Most people are used to the idea that ginger soothes an upset stomach and can help with nausea. (Rosemary Gladstar, 2012 edition of Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide ) But as Sarah Munro (the heroine in book 2 in the Deadly Force Series, ONE DARK WISH) discovered while collecting 17th and 18th century herbal remedies, ginger is well known for having strong immune boosting properties.
Since the colder autumn weather is approaching quickly, it’s time to add another syrup to our home remedy arsenal. According to Gladstar (citation above), ginger has both anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that make it a perfect herb to add to teas or to pour over yogurt. Its decongestant properties help ease the pain of colds, flus, sore throats, and respiratory congestion. This syrup is easy to make and easy to use. The honey adds another hit of anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Luckily, ginger has a pleasant taste that blends well with the sweet honey. This syrup can be used on ice cream, mixed with a hot cup of water, and used to sweeten your favorite tea. I’ve even used it on granola, oatmeal, and as a syrup for waffles and pancakes. If you’re feeling sluggish or nauseous, just take a spoonful directly. It tastes that good, and you can’t take too much of it. I promise that once you try it, you’ll be making it all year long.
Sarah Munro’s Ginger Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 cup honey
Directions:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the ginger slices, cinnamon stick, and water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 30-50 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half its volume.
- Using a slotting spoon, strain out the ginger and discard.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool until it reaches room temperature.
- Stir in the honey until well blended.
- Store the syrup in a glass jar (I use a Ball canning jar with a two-part lid) in the fridge. This syrup will keep for a four-to-six weeks.
- Makes about about 1 1/2 cups of ginger syrup.
Important Disclaimer: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
