Herbal Cough Syrup

 

This is a simple cough syrup.  I have used dried herbs with the exception of Thyme as I still have plenty readily available in the garden but you can use fresh or mix as I have.  This recipe makes 600ml so halve the recipe for a lesser quantity.  Also note you can change the herbs to what you have available.

 

Ingredients

500ml or 2 cups of water 

1 1/2 tbsp dried Thyme or a bunch of fresh Thyme (antibacterial & antiseptic)

1 tbsp fresh or dried Anise Hyssop (aids sore throats and tickle coughs)

1 tbsp fresh or dried Ginger (ease congestion & sore throats)

1 tbsp dried Licorice (adds sweetness and soothes sore throats)

1 tbsp  fresh or dried Lemon Rind (vit C)

1 tbsp Fennel Seeds (sinus & congestion)

1 Cup of Honey - we have bees and produce our own honey but if you are buying honey get the best you can afford.

 

Alternatives to use

 

500ml or 2 cups of water 

1 tbsp dried Elecampane Root (antiseptic and aids coughs & chests infections)

1 tbsp Blue Hyssop (antiseptic)

1 tbsp dried Marshmallow (high in mucilage so helps with sore throats & coughs)

1 tbsp dried or some sprigs of sage (antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial)

1 tbsp dried or fresh Tulsi (antibacterial & antiseptic)

1 tbsp dried Elderberry (antiviral)

1 Cup of Honey - we have bees and produce our own honey but if you are buying honey get the best you can afford.

 

Elderberry Syrup

1/2 cup of dried Elderberries (anti-viral, immune enhancing - antioxidant)

2 Cinnamon Sticks (warming)

1 tablespoon of dried Ginger Root or you could use fresh ginger (warming, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory)

500ml or 2 cups of water

1 cup of Honey - we have bees and produce our own honey but if you are buying honey get the best you can afford.

 

Method

 

Place the herbs/spices in a pan and cover with water and put a pan lid on keeping all the good properties of the herb in the pan.

 

Slowly bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer and let mixture reduce by a half.

 

Strain mixture through a muslin cloth, squeezing all the liquid out.

 

Return to the saucepan and add the Honey.

 

On a very low heat mix until honey is liquid (do not be tempted to turn up the heat otherwise you will destroy the beneficial properties in the honey)

 

Allow to cool before pouring into sterilised bottles and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

 

Dose:  Take 1 teaspoon as needed.