Forsythia Syrup
This golden beauty is a sight for sore eyes. After a long winter it's one of the first bits of color to show itself in spring. I snipped some branches for my Ostara altar a few weeks ago and the heat of our home coaxed them to bloom long before their kin. I feel like that speaks such volumes for this plant's spirit - in the ever so early waxing of spring, when you're craving that new life, you can bring in some Forsythia and it'll gift you with a taste of whats to come. Such a kindness to it. Most of what you'll find written about Forsythia is in reference to its fruit, opposed to the flower. It's most notably indicated for the heart and lungs and is used as a cold and flu remedy when paired with antivirals like Honeysuckle and Lemon Balm. Its cooling and bitter energetics make it an ally for clearing heat and reducing inflammation; specifically in the bronchial passages. I whipped up a simple syrup so that I can learn from this compassionate friend.
Ingredients:
1.5 cups water
2 cups flowers
1 cup honey
2 tbls. brandy (optional)
Instructions:
Ensure that your Forsythia bush is in a safe area and hasn't been sprayed - they often grow in neighborhoods or along roadsides, so be mindful while harvesting.
Take a moment to connect with the spirit of the plant. Sit in quiet meditation if you have the time and ask, "What would you have me know?" Focus your attention on your third eye and be aware of what comes through (thoughts, visions, feelings); journal your findings.
If you're short on time or in an area where you're not comfortable putting on a show, take a branch in your hand and introduce yourself in your mind. Once you've extended a 'hello', ask it, "May I harvest you?" Wait a moment and feel into your center; do you get a 'yes' or a 'no'? If it's a yes thank the plant and leave an offering before beginning your harvest. *I have a pouch that I carry in my overalls and in it is oats and rose powder. I sprinkle a small amount at the base of whatever plant I'm harvesting. Some indigenous cultures leave tobacco as an offering, but you could also leave a strand of hair (I do this when I don't have my pouch with me - offering a bit of myself in exchange for a bit of the plant), water, a flower essence that has special significance to you or you could remove trash from the plant's surrounding area or snip away some dead foliage.
Next, select a branch and shake it out -this will help disperse the little gnats that like to settle into the flowers. You may either pick the individual flowers or, starting at the furthermost flower, rake the branch with your closed palm and put the handful of flowers into a jar or basket. This rather speedy alternative will collect the woody leaf buds as well, so ensure that you're not over-harvesting. I was able to collect the 2 cups needed for the recipe from about 8 branches so it didn't cause the bush any harm. If collecting a large amount, pick from a few bushes or use the aforementioned method.
Transfer your flowers to a large glass bowl. Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil and then pour over the flowers. Cover with a towel and leave overnight. There will be small bugs and particles. Period. You may choose to fill a bowl with water and gently swish the flowers around to 'wash' them (and then strain) prior to adding the boiling water, but this will remove beneficial pollen, bacteria and general life-force goodness. I do my best to shake out the branch when harvesting and accept the wild bits that are apart of life.
Strain the mixture into a jar and add the honey. Shake to incorporate. This syrup won't have the traditional thick consistency of a syrup, as that requires high-heat and sugar.
Add 2 tbls. of brandy to extend the shelf life, if you so choose.
I like to take swigs of the syrup right out of the jar or whip up a little mocktail with tonic water if I'm feeling fancy. To me, it's more about bringing this dear friend into my body; becoming acquainted with it, learning from it. Put your face to the sun, your feet in the dirt and drink flowers, my friend. Remember your roots so the whole world flourishes.
References:
Plant ID: https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=365
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEm7gbIax0o
It is my intention that this post inspires you to get curious about the things growing in your area. The more we engage with the natural world around us, the more opportunities there are for the Big Mama to heal us. When one of us heals, the whole Collective prospers. I want to thank my own mama and grandma for teaching me of Forsythia and as always, I bow to the ancestors that have paved the way for us all.
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