Herbal syrups are a common method of preparation used in herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is a branch of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries all over the world. Different plants are used depending on the therapeutic actions desired such as antitussive, febrifuge, and anti-inflammatory. These preparations are typically created using a blend of herbs mixed with honey or simple syrup. My personal preference is to use honey for its many benefits. Herbal syrups are especially useful when the use of potent and bitter herbs are called for because the sweetness of the honey or simple syrup will lessen the bitterness. To increase the potency and preservation time a small amount of tincture can be added. Herbal syrups are very easy to make and can last up to three months when properly stored.
In herbal medicine, there are three different ways of steeping herbs:
Tea: 1 cup boiling water to 1 teaspoon herb; steeped for 5-10 minutes; use immediately
Infusion: 1 pint of boiling water to one ounce of the herb; steeped for 20 minutes; store 24 hours
Decoction: 1 pint of water to one ounce of herb brought to a boil then gently simmered down. Decoctions are reduced to about a quarter of the original volume or more depending on the purpose. This method is commonly used when using hard and woody plant parts such as mushrooms, roots, bark, berries, and seeds. Stores for 72 hours.
As we go up from these three methods with tea being the first, the potency of the preparation increases and extracts different active constituents (what gives the herb the therapeutic properties) that would otherwise not be present in a standard tea such as glycosides, alkaloid salts, water-soluble vitamins & minerals, and bitter principles. Different herbs are used for their specific actions so selecting them will depend on the individual’s needs. Herbal syrups are great alternative medicine to have on hand during the cold & flu season. Herbal syrups prepared using honey coat and protect the mucous membranes and ease symptoms. (1.) Herbal syrups can be made with one or many herbs depending on the needs of the individual. Try to keep the ingredients simple and less complicated, I find using only a few specifically selected herbs is more than enough. In general, some of my favorite herbs to use are elderberry, elderflower, schizandra, rose, rosehips, cinnamon, linden, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon, and ginger. When preparing the decoction add-in the hard woody herbs first. After the decoction has been reduced in volume add in the softer parts of the herbs being used such as flowers and leaves.
Herbal Decoction
Ingredients
- Dried herb: 1 ounce
- Purified water: 1 pint
- Add woody hard herbs such as mushrooms, roots, bark, berries, and seeds to a pot with cold water
- Cover the pot leaving a little area exposed for steam to escape and set the heat to medium. Bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the decoction until the volume of water is reduced in volume by one-quarter to one-half.
- Add in any softer herbs being used (flowers/leaves) cover and let steep for twenty minutes.
- Strain the blend.
Herbal Syrup
- 1 part herbal decoction
- 1 part Honey
- Blend the cooled herbal decoction and honey until completely combined.
Cold/Flu Fighter Herbal Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 part Rose petals
- 1 part Rosehips
- 1 part linden flower and leaf
- 2/3 cup elderberry
- 1-pint water
- 6-ounces honey
Directions
- Add in 2/3 cup elderberries to a pot with 1-pint of cold water and cover partially with a lid.
- Turn the heat to medium bring to a boil then reduce and simmer until the volume of water is reduced by half.
- While the decoction simmers blend the remaining herbs together.
- When the decoction has been reduced by half turn the heat off and add in 1/2 ounce of the dried herb blend and cover completely.
- Let the blend steep for twenty minutes then strain.
- Whisk the honey in after the herbal blend cools down.
- If using raw honey cool completely before adding in. For a thicker syrup use less decoction or add in more honey.
