I can’t believe the year is almost gone! And since it’s now officially winter, this week I’m sharing Sarah Munro’s recipe for homemade Lemon Cough Drops. Homemade cough drops are much easier to make than one would think and the great thing about making homemade ones is that you get to choose the ingredients, including the amount of sugar, that you want to add. These cough drops include lemon and honey, both excellent choices to help ease discomfort and inflammation.
This recipe, updated by Sarah Munro (the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, book 2 in the Deadly Force series), originated in the late 18th century. Adding ginger, cloves, and a bit of confectioner’s sugar makes this a delicious, updated alternative to store-bought cough drops. The one tool you definitely need is a good candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, it’s worth investing in one. Luckily, they’re not that expensive and then you can use it to make homemade fudge!
Ingredients & Tools:
- 1 cup ginger tea hot and strongly brewed
- ½ cup raw honey
- 1 lemon juiced
- Silicone candy molds
- Candy thermometer
- NOTE: I am NOT an Amazon affiliate. I just offer links to be helpful.
DIRECTIONS:
In a large saucepan with high sides, stir together the brewed-until-dark ginger tea, lemon juice, and raw honey. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, test the mixture until it reads 300 degrees F. This could take 20-30 minutes. Don’t overbuild and don’t increase the temperature. Just let it boil gently and foam up while it reaches the 300 degrees F.
Stir frequently while it’s boiling and pay attention–don’t leave the stove because it can reach that heat level quickly and you don’t want it to go over. Once it reaches 300 degrees F, remove the pot from the stove and pour the liquid into the silicone molds.
Let the cough drops rest in the mold for at least 2 hours. Once they are dry, coat them with powdered sugar so they don’t stick together. Shake off the excess sugar and keep in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 weeks. You can eat these like regular cough drops or you can drop them into your tea. If the honey begins to crystallize on the cough drops, just use them in tea.
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!
