The Naturalist’s Herb & Spice Cough Syrup (kid-safe!)

 

Ingredients:
Honey (demulcent) 

Raisins (expectorant)

Onion, Garlic, Lemon (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial)

Thyme, Sage (expectorant, antimicrobial)
Ginger (cough suppressant, anti-inflammatory)
Cloves, Allspice, Cinnamon, Cayenne (pain killer, improve circulation, antimicrobial)
Chamomile (relaxation/sleep aid)
Wild Rose hips (vitamin C)

 Part1:
1 Onion - Grate
1 head of Garlic - Rasp/finely mince
1-2 Lemons - Juice and chop
Large handfuls of fresh Thyme & Sage - Finely mince
2 tbsp Ginger Powder (or more if fresh)
2 tsp each; Cloves, Allspice, Cinnamon, Cayenne

Add all the above ingredients together and mash/muddle/pound together with a wooden spoon until it is thoroughly mashed together, using a bit of water or lemon juice if needed.

Then add:
½ C. Dried Chamomile Flowers
½ C. Dried Wild Rose Hips (do not mash if dried whole)

Pour 4 C. boiling water over mixture and gently mix, and let steep overnight, or for 2-3 hours on the lowest stove top burner setting. You do NOT want to cook/simmer/boil this mixture in order to retain more of the medicinal properties.

Part 2:
1 C. Raisins – simmer with enough water to cover raisins until raisins are soft and the water is absorbed, puree this mixture (add a bit more water if required) and set aside.

Part 3:
Strain the mixture from part 1. I used cheese cloth so I could squeeze out every last drop of goodness.
Add the pureed raisin mixture from part 2.
Freeze mixture in ice cube trays (I used Baby Food freezer trays). There will still be solids that can settle to the bottom, so mix while pouring your portions out so that it includes all ingredients.

Part 4:
Add equal parts of the finished mixture and honey together, this will make a syrup consistency. Store in the fridge, it should last a week. This was quite a bit of work, and I wouldn’t want to go through this every time I needed a batch – that is why I chose to freeze the mixture in portions. Every time I need some medicine, I can just pop a frozen cube out, thaw, mix with honey, and store in the fridge for the week!

Results:
I did not hear my daughter (18 mo old) cough even once last night, she loved the taste, she went to bed without a fuss, and slept through the night! I would call it a success!!!

*Note, this medicine is NOT intended for children under 1 year of age.