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Fall is just around the corner. Don’t get me wrong, I love Summer, but in my heart of hearts, I’m all about Fall. That subtle chill has already crept into the air, the light has a different slant, and the trees are tinged with color. Summer is filled with beauty, but there is nothing like the relief I feel when Summer’s bright, bold heat fades into cooler, gentler autumn days. There is a particular sort of beauty that exists only in fall.
Herbal Recipes for Fall
I’m bringing you a collection of my favorite herbal recipes for fall to celebrate the season. From immune-boosting to skin-soothing and soul-comforting, these are the preparations that bring a sense of comfort and warmth when the air turns crisp.
1. Traditional Fire Cider
No Fall collection would be complete without Fire Cider. This folk tonic has been part of the herbal lexicon for over 2500 years. It is perfect for boosting immunity and warding off the chills of winter. The traditional recipe calls for seven basic ingredients:
Horseradish,
Ginger
Garlic
Lemons
Cinnamon
Onions
Thyme
Hot peppers
These are steeped in apple cider vinegar for 3 to 4 weeks before being strained and finished with honey to balance the acidity. Because it is a folk preparation, the recipe is flexible. I’ve seen versions that added elderberries or juniper berries, some with no horseradish and others with everything but the kitchen sink. Add your own twist to create a recipe that is uniquely you. You can find the complete recipe for our Traditional Fire Cider here, or click the image below to purchase it. It is ready-made from our apothecary.
2. Honey Fermented Garlic
Another classic preparation I make each fall is Honey-Fermented Garlic. This remedy has been used for centuries to improve health and boost the immune system. Both honey and garlic have strong medicinal benefits on their own, but when combined, they create a mixture rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
The simple fermentation process enhances the nutritional benefits of both ingredients, making them even more effective in supporting the immune system, aiding digestion, promoting healthy blood pressure levels, and enhancing overall health and wellness. With all that goodness packed in one little jar, you’ll want this delicious home remedy on hand as we head into the winter months! You can find a video tutorial for this preparation here.
INGREDIENTS:
Peeled garlic cloves
Raw local honey
METHOD:
Fill a far ½ to ¾ full with peeled garlic cloves, top with raw honey, and let them ferment together for 30 days. Be sure to shake them daily to coat all the cloves in honey, and when the month is up, you’ll have a powerful partner in your health and wellness this season.
Eat the finished garlic with a spoonful, drizzle it on roasted veggies, add it to your favorite marinades, spoon it over salads, drizzle it over herby bread or crispy bacon, and it’s amazing on pizza!
3. Rosehip Moisturizing Serum
I love rosehips. Each fall, I watch the wild rosebushes waiting for the day they will be ready to harvest. Almost as soon as they are harvested, the bright red bulbs are placed into oils to become part of my daily moisturizing regime through the Fall. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, nothing moisturizes (and reduces the signs of aging) like rosehips!
INGREDIENTS:
Dried Rosehips
Dried Calendula Petals
Olive Oil
METHOD:
Fill a small mason jar ½ to ¾ full with a 50/50 mix of rosehips and calendula petals (about 1/8th cup each). Top the jar with olive oil. Seal and shake the jar, then place it in a cool, dark place for 30 days. Shake the jar every few days to help with the herbal extraction.
At the end of 30 days, strain the plant matter from the oil and discard the rosehops and calendula petals. Bottle the strained oil in a sterilized amber dropper bottle. Use a dropper full daily to moisturize skin and give a healthy glow.
4. Spiced Ashwagandha Hot Chocolate
Nothing is quite as soothing as a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly fall evening, especially when you add ashwagandha. It is a lovely cup to sip on as you are winding down from a busy day.
INGREDIENTS:
2 TBLS Cocoa powder
1 tsp Ashwagandha root powder
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
a few sprinkles of freshly grated Nutmeg
8 oz. milk of choice
Honey or maple syrup to taste
METHOD:
This recipe makes one serving. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and whisk in the cocoa powder, ashwagandha powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat gently over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into a mug and add honey or maple syrup to your taste.
5. Immuni-Tea
I love to mix up a batch of flavorful immune-boosting tea each Fall to keep on hand when the sniffles strike our house.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp of dried juniper berries, coarsely ground
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground orange peel
1 tsp whole cloves
1 cup of boiling water
1 tsp of honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
METHOD:
Add all ingredients except the honey or sweetener (if using) to a small bowl. Stir to combine. Add ½ tablespoon to a tea ball and seep (covered) in boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove the tea ball and enjoy your Immuni-tea as is or with a spoonful of raw honey.
You can find complete instructions for our Immuni-Tea here, and we’ll be selling it pre-blended in the apothecary this winter.
Enjoying the Bounty of Fall Harvests
Each season holds its own unique and captivating beauty, but autumn holds my heart. Each year, as the nights turn cool and the days get shorter, I eagerly pull my sweaters from their slumber and slip into the apothecary to make my favorite fall herbal preparations. What are your go-to Autumn recipes? We'd love to hear about them in the comments below! Remember, it's okay to be a little wild in the garden of life. After all, some of the best remedies come from weeds! Until next time, my friends,
