When dark, winter days challenge our bodies as well as our spirits, nothing makes a better remedy than old-fashioned tonic syrups. Time-tested & true, these potent preventatives and remedial healers call on the nourishing, medicinal powers of conifers, wild berries, tonic plants, and adaptogenic herbs, honey, and warming spices. Not only will they help fortify your body, bolster your immunity, and strengthen your heart, they will even uplift your spirit!
Plus they’re just darn delicious splashed into sparkling water and cocktails or drizzled on pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt and ice cream. And if you’re already under the weather, take heart, served straight up by the teaspoon or mixed into hot tea, tonic syrups not only help soothe symptoms of colds and flu, coughs, congestion, and sore throats, but they make the medicine go down in the most-delightful-way!
Created by extracting and preserving plant nutrients and medicinal properties, in sugar, honey, and alcohol, there are as many recipes and variations for herbal syrups as there are herbalists. I’ve kept with the folk tradition – meaning oh so easy to make! Well in my book at least. At any rate, this means we’re not going to get hung up on precise measurements or ingredients, but allow intuition and creativity to guide us.
In general, when making herbal syrup you start with a big pot filled with plants (herbs, blossoms, bark or roots) and spices, fill it with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and wait. Several hours later when the liquid has reduced to 1/4 of its original volume, you’ve got yourself a decoction. To this, you add an equal amount of honey and several generous splashes of booze. Voila, you’re done. (More details coming below!)
These syrups were inspired by the healing magic of the forest. I started with a base of fragrant evergreens, douglas fir, grand fir, spruce and pine needles, twigs, and a couple of resinous cones. To this, I added an assortment of woodland berries and rosehips, all packed with nutrients and medicinal properties that boost vitality and nourish at the deepest level.
Conifer needles are high in vitamin C, and a slew of minerals, antioxidants, and flavonoids, and according to various studies they contain anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protecting, triglyceride-reducing properties as well. Conifer needles are rich in phytochemicals that stimulate cellular repair and the immune system – in particular against influenza viruses! Plus their volatile oils help release stimulating neurotransmitters that calm the nervous system, reduce cortisol, revive stamina, and provide feelings of peace and well-being. (For more info on conifers click here)
Hawthorn and rosehips are also both exceptionally nutritious. Rich in vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants and bioflavonoids, they contain compounds that protect and strengthen the cardiac system and provide adaptogenic benefits, which enhance adrenal function when the body is undergoing physical or emotional stress. Both are renowned for their ability to warm heavy hearts and chase away seasonal blues.
To this basic formula, you add different herbs according to your mood, purpose, or ailment. For example, I made three variations: a savory syrup with rosemary, sage, and bay (to enhance mental clarity and brain function) another with lemon balm and California poppy (to help banish stress and promote restful sleep) barberries, ginger, and fennel (to support digestion after or before seasonal feasting). Wild mint, pineapple weed, chamomile, yarrow, and dandelion root will also help calm digestive upsets. Elderberry and echinacea will help fight off the flu, comfrey root and mullein are good for soothing coughs, and valerian and skullcap will help you relax and get a good’s night rest.
To this, you can add different combinations of cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice, all of which bring their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities to the brew. Finally, for every cup of your completed decoction, you will add an equal amount of honey or a thick sugar syrup (boiled down sugar & water). A dark syrup made with brown sugar adds a lovely buttery, caramel-like flavor. I like to infuse both my syrup and honey with roughly chopped conifer needles for additional flavor. Give them a pulse in the food processor to release their volatile oils, then add to syrup or honey and let sit for a day or two.And when it comes to alcohol, you’ve got brandy, vodka, and even rum to choose from. I used a Douglas fir-infused vodka and hawthorn brandy I had on hand, but any strong spirit will do just fine.
So if you’re looking to ward off colds and flu, or a little warming tipple on dreary grey days, tonic syrups will help see you through the aches and pains of winter. Great for enhancing energy and vitality, boosting immunity and overall wellness, they’re easy to make and bring a festive touch to seasonal dishes and beverages. And they make the perfect gift for those looking for something wild in their Yuletide stockings!
Conifer & Wild Berry Tonic Syrup
(makes approx. 1 & 1/2 cups)
Ingredients
- Approx. 3 cups of mixed conifer needles. Throw in a few twigs and cones as well.
- Approx. 2 cups of mixed rosehips, hawthorn berries (and whatever other berries you’d like). Fresh or dried.
