Hey there, lovely souls!

 

With the chill in the air and the days getting shorter, it’s the perfect time to prepare for the cold season ahead. I’ve been busy in the kitchen, whipping up a batch of blackcurrant, honey, and nettle syrup—a natural remedy that’s as delicious as it is beneficial. This syrup is my go-to for warding off colds, boosting immunity, and even acting as a natural antihistamine. And the best part? It’s suitable for the whole family, kids included!

 

Let’s dive into the magic of this syrup, the incredible benefits of each ingredient, and how you can make it yourself.

 

The Benefits: Nature’s Goodness in a Bottle

 

Blackcurrants
These little gems are bursting with Vitamin C—more than four times the amount found in oranges! This makes blackcurrants a fantastic immune booster, helping your body fight off infections and recover faster if you do catch something. They’re also rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This makes them great for soothing sore throats and reducing any inflammation in the body. Blackcurrants are also a good source of Vitamin A, which supports eye health, and Vitamin K, which is important for bone health.

 

Honey
Honey is one of nature’s oldest and most trusted remedies. It’s packed with antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it ideal for fighting infections. Honey is also incredibly soothing—perfect for calming a scratchy throat or easing a persistent cough. Its natural sweetness makes the syrup more palatable, especially for kids, while also adding a layer of healing. Raw honey, in particular, is rich in antioxidants and has enzymes that support digestion and overall health. It’s also a natural energy booster, helping to keep you going during those long, cold days.

 

Nettle
Nettle might not be the first plant that comes to mind when you think of healing, but it’s a true powerhouse. This plant is packed with nutrients, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamins A, C, and K. Nettle is especially beneficial for its antihistamine properties, which can help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies. It’s also excellent for detoxifying the body, supporting the kidneys, and improving circulation. Nettle’s high iron content makes it a great natural remedy for boosting energy and combating fatigue—perfect for when you’re feeling run down.

 

Why This Syrup is Great for Kids (and Adults!)

 

One of the best things about this syrup is that it’s safe for children to take. The ingredients are all natural, and honey is well-known for its gentle healing properties. However, do keep in mind that honey should not be given to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism. For older children, this syrup can be a sweet and effective way to boost their immunity and keep them healthy through the winter months. You can give them 1 to 2 teaspoons a day, or up to 3 tablespoons if they’re fighting off a cold.

 

For adults, you can take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily as a preventative measure, or 3 to 5 tablespoons a day if you’re feeling under the weather. You can also mix the syrup into warm water for a soothing drink, drizzle it over porridge, or stir it into tea.

 

How to Make Your Own Blackcurrant, Honey, and Nettle Syrup

 

Now that we know why this syrup is so amazing, let’s get to making it! Here’s how you can whip up a batch at home.

 

What You’ll Need:

 

• 500g fresh or frozen blackcurrants
• 25g dried nettle leaves (or 50g fresh nettles, carefully handled!)
• 300g raw honey
• 1 litre of water
• A saucepan
• A strainer or muslin cloth
• Sterilised glass jars or bottles for storing

How to Make the Syrup:

 

1. Cook the Blackcurrants: Start by placing your blackcurrants in a saucepan with the water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. The berries should soften and release their deep purple juices, filling your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma.

2. Add the Nettles: Once your blackcurrants are soft and juicy, add the nettle leaves. If you’re using dried nettles, simply toss them in. If you’re using fresh nettles, be cautious—they can sting until they’re cooked. Simmer the mixture for another 10-15 minutes to let all those nutrients infuse into the liquid.

3. Strain the Mixture: After simmering, strain the liquid through a fine strainer or muslin cloth into a clean bowl. Press the berries and nettles to get every last drop of goodness out. What you’ll have is a rich, dark liquid that’s packed with nutrients.

4. Sweeten with Honey: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the honey. This ensures you don’t destroy the beneficial enzymes in the honey by adding it to a too-hot liquid. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved, turning your mixture into a sweet, velvety syrup.

5. Bottle It Up: Pour your syrup into sterilised glass jars or bottles and seal tightly. Store it in the fridge, where it should keep for a few months. You’ll have a handy, natural remedy ready to go whenever you need it.

 

How to Use Your Syrup

 

Take a spoonful of this syrup daily as a preventative measure, or increase the dosage if you feel a cold coming on. It’s also great mixed into warm water for a comforting drink, or you can drizzle it over your morning porridge or add it to your herbal tea. However you take it, this syrup is a simple, natural way to keep your body strong and healthy through the cold months.

 

This blackcurrant, honey, and nettle syrup is one of my favourite winter remedies. It’s easy to make, packed with health benefits, and tastes absolutely divine. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own natural medicine at home. I hope you find this syrup as helpful as I do, and that it keeps you and your loved ones healthy all winter long.

 

Blessings & Health,
Lydia 🔮