Fresh thyme, apple cider vinegar and raw honey become one of the simplest additions to the autumn home apothecary. Here’s how I make thyme oxymel, why thyme has traditionally been used for chesty coughs, and what the evidence actually tells us.

What does a useful home apothecary actually contain? Come and look inside mine as we gather, make and formulate our way into autumn - from elderberry syrup and fire cider to thyme oxymel, throat pastilles, an aromatic chest balm and respiratory inhaler.

Fire cider is a fiery herbal vinegar made with apple cider vinegar, pungent roots, herbs and spices, then balanced with honey. Discover its fascinating folk-herbal history, what each ingredient brings to the jar and how to make - and actually use - my aromatic fire cider at home.

Elderberries always feel like one of the first little nudges towards autumn for me - even when I'm still very much holding onto summer. They sit beautifully between food and medicine, summer abundance and autumn preparation. Gathering them gives me a small job to do now that helps me begin imagining and preparing for the season ahead, without needing to hurry summer out of the door. They're unusually early here in the UK this year, so rather than rushing to turn them into syr