- Approx. 3/4 cup of mixed herbs (use 1/2 cup if dried)
- Dried orange peel to taste
- 1 teaspoon each of cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, or fennel seeds. A knob of fresh ginger is nice too!
- Approx. 5 cups of water (enough to cover your plant material)
- 1 cup of raw local honey (or a thick brown sugar syrup made by boiling sugar & water together)
- 1/4 cup of brandy or vodka or rum
Directions
- Put the plant material in a pot and cover it with water. Bring this to a boil and then lower to simmer for several hours until the liquid is reduced to 1/4 of its original volume (about a cup).
- Strain the plant matter from your decoction. Use a fine, tight weave cloth like muslin (not cheesecloth). This is important in case any of the rosehip’s irritating fine interior hairs have escaped during cooking into the liquid.
- Then take your remaining liquid and put it back into the pot, adding your honey (or syrup).
- Gently heat while stirring for 10 minutes or so. Do not boil. Then remove and let cool.
- Add your alcohol, and stir well.
- Your syrup is done! Pour off into a clean, sterilized bottle. Will keep in the fridge for several months – long enough to get you through winter. Cheers!
Note: All Conifers are edible except the Yew whose pointy needles are thought to be toxic, though some herbalists use them medicinally. Cedar can be toxic in high doses but a handful of needles are just fine consumed occasionally in a tea. I make an infused Cedar & Rosehip Honey which I love in teas, sparkling water and cocktails. Ponderosa Pines should be avoided by pregnant or nursing mothers. Also, avoid consuming the needles from the Norfolk Island Pine which is not native to BC and is often sold as mini-Christmas Trees in supermarkets.)
What a fascinating post, I have never heard of making a syrup using pine needles, I shall certainly be trying this, it goes with everything I believe in in life.
Reblogged this on GrannyMoon's Morning Feast.
Reblogged this on hocuspocus13 and commented:
jinxx🔥xoxo
Reblogged this on Paths I Walk and commented:
Easy and makes the house smell great …
Sounds amazing!! Is there an alternative to alcohol? I’m in recovery and dong use alcohol.
Well good news is – you don’t really the alcohol at all. While I love the taste it gives to the syrup, it’s there mostly as a preservative. So if you skip it your syrup won’t last as long. Maybe a month or two in the fridge. But all the health benefits will still be there!
i had the same question; not because im in recovery but because i have acid reflux to the extreme; and im type 2 diabetic so alchohol is high on my no no list still trying to sort out how to make this a straight cough syrrup…(currently sick as a dog as i type this)
Hi, Sorry I cannot give specific, personal advice online, so you should connect with a herbalist or naturopath if you can… you can also research conifers or hawthorn berries online in connection with your health issues (i.e. look for contraindications)…and you can make without alcohol, it just won’t last as long, so be sure to consume it within a weeks and keep in the fridge. Good-luck & get better soon!
wow; after i posted that remark did i notice the date the thing was posted i honestly didn’t expect a reply; so 1st off thank you! But yeah, i ran it by some herbalist friends of mine and they gave me tweaks
Or they could just use glycerin instead of alcohol.
Could this work with apple cider vinegar?
you certainly could…that would turn it into an oxymel though…but would still be good for you and taste lovely!
Reblogged this on Still Another Photoblog.
Excellent recipe and photos!
thank-you!
i love all your recipes. they fire my imagination & reassure me that my instincts when i need a certain herb or plant are well founded. i crave rose hips anything. chalked it up to my ukrainian roots. these recipes greatly appeal to my hedge witch nature.i would love a book of your recipes to page through-gorgeous photos.thank you!
Well we’ve talked about doing a book, but it’s sooo much work,,,,maybe one day it will happen! Thank-you for all your compliments!
This is great stuff! Thank you!
🙂
I would like to know where I can get the berries and pines for this,
Outside! Conifers (evergreens like pine, spruce and fir) rosehips and hawthorn berries can be found in forests, fields and many neighborhoods across North America. You can purchase rosehips and hawthorn at many health food/herbalist stores too. Hope that helps.
Thank you thankyou thankyou!
Your recipes are beautiful, your packaging is beautiful, YOU are beautiful for sharing this with us!
I swear I can already taste them! Will be gathering some like-minded friends and making some woodland tonics!
Chi miigwetch!
A magical wintertime to you!
Thank-you & a magical wintertime to you!
Would redwood make a good substitute for the other conifers? (Un)Fortunately, I live in an area without a lot of pine and fir, but near a lot of redwoods.
