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Saturday, May 30, 2015

DIY: Herbal Syrups, Jello and Gummies

By: Candice Brunlinger, Herbalist


Herbal syrups, jello and gummies are a convenient and delicious way to nourish the body and support the health of you and your family. They are also inexpensive and fun to make. Making your own are beneficial over store bought brands as you can avoid sugar, cane syrup, high fructose corn syrup, food coloring, preservatives, artificial flavors or sweeteners. Plus you get the opportunity to creatively incorporate your favorite herbs into your food.


Benefits of Using Herbs
Adding herbal tea to your homemade syrups, gummies and jello has many benefits depending on the herbs you choose. Use nourishing plants like nettle, dandelion, alfalfa, chickweed, rose hips and seaweeds for an herbal and food multi vitamin and mineral source. Support the immune system with herbs like elderberry, rose hips, echinacea and astragalus and/or herbs for respiratory infections when congested. Using detoxing herbs in your recipes can provide a healthy and beneficial snack to support a cleanse or use energizing adaptogens for longevity and endurance. You can essentially eat any herbal tonic or remedy by making a strong tea and turning it into syrup or using it as a base for making jello or gummies.

Benefits of Gelatin
Gelatin is cooked and powdered collagen generally from cow or pig bones, hides and connective tissues. It is important to use a clean source coming from free range, grass fed, anti-biotic and hormone free animals in order to receive the full benefits of gelatin. Gelatin from conventional animals fed a poor diet is not as beneficial or nourishing especially if there are trace amounts of hormones and anti-biotics. I personally like to use the Great Lakes Unflavored Kosher Gelatin.

Gelatin has the following benefits:[1] [2] [3]

  • Taking gelatin is a good way to get more collagen, protein and amino acids in your diet which reduce inflammation, rebuild connect tissue, speed the healing of wounds and injuries and increase metabolism.
  • A diet rich in gelatin increases strength and growth of hair and nails while improving the elasticity and health of your skin. It can help your skin look and feel more youthful and prevent wrinkles.
  • Gelatin is beneficial for arthritis, pain and inflammation, especially in the joints and connective tissue.
  • Gelatin is beneficial for weak and brittle bones and can help with bone injuries and osteoporosis.
  • It can help aid digestion and even heal digestive disorders.
  • Gelatin has been found to regulate excess estrogen from the body which helps with balancing hormones and increasing metabolism.
  • Gelatin may also increase the natural production of human growth hormone which helps increase metabolism, regulate weight and improve the health of bones, muscles and connective tissue.

Benefits of Honey
Honey has many health benefits and is considered a superfood. It is rich in enzymes, anti-oxidants and is very soothing. It has a protective nature especially for the throat, respiratory system and digestion. This sweet nectar from the bees is highly nourishing with anti-microbial actions especially anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It benefits and supports the immune system in many ways including the relief of allergies. It can reduce the occurrence and duration of allergy symptoms especially when used as a preventative before pollen season. Using local honey is best for allergies as it will contain the local pollens and build your antibodies so you are not as likely to react when exposed. Honey also acts as a preservative and natural sweetener in food and herbal preparations. Use raw and unpasteurized honey to receive its many health benefits as the properties of honey can be damaged when exposed to heat.

How to Make Herbal Syrups
1) Add your herbs to a pot and add 3 cups of water for every cup of herb(s).
2) Use low heat to bring your infusion to a light simmer. If using roots and barks you can continue to simmer for 30 minutes before removing from heat. If using leaves, flowers or berries you should turn off the heat right as it reaches a simmer to prevent damaging the heat sensitive properties of the plant(s).
3) Keep covered for 2-8 hours.
4) Use a stainless steel mesh strainer, cheese cloth or muslin cloth to strain and remove the herbs.
5) Add about ¼-1/3 part honey to preserve and maintain the freshness of your syrup. Store it in the fridge. You can also add up to a 1/3 part alcohol (vodka, rum, etc) and use less honey to preserve the syrup and to store it at room temperature.
6) Has a shelf life of 3-6 months or up to 2 years with alcohol, if stored properly.

How to Make Herbal Gummies & Jello
Follow steps 1-4 above in “How to Make Herbal Syrups”
5) Measure how much tea you have made and pour it back into your pot to gently warm up using low heat until right before it starts to simmer.
6) Measure ¼- ½ part of chilled juice and add to a medium-large bowl or Pyrex measuring cup. (i.e. if you have 16 ounces of strained tea, use anywhere between 4-8 ounces of juice)
7) Wisk gelatin in the cold juice and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Use approximately ½ tbsp gelatin per cup of total liquid to make jello or approximately 1/4 cup gelatin per 1½-2 cups of total liquid for making gummies depending on how firm you like them.
8) Slowly pour and whisk in the hot tea with the chilled gelatin mixture until blended well.
9) Add honey to taste. I usually add ¼ part or a little more depending on the flavor of the herbs.
10) Add a splash of lemon juice and mix well.
11) Pour mixture into molds or a large cake pan and chill in the fridge for 6-8 hours. Remove from molds or cut into small bite size pieces. Store in the fridge in a tupperware container for up to 3 weeks.
12) You can also freeze the gummies or jello to thaw out for later but it does slightly change the consistency.

