This spread was created for our own family’s immune support during a brutal cold and flu season. I needed something to fend off winter germs that was so delicious I wouldn’t have to chase the kids down to get them to take it. Over the years, I’ve played with the proportions of herbal ingredients in this formula. It will work well with equal parts, but feel free to adjust the amount of each individual herb to match your taste.
Powdered herb formula:
1 part astragalus powder
1 part echinacea powder
1 part elderberry powder
1 part shiitake powder
Honey spread:
7 teaspoons powdered herb formula
1 cup raw honey
Stir the powdered herb formula into the raw honey. Keep in a cool, dry area. Lasts indefinitely.
To use: Enjoy 1–3 teaspoons daily.
Herbs at Work:
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has scientific support for its ability to shorten an illness and relieve symptoms. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), too, is a known immune system tonic. When our immune system takes a hit, we also often suffer from the stress an illness causes to our body as a whole, and so I added astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) for its adaptogenic qualities and its ability to promote a healthy stress response. Finally, I added shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes). Many of the mushrooms we take for granted as a simple addition to our eggs or pizza are highly medicinal! Shiitake is no exception and has a lot to offer when it comes to our immune system.
My first attempts at this blend were far too “mushroomy,” and while all of our honey spreads are focused on effectiveness, they must be tasty! After some experimenting, we hit on a more berry-flavored spread with mild undertones of earthiness from the mushroom. Whenever anyone in my family shows a hint of an illness, we grab a spoonful of Well Fast.
Excerpted fromSweet Remedies © by Dawn Combs. Used with permission from Storey Publishing
Affiliate Note: View the trailer for: “THRIVE II: This is What it Takes.” Focusing on breakthrough solutions, this welcome new film offers grounded hope.
