Most herbs have amazing health benefits and have many vitamins and minerals. Since the pandemic hit, I have been working more herbs into my diet to boost my immune system and for their particular benefits.
I have been making and enjoying herbal syrups in this effort to consume more herbs. I use them in ice water for a refreshing drink and as a way to get the benefits of the herb. The house that I rent has a well, so I enjoy really good water too.
I like this method because it’s convenient (as opposed to making herbal tea – which I still make, but it’s nice to have different ways to utilize herbs). After I make the syrup, I put it into a jar or squeeze bottle and refrigerate it. Whenever I want a drink, I pour some ice water and add some of the syrup.
The general way to make an herbal syrup is to first make a simple syrup, which is 1 part sugar to 1 part water heated to a boil. When it boils add the herb, turn down the heat and simmer 10 minutes. There have been times I brought the syrup to a boil, added the herb, then turned off the heat and let it steep that way (those times I used mint and thyme), and one time I simmered for 30 minutes, because it was ginger and it needs some cooking to release all the goodness). It all takes some experimentation to get the desired flavor. The amount of herb you use depends on your taste and how much syrup you are making. I usually make smaller batches with a 1 cup sugar/1 cup water syrup and add in a handful of fresh herb. You can use dried herb also, but use less because dried herbs are more concentrated with flavor than fresh. When the mixture cools, strain the leaves, then put the syrup into a jar and refrigerate until use.
To find out the benefits of whatever herb I want to use, I google it. It’s also helpful to google to find out if the herb is safe to use. Most are but until you get to know herbs it’s a good idea to do this. Some have warnings such as not to use while pregnant, as an example.
Warmly, Monica at Bubble Bath Self Empowerment. Self empowerment to me is taking care of and improving myself, learning life lessons, enjoying life, loving your people and living a life of fulfilment. Everything I write about here is my journey through this – the things that bring me joy, how I’ve gotten through challenges and my life evolving to a better place. I write this blog to connect, learn from each other and hope that sharing helps other people to a better place in their life.
Here are a few of the products available with my art printed on them (by clicking an item you like, it will take you to the page where it’s available). They’d make great gifts to yourself or someone you love and would help support my dream of becoming a full-time writer and artist. Any purchase would be SO appreciated, but if you don’t want to or can’t, that’s totally fine. Just stopping by and reading my blog is a huge support so please do not feel obligated.
Ideas and Advice for How To Live a Joyful and Empowered Life. 
I like the thought of making my own herbal syrups. Whether I’ll actually get the motivation to do it is another subject. 😏
LikeLiked by 2 people
I get it! When I do get little time slots, I often don’t find motivation because I need to rest. I’ve been motivated lately because it’s been a long time since I’ve done anything for myself. Thank-you for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your wolf print.
I love herbs and I think my love of gardening and reading non-fiction was well entrenched by my enchantment with herbs and what they do for us and what we can do with them. I enjoyed reading your post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the compliment on the wolf art :-). I totally agree about the love of gardening and reading non-fiction being entrenched by enchantment with herbs – they are amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person