How to prepare loquat syrup

Loquat syrup is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used for moistening the lungs and relieving cough, possessing certain medicinal value. The steps for preparing loquat syrup are as follows: 1. Prepare ingredients including loquat leaves, rock sugar, honey, and orange peel. The loquat leaves must be thoroughly washed and freed from impurities, while the orange peel should be cut into small pieces. 2. Place the loquat leaves into a pot and add an appropriate amount of water. Gently boil until the leaves become soft. Then, remove the leaves and filter the liquid. Continue boiling the filtered liquid, add rock sugar, and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. 3. When the sugar solution has thickened sufficiently, add the orange peel and continue simmering over low heat until the mixture becomes viscous. Transfer the resulting syrup into a clean container to cool, then mix in honey until evenly combined. During the preparation, the heat must be properly controlled to avoid burning or scorching. Both excessively long or short cooking times may affect the final result. When using the syrup, appropriate dosage is important; overconsumption should be avoided, especially for individuals with diabetes or other specific health conditions, who should use it with caution.