Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup

When I have pain or get sick I normally do not take anything for it, I just wait it out.  OTC drugs help with the symptoms so we can get on with life, right?  HOWEVER, I do not think that is what our body needs.  Normally it needs rest and when we feel crapy that is what we do... rest.

With that said, sometimes we just need something.  Taking OTC drugs is not something I feel OK giving my family (even our family doctor has warned against them).

Here is an alternative that I love, works, easy to make, and natural.

Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup
(For those interested I'm putting together kits containing the herbs and glass bottle. 
Let me know and I will send you more info).

1 cup freshly chopped onion
1/2 cup raw honey

Plus any of the following (optional)

1 tsp Cloves (Whole or powered)
1-2 tbsp Comfrey or Slippery Elm
1-2 tbsp chopped ginger root or 1 tsp ginger powder

Maximum 2 tbsp extra herbs total.

Put chopped onion and any herbs of choice into a small stainless steel pot (not aluminum).  Add enough honey to cover the onions (about a half cup).

Turn stove to low heat and slowly simmer.  The honey will soften and becomes liquid, make sure to keep the temp really low while allowing herbs to steep in honey.  Keep covered, taking the lid off every few minutes to give a quick stir.

Simmer for 20 minutes and then remove from heat.  Strain onions and herbs but retain the remaining honey.  I like to keep mine in the fridge in a glass jar.  When I go to use it, I heat it up for about 10-15 seconds to soften the honey.

Dosage-
1 tsp for young kids
1 tbsp for 10+ adult

 

What does each ingredient help with?

Onions are great overall for flu or cold symptoms.  This site explains it really well but they have helped people for centuries.

Honey is a great cough suppressant and helps sooth sore throat. Check out here if you want to see more.

Comfrey is good for healing.

Slippery Elm is good for soothing and coating sore throats.

Ginger increases warmth and circulation for overall effectiveness of the syrup.

Orignall recipe from -10 Essential Herbs by Lalitha Thomas

Disclaimer: The writer of Homemade Addition is not certified medical professionals of any kind and are not qualified to give you medical advice. My goal is to help to educate and inspire you to take responsibility for your own family's health and make informed choices of your own, not to consult you on medical treatment. 

Homemade Vapor Rub

I do not know about you or your house but cold season has hit our house hard this year.  I am guessing it is because we are in a new state with new germs but either way my hubby and kids have been sick.  Vapor Rub has always worked really well for chest colds, coughing, and stuffy nose for us but I am not a fan that it is petroleum based or some of the ingredients. 

I like simple ingredients with natural products.  Anyway, here is a great natural vapor rub that I do not have to worry about putting on my family.

I listed it in parts so you can make as much or as little are you want.  Not to mention this is a great way to make the right amount for whatever container size you have.

Chest Rub Salve-

2 parts coconut oil
1 part beeswax
eucalyptus essential oil (about 10 drops per ounce)
White camphor essential oil (about 5 drops per ounce) *

*Instead of white camphor, you could us peppermint essential oil.


Simply melt coconut oil and beeswax in double boiler over low heat.  Pour into container and then stir in essential oils.  Wait 10-15 minutes for it to hard, add more oils if needed. That's it!!

I like to rub on chest, throat, and upper back. 

Where to purchase?

I like to purchase my butters and coconut oil at Mountain Rose Herbs. I would just make sure the essential oil's you use are high quality oils.  Many of the oils you can find at health foods stores or other places are full of fillers even if they states 100% essential oil. 

If you need any help finding any products I reference on this site, please let me know.


Disclaimer: The writer of Homemade Addition is not certified medical professionals of any kind and are not qualified to give you medical advice. My goal is to help to educate and inspire you to take responsibility for your own family's health and make informed choices of your own, not to consult you on medical treatment.