As the seasons shift and the air cools, our bodies call for deeper nourishment and protection. At Up the Hill Inc., we turn to the plants that have held our families for generations—elderberry, rosehip, nettle, and warming spices—to craft a gentle, grounding syrup that supports wellness through the colder months.
This syrup is a way to connect with the land, honor ancestral teachings, and offer your body a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy to make, shelf-stable, and sweetened with vegetable glycerin, making it suitable for those avoiding honey or preparing for gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- ½ cup dried rosehips
- ¼ cup dried nettle leaf
- 4 cups spring or distilled water
- 1 cup vegetable glycerin (food-grade, plant-based) or sweeten to taste
Optional additions:
- 2 tbsp dried orange peel (uplifting, digestive support)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 slices fresh ginger
How to Prepare
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Simmer the herbs gently: In a non-reactive pot, combine elderberries, rosehips, nettles, and water. Add any optional ingredients you’re using. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a very low simmer. Let the mixture steep and reduce slowly for 30–45 minutes, allowing the plants to release their teachings without harsh heat.
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Strain with care: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove solids. Compost the herbs respectfully or return them to the earth.
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Cool and sweeten: Let the liquid cool to room temperature. Stir in vegetable glycerin until fully blended. This adds sweetness and helps preserve the syrup.
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Bottle and label: Pour into sterilized glass jars. Label with ingredients, date, and a gentle reminder: “Take 1 tsp as part of your seasonal wellness ritual.”
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Store: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 months. Shake gently before each use.
How to Use
This syrup is best taken as part of your morning grounding or evening reflection. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let the plants remind you of your strength, your softness, and your connection to the land.
Notes
- Use spring or distilled water
- Name your batch (e.g., “For warmth and clarity”)
- Add a teaching card with plant stories and seasonal guidance
- Gift in mini jars with twine and icon labels for community gifting