Herbal Syrups are like healing candy! They are a simple and fun way to incorporate herbal healing into your diet.
And guess what - the kids love it too! Let’s just say, Mary Poppins was onto something when she said “A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down”!
While you can create a syrup out of virtually any herb or fruit, here is a recipe that you can use today. Simply use any medicinal plant that calls to you.
Here are some examples: cinnamon, peppermint, orange peel, ginger, fennel, chamomile...
You will need:
- 1L of a strong infusion/decoction* of your herb of choice
- 30-60ml Honey (you can also use raw sugar or maple syrup but we prefer honey for its healing benefits and thickness) (optional)
- 30-60ml vegetable glycerin
- (optional) a dash of Brandy
*An infusion is created when you bring water to a boil, and add dried or fresh herbs (often leaves and flowers like peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm) to the water.
A decoction is made by placing the herbs (often bark, seeds or roots like cinnamon, fennel, ginger). Let either of these sit overnight or for 4-6 hours, then strain them before making your syrup.
Here’s what do you:
Warm up your infusion/decoction on medium heat and let simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until half the water content has evaporated (to be left with 500ml). Remove from the heat and add the honey and stir well. You may add the vegetable glycerin here to thicken your syrup. Once your syrup has cooled, you may add a splash of Brandy to it. This adds flavor, and acts as a muscle relaxant for coughs. The alcohol content in the brandy also acts as a preservative.
Store your delicious syrup in an air-tight glass container and keep refrigerated for best shelf life! Hint: add a tablespoon of your new syrup to soda water for a healthy pop!