With Valentine's Day right around the corner as well as the depths of winter still quite present, we could all use a heart warming and uplifting herbal syrup to add to teas, seltzer, elixirs, and more! One of my favorite herbs to work with for heart support is Rose. In general, Rose is one of the easiest herbs to resource either in local herb shops, natural food stores or online. This syrup is made with Rose and Tulsi as the main ingredients as well as Reishi Mushroom and Cinnamon. I love to make this syrup with fresh ingredients in late spring or early summer however, you can make it with dried herbs as well! All my syrups are made with honey instead of processed sugars. However, feel free to use whichever sweet medium you'd like.
About the Ingredients
Rose brings it's floral aroma to the forefront of Happy Heart Syrup. It's magical scent and taste is what first awakens our perceptions and what draws us to the herb in the first place. Second is the long history of it's use across the globe. This plant seems to find its way in most cultures and continents with uses varying from place to place. It is energetically drying and cooling, a nervous system modulator, aphrodisiac and provides immune support. When using fresh roses, make sure to resource the aromatic species such as Rosa Centifolia, Rosa Rugosa, or Rosa Damascena. Check out my favorite tea recipe!
Tulsi synergizes so well with Rose. The aromatic components bring a sweet pungency that most of us can't resist. Tulsi serves as another calming nervous system support agent here. It is also an adaptogenic herb where, with frequent use we are building deep resiliency in the body.
Reishi and Cinnamon serve as supportive ingredients in this syrup. Both ingredients have a strong affinity for the heart. Reishi is adaptogenic and strengthens "Shen" or the vital force of the spirit. Reishi is a potent longevity herb, helps to reduce immune disrupting stress effects on the body, as well as a respiratory support tonic. Cinnamon is a circulatory stimulant, meaning it helps to boost the circulation of blood. Cinnamon gives the syrup a unique flavor while modulating blood sugar and warming the body.
And finally, Honey and Water are our last ingredients. Honey is what makes this solvent a true syrup. Water is the base solvent used to create the tea infusion which is later blended with another part of honey, making the entire final product a 1:1 ratio of tea infusion to honey.
Recipe, Materials, and Measurements
You will need the following measurements to make 3-4 cups of syrup.
2 cups filtered water
2 cups raw honey
1 cup dried rose petals
1/2 cup fresh roses (or another 1/4 cup dried if no fresh)
1/2 cup dried tulsi (or 1 cup fresh tulsi leaves and flowers)
1/4 cup dried reishi mushrooms cut/sifted or 4 medium slices of reishi (fresh or dried)
4 medium sized cinnamon sticks
To Prepare
Add herbs to water in a pan on the stovetop, cover with a lid, and turn heat up on low/medium
Allow the infusion to come to a simmer and reduce heat so it does not boil
Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes
Remove from heat and allow for the infusion to cool to room temperature
Strain plant material and add in the honey
Stir honey until completely dissolved
Jar syrup and store in the fridge for up to 6 months
Dosage and How to Use
A jar of Happy Heart Syrup can serve as the perfect gift for a loved one this Valentine's Day.
It can be used as a flavor enhancer to cocktails, mocktails, soda or seltzer water, tea, or added to your favorite sweet culinary creations.
As an herbal remedy, enjoy 1 to 2 tablespoons per day for heart supporting, aphrodisiac, and nervous system soothing effect. Enjoy the benefits of this sweet, aromatic, and all around magical creation!
* DISCLAIMER: This blog post does not contain medical/health advice. This information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.