Thyme, cinnamon, and clove work wonders for your digestive system — both preventively and therapeutically. And as a bonus, this cozy autumn combination tastes absolutely delicious. This syrup is simple to make, and with a splash of apple juice, lime, and ice cubes, you can easily turn it into a refreshing mocktail!

---

Herbs as Natural Medicine

Since ancient times, people have been fascinated by the healing power of plants. Many herbs contain high concentrations of active compounds that can help with a wide range of ailments. Thyme, cinnamon, and clove are three such herbs that have earned a permanent place in traditional herbal medicine.

Of course, natural doesn’t always mean harmless — so if you have persistent or serious symptoms, it’s always wise to consult a doctor.

---

Thyme: A Natural Protector for the Stomach

Thyme is packed with phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins such as A, C, B6, and K, making it a powerful all-rounder for good health. It helps prevent infections and inflammation and is a great source of iron, calcium, and magnesium — all of which support a healthy immune system and strong bones.

Studies (like Ribeiro et al. 2016) have shown that thyme has gastroprotective properties: it may reduce the occurrence of both acute and chronic ulcers and help ease inflammation in the digestive tract.

Thyme is also known for its antibacterial and expectorant effects, which is why thyme syrup is often used for coughs and colds. This particular recipe, however, focuses more on the digestive benefits, making it a soothing tonic for the stomach and intestines.

---

Cinnamon: Gentle Warmth for Your Digestion

Cinnamon has long been valued in herbal medicine. It offers a host of benefits: it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and supports a healthy gut. Cinnamon also improves circulation and helps stimulate digestion — perfect after a heavy meal.

Some studies even suggest that cinnamon may have anticarcinogenic properties, which means it could help protect the body from certain types of cancer. It’s a good reason to sprinkle a little cinnamon into your food and drinks more often.

Did you know cinnamon can also relieve bloating or gas? That makes it an ideal complement to thyme in this syrup. Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels too, but for that purpose, a sugar-free cinnamon tea or infusion is more effective than a sweet syrup.

---

Clove: Potent and Protective

Clove has an impressive list of medicinal uses. It’s known to help with gum inflammation, respiratory infections, stomach ulcers, fever, high blood pressure, and even intestinal parasites. In addition, it has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and can help relieve asthma and headaches.

Clove contains a natural compound called eugenol, which has a mild numbing effect and can provide gentle pain relief for the stomach. No wonder clove has been an important herb in traditional medicine for centuries — and it continues to attract scientific interest today.

While there is an established maximum daily intake (about 2.5 mg per kg of body weight), this syrup uses only one teaspoon of cloves per 2 cups (500 ml) of liquid, which is later strained out. So, it’s perfectly safe to take a tablespoon of this syrup a few times a day.

---

Ingredients for Thyme Syrup with Cinnamon and Clove

• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250 g) sugar
• 1 tbsp dried thyme (or 2 tbsp fresh thyme)
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• ½ cinnamon stick
• Fine strainer lined with cheesecloth
• Sterilized bottles

💡 Tip: If you’ve previously made Pears in Syrup with Cinnamon, save some of that leftover syrup (and the cinnamon stick) as the base for this recipe. Replace 1 cup (250 ml) of water and about 3 oz (50 g) of sugar with the pear syrup. The subtle pear flavor gives this thyme syrup a lovely fruity twist.

---

Instructions

---

How to Store or Can the Syrup

If you’d like to store the syrup for several months, you can water-bath can the bottles. Place them in a canner or oven and heat for 30 minutes at 195°F (90°C). Properly sealed bottles will keep for at least a year.

Once opened, store the syrup in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.

---

How to Use Thyme Syrup

Take 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of this syrup three to four times a day, about half an hour before meals, to support digestion and ease stomach discomfort.

For preventive use, 1 tablespoon per day is enough. Increasing the dose won’t cause harm but is generally unnecessary.

---

Turn It into a Drink

In the age of cocktails, mocktails, and fancy gins, this thyme syrup makes a wonderful base for a cozy fall drink. Fill one-fifth of a glass with syrup, add gin, rum, or sparkling water, and garnish with a slice of lime.

For an alcohol-free version, mix the syrup with apple juice and a splash of lime juice, then serve over ice for a refreshing mocktail.

If your stomach is sensitive, skip the alcohol and carbonation. Mix the syrup with still water or apple juice instead, and add a little freshly grated ginger or lime juice — it’s both soothing and delicious.

Also try: Ginger Cheong with Honey — a warming syrup perfect for colds and sore throats, or Fig Leaf Syrup — cholesterol-lowering and antibacterial.

---

Final Thoughts

Thyme syrup with cinnamon and clove isn’t just a comforting home remedy — it’s a bottle full of herbal wisdom. Whether you take it for stomach relief, as a gentle daily tonic, or as a base for a warming drink, it brings together the best of nature’s healing and flavor.

Pin this for later:

• Pinterest

Subscribe to our newsletter and don’t miss a thing:

You may also like these: