It’s that time of year again! Besides the pandemic, there are random illnesses running around including coughs and sore throats. Barring any other serious illness that requires a doctor’s visit, this cough soother helps with irritation caused by dry air and post nasal drip. This recipe is an updated version of an 18th century tonic that uses natural ingredients. I’m including it in this blog series because it’s a recipe that appears in Sarah Munro’s collection of 18th century herbal remedies that she discusses in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the bestselling Deadly Force series. It’s also super easy to make.
The main ingredients include apple cider vinegar which has anti-bacterial properties and high levels of potassium that thin mucus. The honey is a natural anti-bacterial that soothes irritated skin, while the citrus fruits have loads of vitamin c and are a natural antiseptic. Ginger is a known anti-nausea agent and helps with upset stomachs often caused by post nasal drip. Because there are no preservatives in this recipe, it only lasts for up to three months in the fridge.
Sarah Munro’s Herbal Cough Soother
Ingredients:
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (with mother)
- ⅓ cup raw honey (local if possible)
- ½ lemon, sliced
- ½ lime, sliced
- 2 teaspoons freshly minced ginger (use dried ground ginger if necessary)
- 3 springs fresh rosemary
Directions:
- Put the cider vinegar in a saucepan and turn the heat on low. As the vinegar heats, slowly whisk in the honey until completely dissolved.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the lemon slices, lime slices, and fresh rosemary.
- Steep the mixture for 1 hour.
- Strain the liquid into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate until needed. This syrup lasts for three months in the refrigerator.
- Dosage: One ounce of syrup for an adult as needed. For a child, consult your pediatrician.
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal and homeopathic 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!
