How To Make an Herbal Syrup

Making a syrup

Syrups are a terrific way to take herbs (especially ones that do not taste good) and they are easy to make.
Children will love to make them with you. There are so many types that we can make from cough syrups, to calming syrups, digestive syrups and even syrups to add to our sparkling waters or spirits. Have fun with creating them, be inventive. I love to keep syrups on hand in my refrigerator and add them to sparkling water for a delicious and refreshing beverage. Syrups can be made with honey or sugar. I am only sharing the honey syrup recipe here as that is the one I use the most. When making herbal syrups it is important to keep the ratio as 1:1, one part herbal decoction to one part honey for preservation. If you dilute this to make it less sweet, be sure to keep in the refrigerator and use quickly. I also preserve mine with vodka, grain alcohol or even an medicinal tincture.

Here is the basic recipe for a syrup of any type.

Basic syrup
· Make a very strong decoction by adding one ounce of herbs to 16 oz of water, simmer over low heat to reduce to liquid to about one half of the original amount
· Pour into a sterilized jar
· Add 50% honey or 25% honey and 25% glycerin, 50% glycerin or 50% simple syrup (one cup sugar to one cup water)
· Add one tbsp. vodka, brandy or grain alcohol or even an herbal tincture to enhance your remedy
· Store 1-4 months

Below you will find one of my favorite syrups, the calming syrup. I
t is great for kids and adults alike.
Calming syrup
Lemon balm, chamomile, passion flower syrup

Ingredients needed
2 cups of fresh spring or filtered water
½ ounce dried or 1 ounce fresh leaves of lemon balm
1/4 ounce dried or 3/4 ounce fresh chamomile flowers
¼ ounce dried or 3/4 fresh of passion flower vine
Optional one tablespoon vodka to preserve

Method
Place the lemon balm, chamomile and passion flower into a pot
Pour the water over the herbs
Bring the 2 cups water to a quick boil, simmer until reduced to about half of the content
turn off heat
Strain and add 50% honey and add alcohol to preserve (about one tablespoon)
Example: if there is one cup of the decoction (liquid) after the simmer, then add one cup of honey
Store in the refrigerator 1-4 months

I love to mix the calming syrup with some sparkling water and enjoy in the afternoon. You can also add a bit of apple cider vinegar to the water along with the syrup for an extra refreshing drink.
The syrup can also be added to other types of teas and enjoyed hot.
Please let us know how you like this recipe if you try it.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.