Cough Syrup

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COUGH SYRUP:

Slippery Elm makes great cough syrup used either alone or as a base for additional herbs. Since it helps to collect and expel mucus, acts against inflammation, and serves to soothe and nourish, Slippery Elm really shines as a cough syrup. Here are a few recipes which can be

cooked up when needed and/or stored fairly well in the refrigerator for a few weeks. After a few weeks, to insure potency, it is best to start with a fresh batch when another need arises. An older syrup often still tastes OK and usually wouldn't hurt, however.

 

RECIPE #1:

In a saucepan, mix 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) Slippery Elm powder or Slippery Elm small chunks with 1 cup raw honey or light organic unsulphured molasses.

Simmer and stir gently for 20 minutes. That's it! If you want it

thinner, feel free to add a little water.

If you started with powder it will be a thicker brew as you do not

(cannot) strain it out. If you started with the herbal chunks, you will get a juicier brew as the chunks are strained out after simmering. Some people really like having the herb powder left in for extra potency, while others don't like the texture and so prefer to strain the herb out. It's your choice. This recipe is meant as a basic starting place. I encourage you to experiment freely with proportions to suit your needs.

 

RECIPE #2:

Use basic Recipe #1 but substitute an additional herb such as chopped

raw Onion (yummy), Comfrey, Ginger, Clove or another herb of your

choosing for part of the Slippery Elm. If you are flexible about the

flavor, you can really have fun experimenting with your mixtures.

 

RECIPE #3:

To any finished syrup add a few drops of an essential oil to supplement

healing action and taste. Peppermint oil is refreshing when added to

Recipe #1. Clove oil would be a fine choice for its antiseptic and

pain-numbing qualities.

 

DOSAGE: For children up to about six years, most syrups should be taken

1 tsp. at a time every two hours or as needed. For older children or

adults, up to 1 Tbsp. per dose is not uncommon. Take as needed.

 

How to make Slippery Elm Cough Lozenges

 

The Slippery Elm Slider mixed with juice just last week,

For bowels too loose, or colitis relief.

He can soothe, be nutritional, build strength, what a guy!

Skin troubles? Inflammation? He'll spit in their eye!

 

from 10 Essential Herbs Copyright 1992 Lalitha Thomas, Published by Hohm

 

Press, used by permission.

 

 

 

 

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public".

 

Theodore Roosevelt