A Season of Spice, Community & Ancient Remedies: Our Christmas Story

Winter greetings from Bloomfield Botanicals!

As the cold settles in and we gather closer to warmth and home, I'm filled with gratitude for this beautiful, busy season. It's been a year of growth, creativity, and deepening connections to the land, to our community, and to the ancient wisdom that guides everything we create here.

What's New This Winter

I'm particularly proud to introduce our Winter Elixir – a delicious, warming blend that's become my personal favourite this season. Unlike our traditional syrup, this elixir is infused in alcohol to extract every nuance of flavour from the spices and botanicals. The result? A richer, more complex taste that will last even longer in your cupboard, ready whenever you need that boost of warmth and immunity support.

And speaking of new creations, I'm thrilled to unveil our Elderberry Gummies! Made with organic agar-agar and our signature spiced elderberry syrup, these little gems are perfect for children and adults alike. They'll be making their debut at the markets first, so if you'd like to be among the first to try them, come visit us in person.

The Magic of Local Connections

This year has deepened my appreciation for the network of wonderful people who make Bloomfield Botanicals possible. Working with our local beekeeper who supplies us with raw, wildflower honey has been a joy – there's something magical about knowing exactly where each ingredient comes from and the hands that tended it.

The local growers where we forage calendula flowers and rosehips have welcomed us with open arms, and I'm grateful for their stewardship of the land. Our organic elderberries come from a trusted farm in Sussex – the very foundation of everything we make. From Infinity Foods come our carefully selected dried herbs, whilst fresh organic ginger, lemons, and oranges arrive from the Harvest Shop in Bath. Every ingredient has a story, every bottle a connection to place.

Our Beloved Classics

Of course, our Spiced Elderberry Syrup remains the heart of what we do. Customers tell us again and again how much they love it drizzled over porridge on cold mornings – that warming blend of elderberries, spices, and raw honey that's been lovingly simmered to perfection.

Our Enhanced Elderberry Tincture continues to be the signature product for our returning customers. Those who understand the power of elderberries in their most concentrated form keep coming back, season after season, trusting this traditional remedy to support them through winter.

Ancient Remedies, Modern Times

What I love most about this work is how it connects us to something timeless. These remedies aren't complicated or flashy – they're simple, honest preparations that our ancestors would recognise. But simplicity doesn't mean quick. Each batch requires time, attention, and patience. Time to simmer, to infuse, to transform raw ingredients into something healing and nourishing.

The demand has been wonderful (and wonderfully overwhelming!), and I'm so grateful for the friends who've stepped in to help during this busy Christmas season. This work is made richer by the community that surrounds it.

Come See Us at the Markets

If you'd like to experience these remedies first-hand, chat about the ingredients, or simply say hello, we'd love to see you at one of our upcoming markets:

• Clem's Fair

• Goodwill Market in Stroud

• Bath Christmas Market

• Frome Independent

There's something special about meeting face-to-face, sharing stories about how the remedies have helped, and building these connections that make our work meaningful.

If you can't make it to the markets, you can always order online through our website. We'll pack your order with care and send it on its way to you.

A Wish for Winter Wellness

As we move deeper into winter, my hope is that these humble remedies – elderberries transformed through time and intention – help keep you and your loved ones well. May your Christmas be filled with warmth, joy, and good health, free from the coughs and sneezes that often visit this time of year.

The elderberries, after all, have been watching over us for centuries. We're just continuing that ancient tradition, one bottle at a time.

With warmth and gratitude,

Olenia

Bloomfield Botanicals

"Ancient remedies for living"