Celestial Citron Honey

That is a beautiful and sophisticated choice. Buddhaโ€™s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) is one of the most revered fruits in traditional wellness, prized not just for its striking, finger-like appearance but for its high concentration of aromatic oils. Since it contains no pulp or juice, its power lies entirely in the zest and pith, making it perfect for a non-liquid, concentrated preparation.+1

In traditional wellness, the “fingers” of this fruit are used to move stagnant energy (Qi) in the chest and stomach. We will use its rich limonene content to create a Zest-Infused Digestive Honey, which acts as a potent, fragrant “digestive starter.”

Focus: Digestive Motility & Respiratory “Opening”

This preparation targets the upper digestive tract and the bronchial tubes, using the fruit’s volatile oils to relieve that “heavy” feeling after meals and to brighten the breath.


Celestial Citron Honey

This is a “living” preserve. The honey draws the antimicrobial coumarins and anti-inflammatory limonene out of the Buddha’s Hand, creating a fragrant syrup that is far more medicinal than standard marmalade.

Ingredients

  • 1 Buddhaโ€™s Hand Fruit: Choose one that is bright yellow and highly fragrant.
  • 1 cup Raw, Unfiltered Honey: The medium that captures the volatile citrus oils.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Seeds (crushed): To complement the citrus and further support the “warming” of the stomach.
  • A clean glass jar.

Instructions

  1. The Preparation: Wash the Buddha’s Hand thoroughly. Since you are using the skin, organic is best.
  2. The Grating: Use a fine grater or zester to take the yellow skin off the “fingers.” You can also finely dice the white pith, which is not bitter like other citrus, but sweet and fragrant.
  3. The Layering: Place the zest and diced pith into the glass jar. Add the crushed cardamom.
  4. The Infusion: Pour the raw honey over the fruit until it is completely submerged.
  5. The Maceration: Stir with a wooden spoon to remove air bubbles. Let the jar sit in a sunny windowsill for 3โ€“5 days. The honey will become much thinner as it extracts the oils and moisture from the fruit.
  6. Usage: Take 1 teaspoon directly after a meal to aid digestion, or stir a spoonful into warm (not boiling) water if you feel respiratory “tightness.”
  7. Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. The fruit pieces will become candied and are wonderful to chew on for throat comfort.

Benefits and Target Impact

Relieving “Stuck” Digestion The high limonene content in Buddhaโ€™s Hand is a natural pro-kinetic, meaning it helps the muscles of the digestive tract move in the right direction. For older adults who feel “bloated” or “full” long after a meal, this honey helps to kickstart the digestive process and ease the discomfort of slow motility.

Clearing Respiratory “Stagnation” The coumarins found in the fruit have a traditional affinity for the lungs. When you consume this honey, the aromatic vapors are released into the back of the throat and the respiratory passages. This helps to soothe the “heat” of a dry cough and supports the clearing of the airways, making it a favorite for those in the “golden years” who live in damp or cold climates.

Antimicrobial Protection Because Buddha’s Hand is so rich in antimicrobial compounds, this honey acts as a protective shield for the mouth and throat. It helps maintain a healthy environment in the oral cavity, which is essential for overall systemic health as we age.