Pine Buds and Propolis Syrup

Ingredients

• 500 g fresh pine buds;
• 100 ml propolis tincture;
• 600 g raw honey (preferably polyfloral);
• 1 liter still water;

Materials

• - 1 liter glass jar with lid
• - Fine sieve or gauze
• - Wooden spoon
• - Dark colored glass for storage
• - Enameled or stainless steel jar

Preparation

• Preparing the buds
  ➡️ Choose fresh, young, light green pine buds, preferably picked in May.
  ➡️ Wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities.
  ➡️ Drain in a sieve or on a clean towel.
• Slow boiling (decoction extraction)
  ➡️ Put pine buds in an enameled or stainless steel pot (no Teflon or aluminum).
  ➡️ Add plain water, ideally to cover the buds in the pot.
  ➡️ Bring to boiling point, then reduce heat to low.
  ➡️ Simmer slowly for 60 minutes, partially covered with a lid (so all the liquid doesn't evaporate, but don't boil over, either).
  ➡️ Stir gently occasionally with a wooden spoon.
• Overnight infusion (warm maceration)
  ➡️ After the 60 minutes of boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot completely with the lid.
  ➡️ Leave to infuse for 12 hours (ideally overnight) at room temperature in a place away from direct light
• Straining the liquid
  ➡️ After the 12 hours, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or double cheesecloth into a clean bowl.
  ➡️ Squeeze the remaining buds well to extract all the flavorful and valuable liquid.
• Adding honey and tincture
  ➡️ Add honey over the infused liquid and stir until the honey dissolves completely. Avoid using metal - use a wooden or silicone spoon.
  ➡️ Once the syrup is completely homogenized, add the propolis tincture and stir well for 1-2 minutes so that the propolis incorporates evenly.

Administration

Observations

Effects and benefits

• Natural expectorant - clears mucus
• Calms dry and irritative cough
• Supports airway health
• Strengthens the immune system
• Has antiviral and antibacterial effect
• Protects the lungs
• Fights respiratory infections
• Relieves asthma symptoms
• Detoxifies the body
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Relieves fatigue
• Contributes to cell regeneration
• Anti-inflammatory action
• Supports oral cavity health
• Improves sleep quality
• Reduces throat irritation
• Powerful antioxidant effect
• Soothes irritated mucous membranes
• Helps bronchitis and sinusitis
• Adjuvant in flu and colds

Side effects

• Allergic reactions (hives, itching) - to propolis or honey
• Stomach irritation on an empty stomach
• Mild headache (immune response)
• Mild digestive upset (bloating, nausea)
• Pungent taste or burning on excessive administration

Contraindications

• Allergies to bee products (honey, propolis)
• Allergy to conifers (pine)
• Children under 3 years
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (without medical advice)
• People with severe liver disease
• Advanced diabetes mellitus (honey contains sugars)
• Anticoagulant treatment (possible interaction with propolis)