How to make an infused syrup

Herbs for this blend were chosen for their medicinal properties as follows: 

Glycyrrhiza glabra 

Liquorice was chosen as it is an antitussive which literally means it is used to prevent or relieve a cough, it facilitates movement of mucus from the respiratory tract and soothes and is an expectorant, demulcent and antiviral however it is not to be taken for longer than 6 weeks. Glycyrrhiza glabra contains a large range of flavonoids and is an anti-inflammatory. 

Contraindications: Liver problems, hypertension, hypokalaemia, kidney insufficiency, edema, congestive heart failure, not to be used in high doses during pregnancy. 

Interactions: May increase the effect of steroid medication (Bone, 2014), safe for children but try not to expose them to high levels (Bone, 2012). 

The part of the plant used is the root. 

Thymus vulgaris 

Thyme was chosen as traditionally it has been used in the treatment of a sore throat and catarrh, it is an expectorant for respiratory conditions. It is an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral and an antispasmodic cough remedy when administered as a syrup. There are no known problems known with long term use. 

Contraindications: None known. 

Interactions: None known, safe for children in a syrup (Bone, 2012). 

The part of the plant used is the herb. 

Verbascum thapsus 

Mullein was chosen as traditionally it has been used in the treatment of inflammation of the larynx or trachea and hard coughs (Bone, 2014), inflammation of the pharynx, sore throats and deep coughs (Wood, 2004). It is an expectorant, demulcent, anti-catarrhal, used in the treatment of acute or chronic bronchitis and tracheitis, treatment for the common cold and influenza, it is also an alterative herb so will gradually restore the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality. Soothing and relaxing mullein can additionally be used for hay-fever and asthma (Priest), it is the flowers that are used for these conditions (Braun, 2010). 

Contraindications: None known. 

Interactions: None known, safe for use in pregnancy. 

The part of the plant used is the flowers. 

Rubus idaeus 

Raspberry leaf was chosen as it is an astringent and traditionally it is used to treat inflammations of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat (Braun, 2010). Raspberry leaf is mucilaginous (Epel, 2018) and therefore mild and soothing in the treatment of sore throats and hoarseness (Priest, Priest, 2000). High in flavonoids, gallotannins and ellagitannins Rubus idaeus is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (Bone, 2014). 

Contraindications: None known, not to be used in first trimester of pregnancy. 

Interactions: None known (Bone, 2014). 

The part of the plant used is the leaf. 

How to make the syrup: 

Ingredients 

10g Glycyrrhiza glabra rad 

10g Verbascum thapsus 

10g Rubus idaeus 

10g Thymus vulgaris 

300ml Water 

300g Common granulated sugar 

Method 

Boil herbs in water for 30 mins (reducing liquid content) 

Strain and squeeze out herbs and measure remaining water in ml 

Double the common granulated sugar amount in grams 

Boil until sugar dissolved  

Remove immediately from the heat & cover to avoid undue evaporation, and when cool, pour into a sterilized bottle. 

Stays fresh for 6 months if refrigerated 

Directions for Use 

• Take the syrup by mouth. 

• Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: Take up to 2 x 5ml spoonful when required. 

• Children over 1 year: Take up to 1 x 5ml spoonful when required. 

• Do not take for longer than 6 weeks.  

• Keep syrup refrigerated and discard at 6 months. 

Warnings 

Do not take this medicine if you: 

• Have heart, liver or kidney problems 

• Have high blood pressure 

• Are diabetic 

• Are pregnant 

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients 

What's also great about having this syrup on hand in the winter months is it actually tastes great - use it to sweeten your coffee or drizzle on your morning porridge.

References 

Bone, K. (2012). Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine, 2nd edition. Churchill Livingstone. 

Bone, K. (2014). A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs: herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill Livingston. 

Braun, L. (2010). Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide, 3rd edition. Churchill Livingstone. 

Elpel, T J. (2018) Botany in a Day The Patterns Method of Plant Identification, 6.1 edition. HOPS Press, LLC 

Planta Medica (2022) About Us Available from https://www.plantamedica.co.uk/ [accessed 23 February 2022]. 

Priest, A W. and Priest, L R. (2000) Herbal Medication A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook, The C. W. Daniel Company Ltd. 

Wood, M. (2004) The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism. North Atlantic Books