Gummies are a healthy, fun and delicious treat for the entire family, especially children. Try experimenting with different herbs, flavors, juice, etc and enjoy herbal gummies as a healthy snack.

Here are Some of my Tips for Perfecting Gummies
  • Do not add gelatin powder to things with fresh pineapple, kiwi or papaya. Those tropical juices will inactivate the thickening properties of gelatin. Also, don’t boil gelatin, as it will lose its thickening ability. [4]
  • Mixing gelatin into cold liquid and adding hot water to it helps smooth the consistency.
  • After whisking, there is usually a light film on the top of the liquid. You can leave it or strain off using a spoon or stainless mesh strainer for aesthetics.
  • Use a higher proportion of gelatin for a firmer gummy consistency or lower for a soft jello-like consistency.
  • Try adding fresh fruit into the bowl, molds or ice cube trays when making jello.
  • Make probiotic gummies and jello by supplementing some of the tea or juice with water kefir or kombucha. You can also add probiotic liquid or powder to the mixture after adding honey.
  • Honey and lemon juice not only improve flavor but also help preserve the tea. The more you use, the longer you will be able to store in the fridge before it goes bad. The proportions I have provided generally result in syrups lasting 3-6 months and the jello and gummies to last 2-2 1/2 weeks in the fridge.

Recipes

Here is my base recipe and proportions for making Jello and Gummies:
        3 cups of herbal tea
        1 cup juice
        1 cup honey
        3/4-1 cup gelatin for making gummies or 2 ½ tbsp gelatin for making jello
        1/4 cup lemon juice
Proportions of ingredients can vary depending on personal preference but the above is normally what I start with. Then I adjust the recipe as needed. I use 3/4 cup gelatin for softer gummies and 1 cup for firmer (my preference).


Multi-vitamin & Mineral-rich Blend
¼ cup nettle leaf
2 tbsp each oatstraw, dulse, orange peel, dandelion leaf, dandelion root, burdock root
1 tbsp rose hips
½ tbsp yellow dock root

Simmer all roots in 20 ounces of water for 20-30 minutes on low heat and covered. Remove from heat and add all remaining herbs.
I usually add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help pull out more minerals from the herbs. Keep covered and steep for 2-6 hours. Strain and use the tea as a base for making syrup, jello or gummies. These nourishing herbs are high in various vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, chlorophyll, iron and vitamin C. Yellow dock and dandelion are a little bitter so you may need to use a little extra honey to sweeten the flavor. Take 1-2 tbsp of syrup 1-3 times a day or a handful of herbal gummies/jello daily.


Spiced Elderberry
½ cup elderberry
2 tbsp rose hips
2 tbsp orange peel
1 tbsp fresh ginger
2 tsp cinnamon chips or 1 cinnamon stick
¼ tbsp clove

Add 3 cups water and herbs into a pan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow to steep for up to 8 hours. Strain and add honey to taste to make syrup or follow the instructions to make gummies or jello. Take 1 tbsp of syrup 2-3 times a day or a handful of herbal gummies/jello daily to support the immune system and to prevent or speed the recovery of colds and flu.


Immune Strength
6-8 astragalus slices
¼ cup elderberry
2 tbsp burdock, rose hips, orange peel
1 tbsp fresh ginger
1 tsp cinnamon chips or ½ tsp of powder

Simmer all ingredients except rose hips for 4-6 hours. Start with 3 cups water but check every hour and add more if needed. Remove from heat and add rose hips. Let the herbs steep for 20-30 minutes. Strain and use to make herbal syrup, jello or gummies. Take 1-2 tbsp of syrup 2-3 times a day or a handful of herbal gummies/jello daily to strengthen the immune system and enhance resilience.


Feel Better Fast
2 tbsp elderberry, elder flower, echinacea leaf, chamomile
1 tbsp rose hips
½ tbsp echinacea root, thyme, rosemary, fresh ginger

Bring 16 ounces of water to a boil and pour over herbs. Cover and let steep for anywhere between 2-8 hours. Strain and follow directions for making syrup, jello or gummies to help speed the recovery and fight off colds, flu and fevers. This recipe is most effective if used as a preventative, when exposed before illness sets in or during the last stage of recovery or "clean up phase" of a illness. I personally like to use orange juice, preferably fresh squeezed, and I add extra lemon juice and honey. Take 1-2 tbsp of syrup, a small handful of gummies or a ¼ cup of jello 2-4 times a day to help fight off a cold and flu.


Throat Soothe
¼ cup marshmallow root
2 tbsp echinacea root
1 tbsp cinnamon chips, licorice root

Add 12 ounces of cold water to herbs and let it sit covered for 6-8 hours. Strain and follow directions to make a soothing syrup, jello or gummies to ease a sore throat. These herbs give the tea a thick and viscous consistency to help coat, sooth and heal the throat, especially when prepared with cold water. Take 1-2 tbsp of syrup, a small handful of gummies or a ¼ cup of jello 3-4 times a day to help ease a sore throat.


