Before modern antacids, the apothecary counter carried an entire category of preparations called carminatives — formulas designed to ease gas, bloating, and sluggish digestion. Fennel, ginger, and dandelion were among the most consistently prescribed.
Ingredients (makes about 2 cups)
- 1 cup raw, unfiltered honey
- 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
- 2 tablespoons whole fennel seeds, lightly crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried ground)
- 1 tablespoon dried dandelion root
- 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaf (or 2 fresh sprigs)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried licorice root
Method
- Lightly crush fennel seeds to release their volatile oils.
- Combine fennel, ginger, dandelion root, and licorice (if using) in a clean jar. Add vinegar and stir to submerge.
- Warm honey gently, add to the jar, and stir well. Add peppermint last, since its oils are more delicate.
- Cap loosely and infuse at room temperature 3 to 4 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
- Strain through fine cheesecloth and bottle.
- Take 1 tablespoon before meals, or after meals to ease bloating. Dilute in warm water if preferred.
Fennel was listed in the US Pharmacopeia as a carminative throughout the 1800s; dandelion root was prescribed to stimulate liver and gallbladder function. Store in a cool, dark place up to 6 months.
This recipe is one of twenty in The Forgotten Apothecary — our full digital cookbook of pharmacy-counter tonics, switchels, oxymels, and healing syrups.