How to Make an Herbal Syrup (Decoction Method)
How to Make an Herbal Syrup (Decoction Method), March 12, 2026.
Herbal syrups are a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of herbs, and some herbs make really yummy syrups, such as elderberry (my favorite). All you need is herbs, water, and a sweetener. When using water to extract the herb’s beneficial properties for our syrup, there are two primary methods: infusion and decoction. The infusion method takes a gentle hand by steeping the herbs in water. This method is appropriate for lighter plant material, such as rose or calendula petals. The decoction method extracts herbal benefits by simmering herbs in water. As a result, decoctions tend to be stronger than infusions. This method is primarily used for herbs that are tougher in nature and require something more to draw out their benefits. Wood, bark, and berries are examples of herbs that use decoction to extract its benefits. Remember, the difference between infusion and decoction is steeping vs simmering.
Today’s post will focus on making an herbal syrup using decoction. Simmering times for decoctions vary depending on what you are making. Decoctions can be used to make teas, which require less time to simmer. However, we are making a syrup and want a nice, strong flavor base, so we will cook the liquid down until it is quite concentrated. This will take about an hour. After this, we will add honey. Yes, it takes a bit of time, but it’s not hard, and the results are delicious!
How to Make an Herbal Syrup (Decoction Method)
And how should I use these syrups, one might ask? Take them by the spoonful daily if using for their benefits. For example, rose hips are high in vitamin C, so I might take a spoonful a day during the cold/flu season for an immune boost. Schisandra berries are good for brain health, amongst other things, so why not add Schisandra syrup to some club soda for a mocktail drink? You can also add these syrups to yogurt, desserts, or even cocktails!
How to Make an Herbal Syrup (Decoction Method)
Ingredients
- 1 quart water
- 1/2 – 1 cup dried herbs *I like a nice, strong syrup, so I am using 1 cup.
- 1 – 2 cups raw honey *Honey not only makes your syrup tasty, but it also helps preserve it! The more honey, the longer your syrup lasts. I will be using 2 cups here, or a 1:1 ratio of herbal decoction to sweetener.
Instructions
- Pour 1 quart of cool water into a small pot.
- Add your dried material right away. *Do not wait until it is boiling. The benefits of the herbs are better extracted if the herbs are allowed to heat with the water.
- Bring the water and herbs to a boil. Then turn down to a simmer and cover the pot, leaving the lid partially open.
- Continue cooking until half the liquid remains (2 cups). This will take approximately an hour. I periodically measure the liquid.
- Strain the herbal material and return the liquid to the pot.
- Add 1-2 cups of honey to the hot decoction and stir until combined. See note below in the box.
- Pour your syrup into bottles and label them with the name and date made.
- Your syrup should last at least 3 months. I have had mine last much longer, using the 1:1 ratio.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Have a beautiful day!
*No monies or affiliates. All opinions are my own.
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