Herbs & Honey as Medicine

Expertly formulated by a holistic herbalist and beekeeper, our well- sourced, lovingly crafted seasonal electuaries capture the power of raw honey and organic herbs for whole-family remedies.

“Incorporating herbs into our everyday rituals like a nourishing meal, morning coffee, or evening cup of tea offers a way to nurture our bodies and connect with the plants, inviting the plants to weave their medicine into the touch points throughout our day.”

-Katie Glyer, Holistic Herbalist

What is an electuary?

"Electuary" is an old word for a blend of powdered herbs and honey. It's a shelf-stable way to keep herbs ready to consume rather than having to do an infusion or decoction. An electuary can be taken by the spoonful or blended into your favorite hot beverage, adding sweetness and the wonderful healing properties of the herbs used.

In addition to offering an easier way to consume herbal medicine, it also makes them so incredibly delicious! Which means one is more likely to be consistent with their herbs.

ANCIENT REMEDIES: Electuaries have a rich history in traditional medicine dating back to ancient times when they were used in ancient Greece and Rome by physicians such as Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Galen to make medicinal substances more palatable. In the Middle Ages, there's evidence to suggest Hildegard of Bingen and Avicenna recommended the use of electuaries, which would often be prepared by an apothecary using honey or another sweetener to mask the flavor of the herbs, spices, or other less palatable medicines as well as to help preserve the active ingredients.

Pharmacopoeias from the Renaissance include recipes for electuaries addressing issues ranging from digestive complaints to respiratory ailments. There are even classical formulas from traditional Chinese Medicine texts that utilize electuaries.

Why has this method of administering herbal medicine been around for so long and across various cultures? Because it's simple and effective! That's a winning combination when it comes to working with botanical medicine.

Welcome! I’m so glad you are here.

My name is Taylor - I am the beekeeper behind The Local Wild and juggle the roles of mother, writer, and photographer nestled on my homestead; wearing the hats of homeschool teacher, and caretaker of a myriad of creatures, both human and beast.

As a beekeeper, I find inspiration in hives, honey, herbs and the space where the intertwining of the ordinary and extraordinary in Creation meet.

My line of medicinal honey was born out of a desire to combine the power of raw honey and herbs in an accessible and affordable way. My family needed a better daily wellness option and I knew after making a few, I didn’t want to keep it to myself.

Electuaries can be consumed by the spoonful, which I highly recommend, stirred into your favorite hot beverage, or even just mixed into hot water. It's the easiest and most delicious herbal medicine you'll ever take! Not only does the honey offer its own well-documented healing properties, but it offers the sweetest possible delivery mechanism.

A quick glimpse Local Wild Electuaries ( seasonal blends every quarter):

• Calm & Secure - promotes relaxation, stress resilience, nervous system support, & sleep-enhancing properties. It's a wonderful blend for the whole family!

• Before Birth - supports mood and sleep quality, promotes relaxation, assists in alleviating morning sickness symptoms, and aids uterine health.

• Stress Soothe - soothes and grounds the nervous system, promotes calm, enhances cognitive function, & boosts energy levels.

• Cycle Support - aids hormonal balance, stress resilience, digestion, assists in building blood, and supports overall cycle well-being.

• Cold & Clear - aids in fever management, chest decongestion, fluid regulation, cold and cough relief, & helps manage seasonal allergy symptoms.

• Head Case - ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties, promoting relaxation, stress resilience, & may help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

I sincerely hope you enjoy our honey, stories and we are proud to be a small part of your family and home!