There are reasons Turmeric is used so widely other than to spice up food. Extensive studies have shown its efficacy in aiding arthritis due to the high anti-inflammatory properties found in curcumin, which is one of the main phyto-chemicals found in turmeric. Turmeric has been shown to have a positive effect on depression as well as dyspepsia (upset stomach), memory function, and fighting tumorous cancer growths. Turmeric is also known to increase your body’s natural antioxidant function along with being a powerful source of antioxidants in its own right.

So, how to get the adequate amount of turmeric in order for it to do its job effectively? Lately there’s a craze for Golden Honey. It’s actually not a new thing but quite a traditional home remedy used historically by herbalists. Golden Honey is an excellent and palatable way of ingesting turmeric. Infuse a tablespoon of turmeric for a couple days directly into about one pound of raw honey (get the good stuff; local is best). You’re basically making syrup to do a teaspoon, 3 times a day. Want to boost the efficacy, add some black pepper to the infusion.

There are other recipes out there such as Golden Milk, preparing it in almond milk with coconut oil and honey. If you’re into experimenting, do some searching and you’ll find a dozen recipes.

A pinch of turmeric in your tea or a dab in your smoothie does the trick too. And of course, you can still cook with it! Adding turmeric to what you are already ingesting on a daily basis makes it super simple. Herbs don’t have to be complicated or taste terrible. 

For thousands of years elderberry fruit has been used by the wise women, midwives and herbalists to help strengthen the immune system, help with coughs, congestion, sore throats and more. By adding a few other herbs you can create a very effective home remedy that not only works it is also economical. Adding some Eucalyptus leaves can help open up the chest and ease breathing. Peppermint can help with a fever and circulation. White Willow Bark added can help with the body aches and head ache. Cinnamon has powerful antibiotic and anti-infectious properties. Elderberry Syrup is not only effective it is easy to make. Here is all you need:

• 2 ounces of elderberries
• 4 cups of filtered, pure water
• teaspoon of each or any of your favorite herbs (optional)
• 1 cup of local honey  

1.  Pour water into saucepan and add elderberries. Place herbs you wish to add in an infuser of choice. I prefer a large teaball (which is what they were actually made for, not tea leaves).
2.  Bring it to a boil then put a lid on it and reduce the heat. This is stewing the herbs and elderberries.
3.  Allow it to simmer for 45 minutes or until it has been reduced to half the original volume.
4.  Take it off the heat and let it cool enough to pull the herbs and filter the elderberries.
5.  Add the honey to your cooled tisane. Mix into it love and healthy, happy intentions.

Use it when you get hit with a bug to make life a little easier. As a preventative you could do a teaspoon when you feel a cold coming on or even if you have been around others who are sick. I’m a strong advocate for taking health into your own hands. Nature holds many recipes for healthy living.