Herbal infused honey is not only a great way to enjoy the medicinal benefits of herbs, but also can be an easy way to reduce waste. Infusions can consist of leftover sprigs and buds that might otherwise go unused. This recipe features lilac flowers, but you can use any edible herb or combination, here are some ideas:

SPICES

• Anise
• Cardamom pods
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Peppercorns
• Vanilla

*Please note any plant used for medicine/food/flavoring is considered a herb, however in this instance I am using the term to differentiate between types of ingredients.

recipe

HERBAL INFUSED HONEY

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Not everyone will experience the seasons the same, but no matter where you are on earth you will notice sunlight, weather, and the environment change as one season shifts to the next. The cycles of the sun, moon, and earth energetically create periods of growth and beginnings, building energy, peaking energy, descending energy, and quietude that are consistent, inevitable, and part of the human experience.

We’ve been living by the four seasons – winter, spring, summer, and autumn – which align with the equinoxes and solstices, however, this phenology wheel includes the solar cross-quarter days that occur midway between these astronomical events. By adding the cross-quarters we gain four more seasons, giving us a total of eight seasons that represent the biological responses conditioned by the earth’s orbit around the sun. This is similar to the Wheel of the Year, an annual cycle rooted in many ancient traditions that also observes eight seasons.

There is a sacred tempo that is evident in each new phase of the year. We once honored the rhythms of nature with celebrations and gratitude, but we have seemingly shifted to one year-round productivity-focused cycle that centers on the self. The intuitive nature of paying homage to the natural flow of each season has been suppressed by modern-day’s dissociation from the natural world. But it doesn’t have to be. The seasons are embedded within us and we can follow in our ancestor’s footsteps by honoring the seasonal shifts through thanksgiving, reciprocity, and gathering.

The Season of

Rejuvenating

The season of rejuvenation begins on the winter solstice (c. December 21st). The north pole is tilted away from the sun, making it the shortest day and longest night of the year. The warmth of summer has left the ground, the land is frozen, and a blanket of snow covers everything in sight. As day-length increases, life waits.

It’s been called the “Persephone season,” when the daughter of Spring is dragged to the underworld and everything rests. Animals are hibernating, plants lay dormant, and birds have flown south. This season represents death and the afterlife. As bleak as this might sound it’s actually a season of imagination, dreaming, and hope as we prepare for life ahead. Think of it as the start of a new journey.

For gardeners, we start to feel this season come to an end when we prepare to start seeds indoors.

The Season of

Awakening

February 1st marks the awakening when growers start to see a significant shift in day length and plant growth. The land is preparing to burst forth in productivity with the promise of spring’s return. The earth is ripe and fertile, ready for us to plant new seeds of intentions for the coming year. This season is a great time for purification. Candlelit rituals are commonplace as we welcome the growing light of the waxing sun. Ask yourself where you want to focus your energy, what seeds you wish to plant, and what you need to support yourself.

The Season of

Planting

The planting season, or the greening, represents birth and begins with the spring equinox (c. March 21st). The land is slowly transforming from brown to green. It’s a time of fertility, growth, play, and creativity as buds unfurl, animals start their mating dances, nectar begins to flow, and pollen wafts through the air. The energy of this time isn’t only about physical fertility, but rather how we might sow seeds for creative projects, relationships, and more. There is an expansive energy available to us all during this season.

The Season of

Blooming

High Spring (May Day) marks the beginning of the blooming season. We are experiencing the vitality of life in full force. Passion, love, joy, and pleasure are in the air as masculine and feminine energies unite in harmony. Sexuality is pervasive through this season. Ancient customs recall celebrations in which lovers met in the fields, the forests, or along the shores for trysts and escapades. The energy of earth is at its peak with the first summer berries and medicinal herbs ready to be picked.

The Season of

Drying

The drying season begins on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year (c. June 21st). It represents abundance, culmination, and fulfillment as we start to reap the benefits of our hard work. You can think of it as the climax of the annual cycle. The rain is infrequent, growth shifts from expanding foliage to making seed, and many fruits ripen. Crops are in full growth, close to maturity as we edge nearer to the first harvest. During this season there is time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy the warm days.

The Season of

Harvesting

By summer’s end (August 1st), we see the fruits of our labor. The first harvest of grains brings us prosperity and we give infinite thanks for earth’s abundance. It’s a time of generosity, thanksgiving, and fruition. The light is softer, the forests turn red and gold, and the land is bursting at the seams with food that will sustain us through the long winter.

The Season of

Composting

With summer’s strong heat becoming a distant memory, and the earth’s fertility weakening from the retreating light, we enter the season of composting. It begins on the autumn equinox (c. September 21st), which marks the point where we move from the light half to the dark half of the year as the sun continues to wane.  This is the second harvest, in which we pick baskets full of fruits and vegetables before plants start to withdraw. While we gather and feast during this time of abundance, we practice remembrance, letting go, gratitude, and reciprocity.

It’s important to clear or transform the things that are no longer needed or serve us so we can move forward. Similar to when a tree drops its leaves each season, and they eventually turn into soil that sustains a whole web of life.

The Season of

Resting

The winter months are a season to be endured and survived. To keep spirits up, our ancestors studded the dark with lights and festivals. The resting season begins on Hallow’s Eve (October 31st). This is the third and final harvest festival of the year. We have gathered the last nuts and berries before frost and snow take over.

On Hallow’s Eve, the veil between worlds is thin allowing us to honor our ancestors and remember those who have passed.  It’s also a time when our intuition is heightened and we can ask ourselves what wisdom is brewing, what have we learned, and how have we grown. While we retreat into ourselves as the resting season continues, we become yet another year wiser. The lesson we learn from the sun cycles is that in order to be abundant and produce a harvest, we must rest – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Both real and fake trees have their merits and their faults, but there are many eco-alternatives to the traditional Christmas tree that are just as festive and also very unique.

