. Raw honey from your local beekeeper also has trace amounts of all the medicinal products of the hive including bee pollen, propolis, beeswax, royal jelly, and bee venom. . 
A medicine of its own composition - raw honey - is also a strong solvent and able to extract the therapeutic properties of herbs by its hygroscopic nature! Honey can absorb moisture from its surroundings, which makes it an effective menstruum for extracting water-soluble compounds, and, because honey includes trace amounts of the whole hive and its products, honey can also extract small amounts of oil-soluble compounds, which adds to the overall efficiency as a solvent for herbal extraction.
At Diggin’ Livin’, we have made several different types of electuaries, and although the sweet taste of honey disguises any unpleasant taste of herbs, it also amplifies the delectable and wonderful aromas of some herbs.
Our ‘Love and Gratitude’ electuary is composed of ground damiana, rose petals, and clary sage, and our very own Diggin’ Livin’ raw honey. It tastes like its name suggests and is a wonderful way to take in the goodness of these herbs and medicinal qualities of our raw honey.
To make the most of electuaries, consider incorporating them into your daily routine. Whether stirred into a cup of warm tea, spread on toast, or enjoyed by the spoonful, electuaries are a flavorful and effective way to embrace nature’s healing.. 
A simple recipe for creating your own electuary using raw honey and a favorite blend of herbs: Use a VitaMix and gradually increase the setting from 1 to 9. Electuaries vary in consistency based on how fine the grind. Here at Diggin’ Livin’ we prefer finely ground but not powdered. We add about 1:1 honey to ground herbs. A great combination for a sore throat would include ⅓ astragalus, ⅓ elecampane, and ⅓ peppermint.
Explore various herb and honey combinations to find what suits you best. Enjoy the nourishment of electuaries and savor the benefits they offer for your well-being.
