Nobody enjoys being sick. The body’s first impulse is to get well, preferably without the chemicals we all know are formulated into over-the-counter cough and cold remedies.

The first recommendation for someone with sinus and chest congestion, or a cough from allergies and colds, is to use a steam tent to which essential oils or herbs have been added. The steam and essential oils work together to thin mucus. Thin mucus is easier to cough up and drains from the sinuses naturally. Other things that thin mucus secretions and help the immune system function more effectively include:

• Juice fast for a few days
• Avoid dairy
• Avoid wheat
• Avoid red meat
• Avoid sugar
• Add cayenne pepper to your food
• Use apple cider vinegar
• Use raw, local honey
• Eat foods high in vitamin C, A and E
• Drink enough pure water that your urine is clear
• Spend increased time in the sun with skin exposed, for maximum vitamin D production

While these simple measures go a long way toward helping your body fight off the cold virus and reducing the amount of mucus produced, the fact remains that we live in a fast-paced world where we can’t always stop what we’re doing and spend 15 minutes under an herbal steam tent. Sometimes you simply need relief from symptoms right now, whether for business, family or other demands. In these situations it’s useful to have a go-to product you know is effective and you feel comfortable using.

It’s for exactly these times that I created my herbal cough and cold syrup. It’s effective, easy to make, inexpensive, and has minimal impact on our planet.

Honey-Horehound Cough and Cold Syrup

1 to 1½ c local raw honey (depending on taste and desired consistency)

12 Tbsp dried horehound

6 Tbsp cut dried licorice

4 or 5 slices fresh ginger

3 c pure water

1. Place horehound, licorice, ginger and water in a glass pot and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half. While it’s simmering, stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. It will take approximately 60–90 minutes to reduce.

2. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

3. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and squeeze the herbs to remove as much liquid as possible. Dispose of herbs and reserve the liquid.

4. Put the herbal liquid into a pot. Add the honey. Stir over warm heat until honey is completely dissolved into the liquid.

5. Let the syrup cool. Bottle in clean, sterilized bottles.

Keep this syrup in the fridge for long-term storage, but it won’t go bad if you carry it with you while you’re out. I usually suggest taking 1 tablespoon every 4–6 hours, as needed. If one tablespoon doesn’t relieve your symptoms, use 1½ or 2 tablespoons. Remember to be cautious with licorice if you have high blood pressure. As with any medical concern, talk to your health care provider before using  any herbal preparation.

—Yvette Davis, ND, is a traditional naturopath, master herbalist and Reiki master. She found natural health management to be a successful way to stop progression of her own Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

More down-to-earth health tips…

~ Help for the Winter Blahs
~ Super Immunity
~ Stop A Cold Before It Stops You

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