Cold & Flu season is upon us. Boo! :( There is nothing that slows you down faster than continuous coughing, sneezing, sleepiness, constant nose blowing and not being able to breathe when you do try to sleep. Makes me miserable!
It's a very rare occasion that I get ill nowadays BUT I was struck just over 2 weeks ago AND it's
still not gone. I've finally had enough and decided to do something about it. (Working on a recipe for some cough drops also.) I don't know about you but when I'm ill, I don't feel like doing anything let alone concocting a new recipe... but like I said - I had had enough!!
When I first started this blog, one of my first posts was a
Herbal Healing Tea – Herbal Tincture – for sinus and chest infections, sore throats & coughs. While I need to update the photos because the post looks a little sad, the recipe does work very well and tastes delicious too. Here is my new and improved cough and cold remedy, in syrup form.
What You'll Need:
Tools:
- measuring spoons
- pan on the stove
- stir spoon
- organza bag / tea ball or strainer
- funnel
- bottle or jar to keep mixture in.
To Make:
First, you'll need to make a strong "tea" with your herbs and water. I put mine in an organza bag so I didn't have to strain them afterwards. Place your herbs in your water and allow to simmer together for about 30 minutes on LOW heat.
Once you have a nice dark blend, strain herbs from the liquid & compost (reserve the liquid)
Pour in honey and measure out some coconut oil. Continue to heat until everything is combined. Stirring constantly.
This is where you can decide the consistency. If you allow it to boil for a while, it will thicken up. You can also add in more honey for a thicker syrup. Don't allow it to get too hot though, or it will solidify later.
Once everything is combined, remove from heat and add in oils and tincture.
Allow to cool and then funnel into your bottle or jar.
DOSAGE:
1 TBSP ADULTS
1 TSP CHILDREN
(treat this like you would any other cough syrup, taking a dose when needed BUT leaving lots of space in between.) You could also mix a spoonful into a cup of tea and drink it that way. (Green, Chai or Chamomile would be best)
Keep fresh in the fridge for a month or so.
Why These Ingredients?
Honey → Honey helps to coat the throat. It has many beneficial properties helping it to speed recovery. It helps to calm & stop coughing, especially at nighttime and helps to improve sleep. (Coughing isn't all bad, it's a good way to clear mucus BUT I don't like being up all night coughing.)
Thyme → Thyme has antiseptic qualities that makes it helpful for treating respiratory ailments or infections. It helps suppress coughs, rid the body of mucus, strengthens the lungs to fight off infection, and acts as a shield against bacteria.
Cinnamon → Cinnamon is great for helping clear up congestion and cough. It boost the immune system and helps regulate circulation.
Ground Ginger → Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that helps kill bacteria and reduce any inflammation or swelling in the sinuses or the bronchial tubes. It helps soothe sore throats, eases congestion, coughing and helps clear up seasonal colds. Ginger helps to increase circulation and boosts the immune system.
Chamomile → Chamomile is great for soothing sore throats and coughs.
Peppermint → Peppermint acts as a decongestant, helping to ease labored breathing & clearing out mucus. It helps to soothe sinus issues, headaches & allergies.
Sage → Sage has antiseptic qualities making it wonderful in helping fight infections.
Lemon Juice → Lemon helps rid the respiratory system of bacteria and mucus.
Echinacea Tincture → Echinacea is widely used to fight cold symptoms, upper respiratory infections & sore throats. Herbalists consider Echinacea to be a natural antibiotic.
Echinacea is used for healthy immune system support as well as to support healthy sinus function during times of need. It has also been shown to support healthy respiratory function. - Mountain Rose Herbs
Oregano Oil → Oil of oregano has many beneficial properties, including: antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, & fungicidal. Studies have shown that oil of oregano is effective at killing harmful bacteria, and also helps boost the immune system fighting viruses, fungi and parasites.
Coconut Oil → Coconut oil can be helpful shortening the duration of a cold. It helps to soothe sore throats, and also eases coughing. It helps to boost the immune system.
Do you have any herbal remedies you use at home for cold relief?
SOME IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please remember, information found on this blog should not be used to replace that of your professional medical practitioner. Please see my
Disclaimer.
Never give honey to a child younger than age 1. - there is a risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning.
Women who are pregnant should not drink thyme tea, although small amounts of thyme used in cooking do not cause side effects. Do not take thyme as a medicine if you have a duodenal ulcer or if you have thyroid disease. - MRH
I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs & Starwest Botanicals for all of your herbal healing needs!You can purchase any extra supplies over at Amazon.ca. (As well as any oils for my Canadian friends while I'm seeking out a Canadian supplier.)Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites.
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