As far as I know Redwood needles are edible and have many of the same healing properties as other conifers.Good-luck!
These are just wonderful syrups . Thank you! I will be enjoying these…I already use pine limbs in the bottom of my shower for nasal and chest congestion.works beautifully.
I came across you post while I was home sick with bronchitis. I went outside and gathered some spruce and fir needles, combined them with dried rosehips and hawberries, threw in the peel from my mandarin orange, a little ginger, a cinnamon stick, some cardamom and star anise. It smelled so lovely as it cooked down. I combined the strained liquid with some wildflower honey and a little rum. It’s fantastic. Thanks for posting just when I needed a little winter tonic.
That is so wonderful. Love to hear stories like this. <3
Wonderful post! Would brown rice or maple syrup work in place of the honey?
Thank-you! I can’t say if they would work absolutely as I’ve never used them in the syrup before, but I can’t think of any reason why they wouldn’t work! Good luck!
Hi, I would love to try this! I am currently sick ( sore throat, headache, and ear ache) and also pregnant. I know I shouldn’t add the boose but can you tell me if the herbs listed in the recipe are safe during pregnancy? I just want to be safe.
If you just keep with the pine & fir needles, rosehips, hawthorn berries and herbs I’ve mentioned you should be fine. Do not use cedar or junipier berries. Here is a list of herbs that are generally recommended to avoided during pregnancy:
Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)—cathartic
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)—emmenagogue
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)—uterine stimulant
Birthroot (Trillium spp.)—uterine astringent
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus)—strong bitter
Butternut (Juglans cinerea)—laxative
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana)—laxative
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)—possibly fetotoxic
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)—nervous system and hormonal activity
Drug aloe (Aloe vera)—cathartic
Ephedra (Ma-huang) (Ephedra sinica)—high alkaloid content, cardiac stimulant
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)—emmenagogue
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)—uterine stimulant
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)—affects nervous system
Juniper berries (Juniperus communis)—possibly fetotoxic, affects kidneys
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)—emmenagogue
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) (safe to use in cooking)—slightly toxic
Osha (Ligusticum porteri)—emmenagogue
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) (safe to use in cooking)— emmenagogue
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)—emmenagogue
Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa)—cardiac stimulant
Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)—laxative
Rue (Ruta graveolens)—emmenagogue
Sage (Salvia officinalis) (safe to use in cooking)—emmenagogue, hormonal activity
Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii)—hormonal activity
Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius)—cardiac stimulant
Senna (Senna alexandrina)—laxative
Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)—hemostatic
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)—emmenagogue
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)—emmenagogue
Be careful about yew! It’s toxic
http://www.botanical-online.com/alcaloidestejoangles.htm
Yes thank-you! I completely forgot to add the warning I posted in my Conifer post “Recipes for Comfort & Joy: The Healing Powers of Conifers” (Note: All Conifers are edible excepting the Yew whose needles are thought to be toxic, though some herbalists use them medicinally. Cedar can be toxic in high doses but a handful of needles are just fine consumed in a tea. Ponderosa Pines should be avoided by pregnant or nursing mothers. Also avoid consuming the needles from the Norfolk Island Pine which is not native to BC and is often sold as mini-Christmas Trees in supermarkets.)
Thanks for bringing this to my attention, I will add it the syrup post as well!
Where do you get your wonderful bottles? I am making this tonic to give as a gift to someone and could NOT find anything as fabulous as those… I ended up ordering these in amber https://highdesertbotanicals.com/glassware/500ml-reagent-bottle, but I love the twist on caps to keep the contents safe. Also, any hints for a first timer? I have never done anything like this before but was so taken by this wonderful post I decided to give it a try. I will be using the brown sugar syrup as sweetener. Thank you!
I bought the bottles here locally in Victoria but they were the last! They are discontinued though I think they can be ordered in the UK but thats the only place I’ve seen them. Tips: Don’t be shy using lots of needles and berries, because when you boil down you need the flavour & medicine. And when you make your syrup make sure it is nice and thick, if it is runny your syrup will be runny. And after you make you syrup, put three or four handfuls of needles in while still warm and let cool. Adds wonderful flavour. Don’t forget to strain! Good-luck!
Whereabouts in Victoria did you buy them? I realize they were the last but just wondering if they have anything similar.
Hi! I didn’t buy them – I made them…and I don’t sell them either. They’re a Patreon reward at the $20.00 level check out the red button on the right of the article that says Patreon if you’re interested in reading more about it. Thanks!
