“Herbal syrups are soothing, calming and clearing to dry and irritated tissues.”
What is a herbal syrup and what does it benefit?
Herbal syrups are a fun introduction into making your own herbal apothecary. They are one of the more tasty and easy ways of consuming and preserving herbs. They are safe for children and adults and much more palatable. They can benefit a variety of ailments from colds and coughs to seasonal allergies.
The base for every syrup is a good quality infusion or decoction. Then you add a sweetener of your choice which makes it deliciously sweet and also preserves the herbs throughout the cold winter months.
Examples of herbs to use for herbal syrup
Some common herbs used in syrup include:
Making your own herbal syrup
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Time to make: 1 hour
Ingredients and equipment
The basic proportions are 1 parts decoction to 1 part sweetener.
- 100ml decoction or infusion
- 100g sweetener (sugar, coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, date sugar…). Honey is best included at a 1:1 ratio (honey:decoction) to ensure effective preservation. Using more decoction and less sweetener will reduce the preservation properties. Homemade syrups are best stored in the fridge.
- Water
- Saucepan
- Bottles for storage and keep in the fridge. Use within 1 month-1 year.
Method
- Begin by making an infusion or decoction. Once you have strained out the herbs:
- Return your decoction to the pan and add your sweetener.
- If you are using honey, heat gently until just dissolved to preserve the properties of the honey.
- If you are using sugar, bring a 2:1 mix of sugar and water to a gentle boil and simmer until the sugar has fully dissolved and the liquid has become syrup-like.
- Remove from the heat and pour into clean, sterile glass bottles.
- Label and date.
- Store in a cool place for up to 3 months.
How to use your herbal syrup
Standard dose for taking a syrup is approximately 1 teaspoon as needed a few times a day.
Herbal syrup safety
Caution in diabetics.
Tips for making herbal syrups
- Add 5% tincture to further preservation and efficacy.
- These herbal syrups can be diluted as a health drink.
Bibliography
- Chown V, Walker K. The Handmade Apothecary: Healing Herbal Remedies. New York: Sterling Ethos; 2018.
- Green J, Green A. The Herbal Medicine-Makers’ Handbook: A Home Manual. Berkeley: Crossing Press; 2002.
- Heron B. How To Make Articles. Earthsong Seeds. https://earthsongseeds.co.uk/blog/. Accessed April 4, 2023.
