A Practical Guide to Homemade Medicinal Syrups

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on preparing and using homemade elderberry and other medicinal syrups.

Medicinal syrup

A sweet, concentrated herbal preparation taken by the spoonful for therapeutic purposes.

Elderberry syrup

A traditional antiviral and immune-boosting tonic made from dried elderberries and other ingredients.

Dried herbs

Dehydrated plant parts used for stronger, more shelf-stable flavor and medicinal potency in syrups.

Hibiscus flowers

Vitamin-C–rich petals often added to syrups for an immune boost and tart flavor.

Rosehips

The fruit of the rose plant, prized for high vitamin C content and added to syrups for extra nutrition.

Raw honey

Unprocessed honey used to soothe coughs and throat irritation and to sweeten medicinal syrups.

Simmer

To cook a liquid just below boiling, allowing ingredients to infuse gently.

Strain

To separate solids from liquid, typically using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

Decant

To pour liquid gently into another container, leaving sediment behind.

Immune booster

A substance that strengthens or stimulates the body’s defense system against illness.

Antiviral

An agent that inhibits the growth or replication of viruses.

Respiratory infection

An illness affecting the airways or lungs, such as colds or flu.

Dosage (elderberry syrup)

Standard adult and child amount: 1 teaspoon daily; up to 6 doses a day for adults and 3 for small children when ill.

Echinacea root

A powerful immune-stimulating herb sometimes added to syrups for acute use, not recommended for autoimmune sufferers.

Astragalus root

An immune-modulating herb added to enhance syrups, to be avoided in autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune condition

A disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues; requires caution with strong immune stimulants.

Shelf life (syrups)

The period a syrup remains safe and effective—about 1 to 1.5 months refrigerated unless alcohol and extra sugar are added.

Artificial sweeteners

Sugar substitutes that generally do not work well in medicinal syrups.

Tonic

A preparation taken regularly to promote general health or specific body functions.

Diabetes caution

High sugar content in syrups makes them unsuitable for individuals needing strict blood-sugar control.