Hibiscus Rose
1 part rose petals
½ part lemon grass
1/8 part hibiscus

Add 4 cups of cold water for every cup of herbs. Allow the tea to steep for 2-6 hours preferably in the sun. Strain and use to make delicious syrup for flavoring tea, smoothies, desserts, cocktails, sparkling drinks, pancakes, etc. Or use the tea as a base to make refreshing jello and gummies. I especially like to make these on hot sunny days and I personally use very little honey in this recipe and a little extra lemon juice. Apple, berry and cranberry juices are all delicious with this recipe.


Nourishing Apple Mint
2 part nettle
½ part peppermint
½ part spearmint

Add 3 cups of recently boiled water for every cup of herbs. Allow the tea to steep for 2-8 hours and strain. When making jello or gummies I use apple juice with a splash of lemon juice and a little honey to taste for a refreshing minty flavored treat.


Anti-oxidant and Heart Support
2 parts hawthorn berry
1 part hawthorn leaf
½ part hibiscus, goji berries
¼ part fresh ginger, cinnamon

Add 3 cups of cold water for every cup of herbs. Allow the tea to steep for 2-8 hours overnight or in the sun. Strain to remove herbs and use to make syrup, jello or gummies. I like to use a berry juice blend or cranberry nectar. These herbs are high in flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin C and have a long historical use for strengthening and supporting the heart as well as many other benefits. Take 1-2 tbsp of syrup, a small handful of gummies or a ¼ cup of jello 1-3 times a day or as desired.


Liver Detox
1 part burdock root and dandelion root
½ part oregon grape root
¼ part yellow dock root and fresh ginger root

Add 3 cups of water for every cup of herbs. Allow the tea to gently simmer on the stove for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the herbs to steep, covered, for 2-8 hours. Strain and turn into syrup, jello or gummies. Since these herbs are so bitter, you may want to increase the amount of honey to taste. I also like to increase the amount of lemon juice to help with detoxing.


Spring Detox
1 part nettle leaf, red clover leaf and/or blossoms, chickweed, cleavers
½ part dandelion leaf/greens/flowers

Use fresh herbs when in season and if available, otherwise use dried herbs. Add 3 cups of recently boiled water for every cup of herbs. Allow the tea to steep for 2-8 hours. Strain and use to make a gentle and nourishing detox syrup, jello or gummies to help support your body for the transition into spring. These herbs help cleanse and flush the body, support the kidneys, stimulate congested lymph glands and are rich in many vitamins and minerals. Take 1-2 tbsp of syrup, a small handful of gummies or a ¼ cup of jello 2-4 times a day to support a gentle detox or cleanse.


Adaptogen Support
2 parts milk oat tops or oatstraw
1 part eleuthero root
½ part ashwagandha, gotu kola
¼ part licorice

Add 3 cups of recently boiled water for every cup of herbs. Allow the tea to steep for 2-8 hours. Strain and use to make an energizing syrup, jello or gummies to support the adrenals, stress, nervous system, focus, mental and physical endurance, etc. Take 1 tbsp of syrup, a small handful of gummies or a ¼ cup of jello 1-2 times a day. Take in the morning and early afternoon to enhance energy and endurance throughout the day and to avoid the herbs from keeping you awake too late.


Sleepy Time & Stress Relief
1 part lemon balm, chamomile, oatstraw
½ part skull cap, passion flower
1/8 part lavender
Optional: Try 1/8 part of hops or valerian for a stronger blend if desired

Add 3 cups of recently boiled water for every cup of herbs. Allow the tea to steep for 2-8 hours. Strain to remove the herbs and use to make a calming syrup, jello or gummies. These relaxing herbs support stress, anxiety, sleep or to take the edge off and unwind from the days activities. I also like to use a splash of organic food grade lavender or rose hydrosol.


***Let us know what you think of these recipes in the comments below. Do you have any favorite recipes for making herbal syrups, gummies or jello?


By: Candice Brunlinger, Herbalist




About the Author:
Candice Brunlinger has been studying and practicing herbal healing since 2004. Her interests include incorporating plant medicine as a way of living, making herbal remedies, cooking, growing herbs, gardening, teaching, writing and being a mom. She teaches for the Northwest School of Botanical Studies & Humboldt Herbals, Volunteers as a farm Herbalist, has a small clinical practice and an herbal product line, Herbal Infusions.

You can visit her Nourishing Herbs blog or become a member of her facebook group Herbal Living.



My almost son and I playing with Dandelions

References:

[1] http://www.diynatural.com/benefits-of-gelatin-in-your-diet/
[2] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1051-gelatin.aspx?activeingredientid=1051&activeingredientname=gelatin
[3] http://wellnessmama.com/7419/gelatin-uses/
[4] http://wellnessmama.com/7419/gelatin-uses/





***Let us know what you think of these recipes in the comments below. Do you have any favorite recipes for making herbal syrups, gummies or jello?

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