A simple herbal gummy made with mullein leaf infusion

Mullein has been one of those old-fashioned herbs that keeps finding its way back into modern home apothecaries. With its soft, woolly leaves and traditional use in herbal tea blends, it is a beautiful herb to keep on hand for seasonal wellness recipes.

These Alpine Apothecary mullein gummies are a simple way to turn a strong mullein infusion into a homemade herbal gummy. They are made with dried mullein leaf, water, honey, lemon juice and gelatine.

This is a fridge recipe, not a shelf-stable lolly, so make them in small batches and enjoy them fresh.

Why mullein needs fine straining

Mullein leaf is naturally fluffy and covered in tiny fine hairs. This is part of the plant’s character, but those hairs can feel irritating if they are left in a tea or gummy.

For that reason, mullein should always be strained very well.

For this recipe, I recommend straining the infusion twice: first through fine muslin, then again through a coffee filter.

Ingredients

Strong mullein infusion

• 10 g dried Alpine Apothecary mullein leaf
• 250 ml boiling water

Gummies

• 200 ml strong mullein infusion
• 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons gelatine powder

Method

Step 1: Make the mullein infusion

Place the dried mullein leaf into a heatproof jug or jar.

Pour over 250 ml of boiling water.

Cover and allow to steep for 20–30 minutes.

Strain through fine muslin, then strain again through a coffee filter to remove the tiny plant hairs.

Measure out 200 ml of the finished infusion for the gummy recipe.

Step 2: Bloom the gelatine

Allow the mullein infusion to cool slightly so it is warm, not boiling.

Stir in the honey or maple syrup and lemon juice.

Sprinkle the gelatine powder evenly over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.

Step 3: Warm gently

Place the mixture into a small saucepan over low heat.

Warm gently, stirring until the gelatine fully dissolves.

Do not boil the mixture, as high heat can affect the texture of the gummies.

Step 4: Pour and set

Pour the mixture into silicone gummy moulds.

Place in the fridge until firm.

Once set, remove from the moulds and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storage

These gummies are not shelf-stable.

Store in the fridge and use within 5–7 days.

Because they contain water, herbal infusion, honey and no commercial preservative system, they should not be kept at room temperature or treated like normal lollies.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness and lemon to taste.

For a firmer gummy, use a little more gelatine.

For a softer gummy, use slightly less.

Always strain mullein carefully before using it in teas, syrups or gummies.

Simple ingredient list

Mullein infusion, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, gelatine.

Gentle disclaimer

This recipe is shared for general home apothecary and food-craft purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness. If pregnant, breastfeeding, giving to children, taking medication or managing a health condition, seek advice from a qualified health professional before using herbal preparations.