Middle-aged men often have a tough time making the transition from virile, young buck into the wiser and perhaps less fiery heads of their herd. It takes a lot of humility to admit the aches and pains that have begun to set in, the mid-afternoon weariness, and those extra few pounds about the middle are all signs of the exit ramp from youth into the middle passage. Most of us, men and women alike, try to hang onto youth even when our bodies begin to shout loud and clear we’ve left youth behind long ago.
Dude Honey helps make that passage into the middle-years and even beyond a little sweeter. Ashwaghanda, Chaga, and Cordyceps all draw together to help build overall virility. Milk Thistle supports liver health. Cinnamon and Cacao offer a bit of fire mixed with antioxidants, supporting healthy digestion and reducing inflammation overall. Honey synergizes the blend, boosting the power of each individual as they work together to support vitality.
Ingredients
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3 parts Cacao powder
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3 parts Milk Thistle powder
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1 part Ashwaghanda powder
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1 part Chaga powder
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1 part Cordyceps powder
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1/2 part Cinnamon powder
- Honey to bind
Tools
- Measuring spoons, cups, or scale
- Bowl and Spoon for mixing
- Tray lined with parchment paper or a Silicone Baking Mat
- Glass jar with lid for storage
- Label and Pen
Instructions
- Measure the powdered herbs into your bowl and blend them well. Be sure to break up any clumps so the blend becomes a uniform color and texture.
- Add the honey a little at a time, folding it in thoroughly until the blend becomes slightly sticky and malleable, like a sticky play dough. The key is to add just enough honey to bind the herbs but not so much as to leave them sticky and messy.
- When the mixture is workable, begin forming it into balls. Aim for balls that resemble small marbles about 1/4 inch (6 cm) across or roughly 1/2-1/3 teaspoon (2-3 ml) of herb mix per ball.
- Set the formed balls on the lined tray. Let them stand on the tray to set and dry a little for a few hours to overnight.
Or, for a spread:
- Measure the powdered herbs into your bowl and blend them well. Be sure to break up any clumps so the blend becomes a uniform color and texture.
- Add honey, a little at a time, folding it in thoroughly until the blend is smooth and spreadable. This takes considerably more honey than it takes to make balls.
- When the blend is spreadable, store it in a sealed container with a label.
Store your Dude Honey in an air-tight and labeled container, like a sealed glass jar, in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark spot in your pantry…or in a spot where you’ll remember to use it!
Learn more about making Herbal Honeys, including Electuaries and Honey Spreads, in this Herbal Nerd Society Article.
