Natural Remedies for Soothing Coughs

Summary

Discover how to naturally soothe coughs with homemade remedies. Learn to craft your own cough drops using simple kitchen ingredients and beneficial herbs. This guide provides a detailed recipe and tips for making effective, natural cough drops that can help alleviate your symptoms. Plus, find out which herbs are most effective and how to grow them for year-round use.

The Case for Homemade Cough Drops

Homemade cough drops are not only easy to make but also allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring a natural and effective remedy. The base of these drops is a simple sugar syrup, which, when combined with herbal infusions, creates a powerful cough suppressant.

Ingredients and Method

To make your own cough drops, you'll need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 2/3 cup water (herbal tea)
• Vegetable coloring (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Herbal Tea: Choose your herbs (more on this below) and steep 2-3 teaspoons in 1.5 cups of boiling water until cool.
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine the sugar, herbal tea, and corn syrup in a pot.
3. Cook the Mixture: Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils. Continue boiling without stirring until a small amount dropped into cold water becomes very brittle (the "hard crack" stage).
4. Form the Drops: Remove from heat, add coloring if desired, and quickly drop spoonfuls onto a greased surface or into candy molds. Allow to harden and cool completely.
5. Store Properly: Roll the drops in powdered sugar and wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper for storage.

Effective Herbs for Cough Relief

Several herbs are known for their cough-relieving properties. Here are some you might consider:

• Coltsfoot: Traditionally used to treat coughs and bronchial congestion.
• Korean Licorice Mint: Easy to grow and known for its soothing properties.
• Thyme: Contains thymol, which has antimicrobial properties.
• Slippery Elm: Known for its mucilage content, which soothes the throat.
• Horehound: Often used in cough syrups and lozenges.
• Comfrey Leaf: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hyssop: Used for respiratory issues.
• Marshmallow: Contains mucilage that coats the throat.
• Common Mullein: Known for its expectorant properties.

Growing Your Own Herbs

Many of these herbs are perennials, meaning they will return year after year, providing a sustainable source for your natural remedies. For example, Korean Licorice Mint seeds are available from reputable sources like Seeds of Change.

A Trusted Recipe

The following hard candy recipe, adapted from "Cooking for American Homemakers," has been a reliable method for creating cough drops:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 2/3 cup water (herbal tea)
• Vegetable coloring (optional)

Mix the ingredients and cook as described above to achieve the perfect consistency for your cough drops.

Personal Touch for Gift Giving

For a thoughtful gift, consider pressing fresh herbs between waxed paper to decorate or wrap your gift box. Adding a tag listing the herbs used can give your homemade cough drops a professional and personalized touch.

Interesting Stats

• According to the CDC, the average adult catches 2-3 colds per year, each lasting about 7-10 days.
• A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that thyme and primrose root extracts significantly reduced cough frequency and severity.

By making your own cough drops, you not only save money but also ensure that you're using natural, effective ingredients to soothe your cough.