November saw RadRems and friends meet at LARC in Whitechapel for a medicine making session of immunity boosting potions. Through the day we were chatting and chopping our roots and shoots prepping big batches of fire cider and cough syrup. 
We had a great turn out of drop-ins through the day of plant enthusiasts from all over London town. An exciting side endeavour included processing Japanese knotweed roots ready for blitzing, drying and making in to capsules. Its high content of resveratrol give it impressive infection fighting, immunomodulating and cardiovascular supporting properties. One of the gang also brought a monster horseradish (its scrubbing featured below!) for the fire cider!
FIRE CIDER
Take invigorating shots through the winer (mixed with a little water) for boosting immunity.
We used organic somerset apple cider vinegar infused with finely chopped turmeric root, chilli, ginger, orange, garlic, red onion, lemon, birch polypore and black peppercorns. Leave to steep for a month to 6 weeks and strain out plant material.
COUGH SYRUP
A soothing throat pleasure for winter colds and coughs, high in vitamin C.
We brewed up rose hips, rosemary, thyme, lemon, cloves and star anise to make on a low heat (not too hot to avoid lowering vitamin C content) to create a hot infusion. We then painstakingly double strained the plant material through muslin (to remove those pesky rosehip hairs!). Then reduce the liquid down with unrefined sugar to create a syrup! Bottle up in sterilised containers!
We are planning the next winter warmer workshop session later on in January 2023 when we will put together a respiratory system supporting tea blend! The glorious 3 of syrup, cider and tea will be put together to form the ultimate winter warmer herbal pack to be distributed for free. Watch this space for updates!