Lung Health Syrup and Elixir
Liven up your tea or sparkling water
By Brittany Ducham
Prep Time
1 hour
Number of Servings
Makes 3 cups of syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped dried holy basil/tulsi, thyme, mullein, licorice, elecampane, ginger
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup local raw honey or sugar, adding more or less to taste
- 1⁄4 cup brandy (if making elixir)
Directions
- Bring herbs to a rolling boil in a pot with filtered water. Partially cover with a lid and turn heat to low so herbs can gently simmer but not boil. Let this decoction reduce to about half.
- Once the decoction has reduced to about half, remove from heat. Cover the pot with a lid and allow herbs to steep in pot for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain out all herbs. Once strained, this is your concentrated decoction. Place strained decoction back on stove and add honey or sweetener of choice.
- Keep on low heat and stir to help the sweetener incorporate. When using honey, use low heat, as high heat breaks down beneficial enzymes.
- If making elixir, add brandy now. Once sweetener has fully dissolved, let it cool, pour in glass jar or amber bottle(s), and keep in fridge. Enjoy as you wish!
Contributor
Brittany Ducham
Herbalist
Brittany Ducham is a community herbalist and writer bridging plant, personal, and political. She carries a passion for bioregional herbalism, social justice, and DIY culture into her work, making small-batch herbal medicines, and working one-on-one with clients. She runs Spellbound Herbals and Sensual Delight Press and her work can be found in herbal apothecaries and shops across the United States. In her new book, Radical Remedies: An Herbalist's Guide to Empowered Self-Care, she urges readers to take an active concern for their overall health and well-being by reconnecting with nature and honoring their emotional history and experience.
