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.