Reblogged this on Faerykissnaturals and commented:
Wonderful post! I plan to make my elderberry cough syrup very soon! 💚 You can skip the alcohol but it won’t last as long even in the refrigerator.
Reblogged this on Consciousness Shift Spiritual Awakening and commented:
Absolutely amazing thank you
thank-you so, so much!
Everything about this post is so heartwarming and beautiful,your photos brought tears to my eyes and praise to Heavenly Father for these wonderful gifts. Thankyou so much beautiful lady for all you put into this for our blessing….Annie
Reblogged this on Carolinasea's Herbal.
Oh my goodness, I just made a version of your Conifer & Wild Berry Tonic Syrup today. It is so good. Thank you so much! I really love the information and recipes you share with us. Not only are your posts beautiful but they overflow with wonderful information.
Thank you so much! Comments like this really mean so much to me, thank-you for taking the time to leave them!
thanks for sharing!
Hi Danielle, I just made this using local conifers, wild rose-hips and additional herbs and spices and it is amazing! Thank you for such beautiful inspiration. Your insight brings bounty to home herbal apothecaries!
Folks up here make something called Shrub. Similar to the syrups. Boiling down herbs, spices etc. It’s bottled and last quite awhile, but without the alcohol. Using honey and vinegar, honey being a natural preservative and vinegar cuts down some of the acidity. It’s very delicious- Lavender & Blackberry is my fav.
Love blackberry & lavender!
Where can one buy dried conifer needles? I don’t trust foraging yet.
Hi there! Sorry I don’t actually know where to buy conifer needles…I’ve never seen them for sale. Where do you live? I might be able to point you towards one that is easily identifiable in your region.
Gotta try this warming tonic syrups. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Do you mind if I share (without the alcohol), i will credit your page. Our community upholds sober because we are Dreamers and work with our dreams at night to advance and alcohol and drugs do not allow advancement to occur.
Sure you’re welcome to share!
thank you ! solstice blessings to you Danielle
ps I LOVE your work!
Interesting recipe! I have been curious about tonic syrups. From the photos posted, it already looks good. I’m making this tonight!
🙂 Did it turn out?
Hi, I made my syrups about a week ago and they’ve all turned to jelly. Any tips on why this might be or advice on how to bring them back to a more liquid consistency.
Hello, I made a batch of this lovely recipe yesterday and this morning received a message from my daughter asking if I knew yew trees are poisonous and if I had used any. And I may have! I’m going to investigate further the source of my tree clippings, but wondered what your thoughts and experience are in this regard. I have read many things about the toxicity of yew and certainly don’t want to take any chances, but I have also read of medicinal value and I’m wondering how to be sure. I also spent a lot on the ingredients I used so I don’t want to throw it out without due consideration. Thanks for your input!
oh dear! the best way to know if you have yew is to check if there were any red berries… but not all Yews have berries. There are two kinds of Yew, English and Pacific both with small 1/2 inch long needes that thin at the end of the needle to sharp tips. In general, they are much shorter than fir needles and pointier. And generally, they are plumper than most needles, almost like a succulent. Grand-fir has blunt tips with a little notch at the end. If you really aren’t sure it is best to discard. While it is the fruit that is poisonous the needles are toxic and you don’t want to give anyone a severe tummy ache! P.S. I realize I had a warning about Yew on other conifer posts but not this one…just a link. I’ve included it now. I’m so sorry!
Oh thanks, yes I did determine it is yew, sadly, so because I’m not sure about the amount I used and don’t want to take a chance, I will discard. I was thinking about giving it back to the earth but also want to make sure that can’t cause any harm to animals of any sort. Then I just read your article on wassailing and it made me think of it again.
So, this looked so precious, I had to try this today after harvesting a few blue spruce branches. I adapted it by adding some usnea and chaga. Now, the question is, how long does it keep? I had about 1.25 cups of decoction, added 1 cup of honey and 1/2 cup rum. It’s in the fridge now.
sorry to take so long to get back to you! so many messages got lost in the holiday kafuffle! I think your recipe sounds wonderful – with the honey and rum it should keep a few months (at least!) in the fridge. Likely longer but being on the conservative side!
Thanks for the recipe. I received my first bottles of your tonic last week and love it so much. Would whiskey work for the alcohol?
Oh, I’m sorry to take so long to get back to you! It was so busy over the holidays that I just didn’t see this! Yes of course whiskey would work, did you try it?