Jackie Zykan Maître Liquoriste + Perfumer + Herbalist

By Jackie Zykan 

A few weeks ago, I found myself taking full advantage of an unseasonably warm day on the patio of a local brewery. I was waiting for a friend, and the sun was so delicious I lost my sense of time absorbing it. The only pieces of evidence concerning the passing minutes were the change in my beer temperature with each progressive sip and the beads of condensation rolling over my fingers on the sweating glass. I was not alone, the patio was dotted with islands of couples and panting dogs. None of us engaged more than a smile and nice nod if eye contact happened to catch, however we were all there for the same core reason: patio season has begun. This magical transition point teases about through Kentucky’s spring rollercoaster weather swings, but then one day it just sticks. And we all recognized that the very warmth landing on our faces on this exact patio on this exact day could in fact be the first official moment on the other side of the frost. Or at least we hoped, as we do every time. 

My sunny dream state was abruptly shaken upon a loud scoot of a heavy bench. One of the tables nearby had been invaded by a familiar accessory of patio season: a bee. One partner jumped, the other tried to comfort, the entire ordeal turned into an arm flailing, circle running, angry and terrified chaos show which ultimately ended with a seating relocation. I challenged myself to not judge or react in any way. I could feel the embarrassment in the attempts of the reassuring partner. But having been desensitized to bee fear simply via exposure therapy in the garden, I remained unfazed and observant. I wondered if this was a first date, and I wondered if it would be the last. Was I getting a front row seat of a discovery moment between two humans? You see, the conversation between them prior to the unwelcome pollinator was robust and flowing. The now frantic individual previously spewed bravado and confidence in droves, the entirety of which vanished into thin air along with my beer-and-bask moment of peace as soon as they freaked out over the bee. 

In one split second, the bubble burst and all that remained was fear. What an interesting spectrum of emotions to observe, I thought to myself. And what a gift to have a moment in the sun to do so. For me, the greatest learning of the entire event was the importance of recognizing when folks we care about are acting from a place of fear and could use a little calm in the calamity. Noticing how their words and movements contrast their typical character, and intentionally practicing mindful observation helps discern their behavior in the presence of a bee, whatever “bee” may mean. Being aware allows us to support each other accordingly. “Bee” could represent losing income or relationships, rejection, abandonment, failure, success, etc. The idea is the same: that which makes you feel unsafe and flares up your nervous system. The situation could have been worse had the supporting partner gone berserk as well. But perhaps they weren’t afraid of the bee. Perhaps they recognized adding fuel to the fire would only worsen the situation for all. Or perhaps they knew all along it was a carpenter bee and the risk of injury was low to begin with. Nonetheless, one person’s panic is felt by all persons around them, even if a physical response doesn’t manifest. We all have something that throws us off center. The differences between each of us as far as what those individual situations could be are irrelevant. What’s important to note is the common denominator: that we ALL have them. Period. They just happen to show up in different seasons, different forms, none are made any easier by careless reactivity, and all are made gentler with awareness. Judging who should or shouldn’t be bothered by what is at best a novelty and on a certain level, a bit cruel. We have the capacity to love endlessly and to hold calm in calamity if we choose. That day, I witnessed exactly that. And it was beautiful. 

Kentucky Courage Julep 

Bees will happen. As they should. The best way to take the sting out of that fact, literally and figuratively, is to have a remedy ready should you unfortunately get stung. When we are prepared we can at least find comfort knowing that if the worst case scenario does happen, at least you’ve got the resources to soothe it. Let me be clear. This in no way is a call to arms for everyone to stock pile batteries and dehydrated meals. This is a sharing of straightforward, generations-old-knowledge of our immediately accessible environment. Consider it an invitation to rest assured, even if just a little, that you have an abundance of help at your finger tips for living in sync with your natural surroundings. Areas which harbor biting and stinging critters also come with masses of plants to counter balance. This is also a much needed moment of lighthearted play. Let’s take the most iconic cocktail of the month in Kentucky, and through an approach that allows you to have your first aid and drink it too, relax a bit and enjoy the sunshine while we can, before we turn the corner and start complaining about the heat. 

• 8 oz aloe vera juice

• 2 oz water 

• 1 tablespoon manuka honey

• 1 tablespoon 90 proof bourbon 

• 10-16 plantain leaves

• 6-8 mint leaves

Combine all ingredients and blend on low for 1 minute. Remove the solids using a cheesecloth lined strainer. Store liquid in the refrigerator in a spray bottle for quick relief, or freeze into cubes for use throughout the season, or pour over ice to soothe from within. 

“That’s not a julep” 

Oh but it is. By definition, a julep is a sweetened medicinal drink. A concoction of botanicals with their bitter flavor softened using sugar, preserved and palatable with sterilizing booze. Here’s what makes up this multifunctional concoction: 

Plantain (broad or narrow leaf ) - draws out toxins and expedites healing of stings and bites 

Mint - cools inflammation and swelling 

Bourbon - preservative and also contributes tannins for astringency 

Manuka Honey - provides antiseptic properties, healing minerals, and nutrients 

Aloe Juice - soothes inflammation 

When foraging wild plants always be completely certain of identification and follow the rule of “when in doubt, don’t”. Only take what is needed, leaving plenty for our native pollinators and fauna. Avoid harvesting from areas which are exposed to pesticides or other chemical applications. The statements in this article are for entertainment purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, treat, or medically advise. Please drink responsibly, you are loved by many.