Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Homemade Cherry Cough Syrup
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Cold and cough season is here. Colds and flu, including coughs, are one of the leading causes of doctor's office visits! Children are known to come down with more of these common illnesses than adults. Most of us mothers are all too familiar with "The Croup". The cold, hard truth is that the over-the-counter pharmaceuticals do not prevent or cure the common cold or the flu, and cough suppresents do not cure a cough. In fact, these drugs may even make you worse. They often produce very undesirable side effects. It is true that some of them will ease symptoms, but at what cost? I must remind you that a cough is not always a bad thing. It is the bodies natural reaction when irritating fluid and mucus builds up and must be brought up and out. It can be annoying and sometimes even painful, and it may prevent rest, so at times a mild cough suppresant is appreciated. However, while you may want to rely on a suppresant at night, try to encourage a cough to break up. An expectorant, not a suppresant, is what you will want to take to encourage this. Some other tips for dealing with a cough, especially a croupy cough... -Drink extra amounts of liquids, such as herbal teas, diluted juice, and water. -Elimate irritating factors, such as dust, smoke, candles, perfumes, and dry air. -Keep the air moist with a vaporizer or a humidifier. -If necessary, take a young child into a steamy bathroom for 15 minutes or so during a particularly hard coughing spell. Adults may create a steam tent by placing a large towel over your head while leaning over a bowl of steaming water. ALWAYS BE VERY CAREFUL TO AVOID BURNS! -A warm bath with the addition of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils is very soothing and can help to relieve a cough. A few drops in a bath full of water is all that is needed. -Healing soups and broths are beneficial for meals. Here is a very simple and mild cough syrup that tastes yummy and will work gently. It is tasty and soothing to sore, scratchy throats. Homemade Cherry Cough Syrup 2 cups cherries 1 cup water or herbal tea 1 whole lemon, sliced 2 cups honey Simmer this mixture on the stove on low heat for 30 minutes. Strain to remove cherry pits, lemon slices and seeds. If you are using an herbal tea, I suggest one that contains wild cherry bark, elder berries or flowers, or licorice. For more easy herbal recipes like this one, check out the new e-book, "The Kitchen Apothecary". Go to www.fromfieldsandgardens.com for more information! |
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Monday, January 28, 2008 - Sounds Great!!
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