Olivia’s Apothecary: How to Make an Herbal Syrup

If there’s one thing I hope to teach you about herbs it’s that they are so versatile. Of course, what you can do with them depends on the specific herb and its benefits, but we’re talking anything from eating an herb straight out of the ground to consuming it in capsule form to making skincare out of it (and a lot more).

Between Chef Nick and me, we’re always experimenting with creative ways to consume more herbs — they’re SO much more than just garnishes! I’m excited to start sharing more of these with you all—starting with a sexy, decadent way to doses some of my favorite plants: homemade herbal syrups.

What is an herbal syrup?

An herbal syrup is basically an herbal decoction (aka an herbal preparation made by boiling fresh or dried herbs in water to extract their water-soluble constituents) that is sweetened with honey, creating a really unique way to incorporate herbal medicine into your daily routine.

Benefits of Herbal Syrups

Every herbal syrup provides a different benefit depending on the herbs used (think: elderberry, schisandra, ginger, and elderflower). Honey provides tons of benefits as it is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing and cleansing our bodies both externally and internally. Combine this magical golden substance with your favorite powerhouse herbs and you have yourself an herbal syrup.

How to Make Schisandra Herbal Syrup

Herbal syrups are such a unique way to dose your herbs because you can use them as a substitute for honey. Try adding them in salad dressings, tea or even in mocktails (we’ll get to that below!).

So why Schisandra? Schisandra is an “essence tonic”, adaptogen, and antioxidant—meaning she can support liver, heart, kidneys, and your Shen. As an energetically warming herb containing all five flavors (sour, bitter, pungent, salty, sweet), our girl is a complex, juicy addition to a plethora of recipes.

INGREDIENTS
1 oz. dried herbs
16 oz. water
8 oz. honey

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine 1 oz. schisandra berries (or other dried herbs of choice) and 16 oz. water in a pot on medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, set heat to low and simmer. Cook down until liquid reduced by about half (you should be left with about 8 oz. of tea).
2. Allow tea to cool down before straining. Strain completely, then pour back into the pot.
3. Once back in the pot, add honey and set at a low temperature on the stove. While stirring consistently for 5–10 minutes, ensure temperature does not exceed 110ºF.
4. Allow to cool once more, and then place in an airtight container.
   
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Bonus Recipe: Schisandra Syrup Mocktail

Say hello to the sparkling beauty mocktail that will support your Shen and help you radiate vitality from the inside out. Put the benefits of this complex, juicy herb in action to create this simple, warming bev.

All you need: 1-2 tbsp schisandra syrup + sparkling water + juice of 1-2 limes (garnished with lime wedges) and ENJOY!

P.S. – Add Mood Juice for an uplifting add on. Featuring our favorite ally St. John’s Wort, Mood Juice supports a positive mood, and a brighter overall outlook.