Sarah Munro’s Cinnamon Honey Cold Remedy

Fall is my favorite time of year, but it’s also the time when my family begins to get sick. The colds and coughs begin in November and last through March.

Home herbal cold remedies have been around for centuries, and Sarah Munro (the heroine of ONE DARK WISH, book 2 in the Deadly Force series) has a recipe that was commonly used in Colonial America. It’s a simple recipe of honey and cinnamon that has been updated by using pure Ceylon cinnamon. Research has proven honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is a powerful source of antioxidants that can help reduce cough and cold symptoms. Although controversial, raw honey is also known to be a natural humectant–it draws moisture from the air and can bring it to your dry throat. The honey coats your throat, preventing bacteria from growing and can soothe already sore throats. It also provides some relief from coughing.

Cinnamon offers antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties. But the Ceylon cinnamon, which this recipe recommends, has less coumarin than Cassia cinnamon which is the cinnamon more commonly found in pantries. If you have no liver or kidney issues, the levels of coumarin don’t really matter. But this time of year, if you find yourself eating a lot of cinnamon in teas, home remedies, on your oatmeal or in your desserts, you may want to switch to Ceylon cinnamon. It has a milder, slightly sweeter taste and I now prefer it in my baking. It’s more expensive because Celyon cinnamon is grown in Sri Lanka and it’s sold in larger quantities, but one bag could last for years if stored properly. Celyon cinnamon is available at Amazon and other natural food stores.

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Sarah Munro’s Cinnamon Honey Cold Remedy

INDGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup raw honey*
• 1 Tablespoon Ceylon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

In a small glass bowl, stir together the honey and cinnamon until it forms a paste. Scrape the bowl and pour the mixture into a sterilized glass canning jar with a two-piece lid. Cover tightly and set aside for use. It will last at room temperature for up to four months. This makes 12 teaspoons, enough syrup for four days for one person.

To use: When you first feel a cold coming on, take one teaspoon of syrup up to three times a day until the symptoms cease. The honey and cinnamon have antiviral properties that help fight infections, relieve coughs, and boost your immune system to fight off colds faster. It can be taken at any point during a cold but has the most effect at the first signs of illness.

*Do not give any kind of honey to children under 1 year of age and only use pasteurized honey for children up to the age of 16.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:

I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).

It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.

• If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
• If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.

Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.

Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.

Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.

Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.

I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!

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