I brew mead too, and I do not filter out the herbs and spices I put into the bottle to start the process. Have you ever run across a mead recipe that included herbs? It's worth asking just in case you have, for I know mead was used for medicinal purpose in ancient times. I'm always on the look out for ancient recipes to try too!

The recipe my wife loves the most includes hibiscus flower as just one example.

I had it on my list today to research herbs for hearing loss due to nerve damage. Perhaps you have a suggestion in that regard?