In days gone by, people made root beers as food and medicine. This recipe is designed to take advantage of the more tonic effects a good root beer can offer, such as cleansing for the circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems, clearing the skin, reducing weight and cholesterol, and a mild energy-boost from support for the hormonal system with a focus on the male hormones that give us energy.
For men over the age of forty or those with prostate problems, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, and Nettle roots were often combined in a similar male tonic to boost energy, balance male hormones, and reduce an enlarged 
prostate. That same tonic was occasionally taken by middle- to menopausal-aged women to help boost energy and bring their male hormones into balance. If you want, you can add one part nettle root to this recipe for those effects.
To clear a lingering, irritable cough, add cherry bark to this recipe. One part cherry bark and one part Astragulas root added to this recipe can be especially helpful after a long, lingering cold or respiratory system illness.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Burdock root, dried
- 1 ounce Dandelion root, dried
- 1 ounce Sarsaparilla root, dried
- 1 ounce Sassafras root, dried
- 1 ounce Birch bark, dried
- 0.5 ounce licorice root, dried
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon
- a resealable container large enough to hold the finished product
- a label
Procedure
- Pour the herbs into the mixing bowl and gently stir them with a spoon. Try not to break up the plant parts since this will release the essential oils.
- Pour the mix into a resealable container.
- Label the container with the name of the mix, ingredients, and date mixed.
Storage and Use
To make an herbal syrup you can add to sparkling or still water for a tasty root beer, combine one ounce of the dried herbs with half a gallon of water to make a decoction. Add a cup or so of honey to the decoction and simmer until the volume has reduced to about 4 cups.
Store your syrup in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator, for up to three months. Add two to three tablespoons to 12 ounces of water or sparkling water to drink up to three times a day.
