Written by Kim Mcleod Flexney @BaskRemedial
Here we are in November. The year is winding down, and like many of you, I find myself sitting with my calendar, working out which days I’ll be seeing clients over the festive season, and which days I’ll be dedicating to rest, family, and friends. It’s a time of reflection, preparation, and, in many ways, making.
This month, our theme is Makers — the people who use their hands, hearts, and imagination to create something meaningful from the simplest materials. I’ve always held deep admiration for makers. Whether it’s painters blending colours into vibrant masterpieces, tailors turning thread and fabric into garments that speak of culture and history, or builders transforming trees into homes and shelters — there is something magical about watching raw materials turn into something purposeful and beautiful.
Being a maker isn’t always about art or construction. It’s also about creating something with care and intention — whether that’s a meal, a ritual, a home, or even your health. One of the most empowering things you can make for yourself is a healthy, happy version of you.
So this month, in the true spirit of making, I want to share a simple but powerful creation you can make at home: your own herbal health tonic using apple cider vinegar with the mother.
The “mother” is the cloudy sediment you’ll find in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar — it’s full of beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestion. Once you’ve sourced a good-quality organic apple cider vinegar, you can infuse it with your choice of herbs, spices, fruits, and roots — ingredients that have long been used for their medicinal properties.
Think turmeric, ginger, garlic, rosemary, chilli, lemon, or even wild plants like dandelion and soursop, or fruits like oranges and apples. The possibilities are endless. Chop your ingredients finely (peels and all), pack them into a large jar, and cover with apple cider vinegar. Tap out any air bubbles, seal, and let it steep for 2–4 weeks.
The vinegar acts as a natural solvent, extracting the healing properties from the plants and herbs. Give your jar a good shake each day, and take joy in watching the transformation happen — from raw, pungent bits into a potent, life-enhancing tonic.
Once it’s ready, you can take 1–2 teaspoons daily — straight or diluted in water — especially with meals to aid digestion and support blood sugar balance. It’s also a great pick-me-up when you’re feeling sluggish.
I personally love making my own fire tonic from herbs grown in our garden. Knowing where the ingredients come from, and trusting their quality, brings me peace of mind — and my returning customers often tell me how much it has helped their wellbeing. Making this has become a seasonal ritual, and one that connects me more deeply to nature and to health.
So, this November, I encourage you to step into the role of a maker — not just of objects, but of your own vitality. You don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients. Just time, intention, and a willingness to try.
Thank you for letting me share a part of my maker’s journey with you. Here’s to all the makers — of things, of wellness, of joy. Let’s keep creating a life we love, one thoughtful choice at a time.