Fire Honey

A recipe to spice up our descent into the darker seasons

We’ve just passed equinox and the darkness has become dominant again.

Almost as if my system is resisting the shift, I’ve been craving all things warm toned. If you’ve lived in places where the sky stays dark and the temperatures get sub zero, you know the power of a good cup of tea or bowl of soup, chilli or stew to *almost* replace the warm summer sun.

I decided to try out Fire Honey.

Not quite the infamous fire cider, but still packing a punch. Here’s the recipe I followed and will be sticking to for future batches:

• 1 cup honey (I prefer unpasturized, but you do you).

• 1tsp ground cinnamon

• 1tsp ground ginger

• 1tsp ground black pepper

• 1tsp cayenne

• 1tsp turmeric

Mix this all together and take daily or often with teas, warm lemon water or on its own. I keep mine in the fridge, though if it’s unpasteurized honey the only reason for that is a longer shelf life, others keep theirs on the counter out of direct light.

You can also make a smaller batch if you use it less often. Even starting with 1tbsp of honey to 1/4-1/8 tbsp of the ground spices is a good one off ratio to use.

I’ve found this a really great remedy for a “I feel like I’m starting to come down with something” experience.

My current go to is to mix it with warm water, lemon juice (about a tbsp) and one of my daily tinctures as desired. I drink this before coffee or meals, and it definitely both gets the digestive system up and ready and wakes you up in a pleasing, moderately spicy way.

All the spices included have long histories of being used to combat colds, flus, viruses and beyond. They are all known anti-inflammatories and immune system supports.

Cayenne is renowned for supporting the cardiovascular system, healthy circulation on top of its benefits for inflammation, pain, stagnation, metabolism and digestion.

For those who struggle with cold extremities, ginger is known to bring warmth to the lower body and support the movement of energy and circulation throughout. Cinnamon has similar properties, supporting circulation and stimulating energy.

Turmeric holds all these properties and is very popular for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Likewise with black pepper, one of our most socially conditioned digestive stimulants (whether we are aware of its original purposes or not).

Beyond the seasonal illnesses beginning to drift around (I think I’ve had upwards of 30% of my schedule the last two weeks sick cancel), this honey combo would also serve those who deal with sluggish digestion, pain conditions and metabolic issues.

All these herbs are stimulating to the max, so if you’re already a person who feels fiery physically or otherwise, this may not be the fit for you. Many of these herbs I recommend for those feeling stuck, stiff, tense, low or anxious as a way to quite literally get things moving on all levels. That being said it’s always important to consult your health care practitioners, especially if you’re on medications that serve specific roles. This combo would not be ideal for those on blood thinners and some blood pressure management meds, or those with low blood pressure.

This is not medical advice, and is offered simply as interesting education and inspiration for using your spice cabinet this fall and winter.

This publication is reader supported. I strongly believe the information I share needs to be shared as widely as possible, and will likely very rarely put things behind a strict paywall. That being said, in order to put time into creating this content, paid subscriptions are endlessly helpful. Thank you for reading and let me know if you try this recipe out!