Fir bud syrup
Syrup of fir buds, obtained by boiling with sugar, is used for therapeutic purposes for the treatment of respiratory disorders: cough, bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis,... and for its taste and flavor in soft drinks.
Servings
~ 40 tablespoons in a liter of syrup (1 tablespoon = ~25g)
Ingredients
Materials
- - container for boiling: pot/pan
- - site
Preparation
- Wash the fir buds well and clean them of any impurities.
- Prepare a boiling container (pot / saucepan) just large enough to hold the amount of buds you are using along with the water. Add the fir sprouts and pour just enough water to cover them.
- Boil the fir bud mixture with water for about 30 minutes over low-medium heat. The water should become slightly milky, cloudy.
- After boiling, leave this mixture to infuse, covered with a lid, for about 12 hours or overnight. You can also do without this infusion step, but in this way you can be sure to extract all the vitamins and minerals contained in the fir buds.
- After infusion, strain the liquid and discard the boiled buds.
- For the resulting amount of liquid, you will need sugar in a 1:1 ratio. Basically, for 1 liter of liquid, you will need 1 kg of sugar.
Boil the infused liquid with the sugar over medium heat for about 30 minutes. - Squeeze the juice from one lemon and add it to the composition. Throughout boiling, stir almost continuously.
- The end result will be a slightly thin, reddish-brown syrup, which should thicken after cooling. This can be checked by the classic method: put a tablespoon of syrup in the fridge for a few minutes and it should change consistency, i.e. thicken.
- The resulting syrup is left to stand (slightly cooled) for about 5 minutes, then poured into glass containers (sterilized is recommended) which should be hermetically closed/sealed.
- Cover the containers with a towel or a thick blanket to cool slowly (leave for about 12 hours).
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Observations
Fir bud syrup, obtained by boiling with sugar, can be kept for about 2-3 years.
Once opened, a bottle of syrup should be refrigerated and consumed within 30 days.
To make syrup from fir buds, you can use both buds and young fir tree wax. It is recommended to collect them in mountain areas, as remote and unpolluted places as possible.
The fir buds should be as young as possible, raw green in color and 1-2 cm long.
The volatile fir tree oils have a bronchodilator effect (makes breathing easier).
Syrup from fir buds has beneficial effects in chronic bronchitis, persistent cough, bronchial asthma, tracheitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis, influenza, influenza, pharyngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and even tuberculosis.
Administration
It can also be used as a sweetener in various drinks.
For respiratory ailments, take one tablespoonful (in adults), then do not drink or eat for 30 minutes. Up to 5 tablespoons/day may be taken. In children the tablespoon will be replaced by a teaspoon.
Effects and benefits
- fights colds
- strengthens and protects the airways and helps maintain a healthy respiratory system;
- relieves respiratory ailments such as cough of various etiologies, acute or chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis
- decongests the respiratory tract
- helps normalize bronchial secretions;
- cleanses the airways, frees the pharynx, bronchi, lungs and trachea from accumulated mucus;
- diuretic
Side effects
In large quantities it can become diuretic
Contraindications
Caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 3 years of age, people with epilepsy, the chronically ill, people with whooping cough or acute renal failure and to consult a doctor experienced in apiphytotherapy to be certain of treatment for the above categories.
Benefits of fir buds:
- cures respiratory ailments
- strengthens lungs and improves breathing
- fights infections
- relieves digestive diseases
- good treatment for kidney infections and inflammation
- helps tissues regenerate after various infections
- removes bad breath
- binds calcium in bones
- relieves joint pain
- fights intellectual fatigue and stress
FAQ 💡❓
Why are fir buds considered a "plant antibiotic"?
➡️ Because they have an impressive content of volatile oils, resins and natural vitamin C, with real antibacterial and antiviral effects.
How does this syrup soothe coughs without blocking the natural healing process?
➡️ It doesn't stop the cough by force, but transforms it: it thins secretions and reduces inflammation, allowing the body to heal itself.
Is this syrup just for coughs?
➡️ Not at all. It is a general tonic for the lungs, immunity, sinusitis and even states of fatigue or respiratory stress.
What is the difference between fir and pine buds?
➡️ Fir buds have a milder taste and are richer in vitamin C, while pine buds have more resins and intense antiseptic effects.
Is it true that this syrup was used by grandparents as a dessert?
➡️ Yes! Many ate it with bread or as a topping on hot porridge - a medicinal sweet before the age of pharmacies.
Why is sugar still necessary in the recipe?
➡️ Sugar acts as an extracting agent, a natural preservative and a carrier for the active compounds. You can substitute honey as needed, but the texture and shelf life change.
Can it be consumed daily, long-term?
➡️ Yes, but in moderation. A teaspoon in the morning supports lungs and immunity. If needed, it can also be taken 2-3 times/day in 7-14 day courses.
Is it suitable for young children?
➡️ It can be given in small doses to children over 2 years of age. It is important that it is prepared pure, without artificial additives.
Does it help sinusitis or just coughs?
➡️ Yes, the volatile oils in the buds help to decongest the nasal passages, reduce sinus inflammation and support natural drainage.
Is this syrup also effective in respiratory allergies?
➡️ It is not antihistaminic, but with its anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the mucous membranes, it can relieve mild symptoms.
What else can I do with the syrup apart from taking it as is?
➡️ You can add a teaspoon to hot tea, on pancakes, in plain yogurt or even in a morning tonic smoothie.
Is there an ideal time of day to take it?
➡️ In the morning for toning and immune protection. In acute cases - also in the evening for a calming effect before bedtime.
Can it be used externally, for example in chest massage?
➡️ Not in syrup form. But if you combine it with a little vegetable oil, it can be turned into a simple cough massage ointment.
Can this syrup spoil if not stored properly?
➡️ Yes. If not properly boiled or stored in a cool, airtight place, it can ferment or mold. Texture and odor are the first signs.
Is this remedy compatible with other treatments?
➡️ In general, yes, but if you are taking anticoagulant, anti-diabetic or chronic respiratory medications, consult a herbalist or pharmacist.