Instead of cutting down a pine tree plan to grow one! There are a few things to keep in mind if you go this route:

1. Plan to keep your tree inside for only a few days, tops. A tree can handle being inside for a short time during the winter, much as it would weather an unseasonably warm spell. The longer you keep it inside, the more stress you place on it.

2. Hold off on planting the tree until spring, when it would naturally emerge from dormancy. In the meantime, place your tree outside in its pot, insulate the pot with mulch, and water it whenever the soil dries out. Plant it in late March or early April, and it will stand a chance of surviving long term.

Another opion: choose a tropical tree that will live on as a houseplant. The Norfolk Island pine, Monkey Puzzle trees and Southern Yews are great options!

Similar in appearance to the pine tree, but on a much smaller scale, the rosemary plant can be dressed up for your holiday decor. It’s ideal for small spaces, centerpieces, offices, and even as gifts. It looks just like a mini Christmas tree!

The Rosemary tree is easy to grow and fragrant. What is even better about the Rosemary tree is that you can clip a couple branches to use for cooking whenever you want!

Other options similar to Rosemary incude the Bay Laurel and Myrtle which make lovely petite “trees!”

This elegant scandi-inspired hand-crafted Christmas tree is made from sustainably sourced Maple. It brings the feel of the outdoors inside during this festive time of year and provides a unique contemporary decoration without any mess.

It’s quick to assemble and packaged in a natural cotton bag. Decorate this tree with your own unique ornaments. It can be used year after year!

It comes in three height options: 3ft, 5ft, or 6.5 ft. It’s also a best seller on Etsy!

This cardboard tree is sturdy and strong enough to carry a generous set of ornaments.

The tree is flat-packed. Assemble it for Christmas, and de-assemble after the holidays. The tree doesn’t take up much space when it’s taken down and disassembled into pieces. The best part about it – you can use it for many years!

These cardboard trees come in a variety of colors and sizes. Perfect for the home, office, or any other place you want to make more festive!

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More On Sun Care…

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Most candles are made of paraffin wax, a sludge waste product from the petroleum industry. When burned the candles create known carcinogens benzene and toluene. In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes. Scented candles might also contain lead or lead cores in the wick. Artificial scents and colors are also irritants to many people and can trigger allergic reactions.

Keep in mind, the cheaper the candle the more chemicals and synthetic fragrances will be present. If you are not into DIYing your own candles, but still want to have healthy candles in the house, make sure to look for 100% beeswax. Some companies will use only a small amount of beeswax mixed with paraffin, and then label them as “beeswax candles.” Soy candles are another great option, they also burn clean, and for a long period of time.

Lets Get Started

Supplies Check List

•   16oz Organic Beeswax – either white or yellow beeswax, I like this brand here.
•   1/2-3/4 cup Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil
•   Organic Hemp Wick that are beeswax coated + Wick Sustainer Tabs. I used this bundle here.
•   4lb Pouring Pot. I used this one here.
•   Mason Jars – I use various sizes from a variety pack.
•   Glue gun – I use this one here.
•   Wooden Stick – either a dowel, popsicle stick, pencil (anything narrow and longer than the opening of your jar).

STEP 1: Attaching the wick to the candle jar

Cut a strand of of your organic hemp candle wick, make sure it is a few inches taller than your mason jar. Attach this strand to the wick sustainer tab using a hot glue gun. Next glue the wick sustainer tab in the center of you mason jar.

Place your dowel, popsicle stick, pencil (or something similar) across the top of your jar. I found with this particular wick I am using, it sticks very well to itself making it easy to wind around the dowel several times and let stay. If that doesn’t work, simply tie it.

STEP 2: Melting the organic beeswax & coconut oil

Now it’s time to melt the beeswax and coconut oil together in a double boiler.  If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one like I have pictured. Place one inch of water in a pot, and place a smaller pot or stainless steel bowl inside. Bring the water to a low boil.

Your melted coconut oil and beeswax should look like the picture below:

STEP 3: Pouring the mixture into your candle jar

Carefully pour the mixture into your mason jar and let harden. If the candles cool too quickly the wax might crack. To resolve this issue place your jars in a preheated oven at 150F.

Once they have hardened you can add your own embellishments. I tied the rim of my candle jars  with a hemp string and made a bow. These can be perfect for gifts and the holidays!

WHY BEESWAX?

Beeswax candles are naturally scented with the aroma of honey. This is highly desirable for those who suffer with asthma or are allergic to sensitive smells. Pure beeswax candles emit little, if any, smoke when they burn – keeping your home cleaner and more comfortable. Besides the smoke, these candles burn with little or no wax drip making them last longer!

Yellow Beeswax is filtered for purity while the natural color and aromas of honey are preserved.
White Beeswax is filtered for purity and the color is removed by a natural carbon filtration to discolor the beeswax but still preserve the aroma. There are no additives or chemicals of any kind used in this process.

Recent studies suggest that burning beeswax candles can actually purify the air by releasing negative ions removing impurities from the air we breathe.

WHY COCONUT OIL?

Coconut oil is obtained via a natural process. Coconut wax burns slowly and cleanly, and throws scent extremely well. It unfortunately has been overlooked by the candle industry because it is more expensive per pound.

Clean Up

Wax can be quite difficult to remove from your dishes. A tip for clean up is to bring water to a boil, and put your utensils in the water. Use an old rag to wipe away the melted wax. Of course, be careful! Use tongs to remove your utensils from the hot water. To clean the bowl, preheat your oven to 200F, then turn it off and place the bowl inside. When the wax is completely melted it is easy to wipe away with an old rag too. After that, you can scrub with soap and water per usual.   ☾

ENJOY!

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