It’s been weeks of sickness here, and I’m always trying variations on herbal cold remedies. Since I get tired of lemon-themed teas, I like to find other alternatives that taste great and also soothe a sore throat and offer relief to congested sinuses. As soon as I found a few recipes for ginger chews, I experimented and settled upon this one. They’re easy to make and taste great, and they did help me feel better.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because ginger and honey can help with inflammation, nausea, and can help boost your immune system.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pure water
- 1/4 cup packed shredded fresh ginger root
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- candy thermometer
- 7″ x 4″ glass pan
- coconut oil for greasing pan
- parchment paper
Directions for Ginger Chews
- In a saucepan, stir together the grated ginger root and water. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until about half of the liquid has evaporated.
- Strain the ginger and save 1 cup of the ginger water.
- Use the coconut oil to grease a 7″ x 4″ glass dish. Then cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan. And then grease the paper with more coconut oil.
- Pour the ginger water into a large saucepan. Stir in the sugar and honey. Bring the mixture to a high heat, still stirring, until the mixture reaches 260 degrees. It must pass the water drop test.* It’s really important to reach this temperature exactly otherwise the chews will be too runny or too hard.
- Water Drop Test: use a cup of VERY VERY cold water and drop a small amount of the ginger syrup into the water. Then use a spoon to pull out the ginger drop. It needs to be not too soft and not too hard–just chewy enough to make it just right. (like in the fairytale! lol)
- Pour the syrup into the pan and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes (and not too much longer), turn the dish over and remove the parchment paper. Then using a sharp knife coated in coconut oil, cut the candy into small chunks, about 1/2″ x 1″.
- Wrap the chews in parchment paper and they will store at room temperature for 4-6 weeks. They will last longer if you store them in the refrigerator.
- USAGE: For a sore throat, take a chew whenever you want. For digestive help, take 1 chew before or after each meal. For nausea or an upset tummy, take 2 chews every 3 hours.
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!
