5. Lemongrass Ginger Cough Drops
Lemongrass is an antibiotic herb in the mint family that’s effective for respiratory illnesses. Used in Ayurvedic medicine to ease coughs and colds, lemongrass is an analgesic rich in vitamin C. It’s also known as “fevergrass” for its ability to naturally reduce fever.
Ingredients:
Lemongrass ginger tea:
- 1/2 cup dried or fresh lemongrass
- 3/4 cup fresh ginger root, chopped
- Filtered water
For the cough drops:
- 1 cup of the lemongrass ginger tea
- 1 cup organic coconut palm sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- Optional: organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder for dusting
Directions:
- To begin, crush the fresh herbs using a mortar and pestle.
- Place lemongrass and ginger in a pan with a tight-fitting lid. Add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Allow to steep, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Strain well. Then, measure 1 cup of the lemongrass ginger tea for each batch of cough drops
- To make the cough drops, prepare a baking pan lined with parchment paper greased with coconut oil.
- Pour a cup of the tea into a large pot and cook over medium-high heat. Add the sugar and honey and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally (avoid the sides of the pot). When the mixture reaches about 250°F, increase to stirring constantly, making sure to bring up the mixture from the bottom and avoiding the sides of the pot.
- When the thermometer reaches 302°F, carefully pour the mixture into molds (or drop ½ teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheet). Then cool several hours or overnight at room temperature before unmolding. Toss with cornstarch or arrowroot if desired. Lastly, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
6. Honey, Coconut Milk, Ginger and Turmeric Cough Gummies
Turmeric is a superhero spice. Its anti-inflammatory and immune-system support properties are superlative in the herbal word. Heating turmeric increases its bioavailability to reduce swelling that causes pain.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 Tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 Tablespoons coconut sugar or honey or more to taste
- 1 Tablespoon grated fresh turmeric or more to taste
- 2 Tablespoons powdered gelatin
- You will also need silicone chocolate candy or ice cube molds.
Instructions:
- Before you start, place the silicone molds onto a tray and set aside.
- Place the coconut milk, ginger, turmeric and coconut sugar into a small saucepan and slowly heat the liquid to a simmer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside for 15-30 minutes.
- Strain the coconut milk through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, making sure to extract all the milk.
- Then, rinse the saucepan and add the strained coconut milk.
- Sprinkle the gelatin onto the milk, whisking gently as you do so to incorporate.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 minutes to turn it into a thick paste.
- Return the saucepan to a low heat, and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth. You should not be able to see any little specks of gelatin remaining in the milk.
- Remove from the heat and spoon into your molds.
- Place the molds into the fridge for 30 minutes or until firm.
- To finish off, pop out your gummies and enjoy! Keep the gummies in a sealed container in the fridge for at least a week.
7. Honey, Peppermint, Chamomile, Ginger and Cinnamon Cough Drops
Phytochemicals in peppermint behave as mild anesthetics, easing the soreness of the throat. Menthol, on the other hand, penetrates the sinuses and loosens mucus so you can clear the pipes in your head. Lastly, chamomile is calming and soothes irritated mucous membranes by reducing inflammation. (6)
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon (or one teabag) peppermint tea leaves
- 1 Tablespoon/teabag chamomile tea
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ¾ cup honey
Directions:
- To begin, steep peppermint, chamomile, cinnamon, and ginger in boiling water for 10 minutes or more.
- Strain, pour into a small saucepan and add honey.
- Next, heat over medium heat until mixture begins to boil. Continue boiling until mixture reaches 300°F.
- Let mixture cool for 5-10 minutes until it starts to get syrupy.
- Then, drop by small spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let cool.
- If you wish, dust with slippery elm bark or tapioca starch to absorb condensation and prevent them from sticking together in storage.
- Lastly, store in an airtight container.
Use as needed to soothe sore, itchy throats, and coughing.
8. Slippery Elm Drops
“Slippery” elm gained its name because when this herb is moist, it becomes viscous to coat irritated membranes.
Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons soft coconut oil
- 1½ teaspoons raw honey
- 1 – 2 teaspoons slippery elm powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
- To begin, stir together all the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into molds, stirring a few times to make sure the honey is well integrated.
- Then, place in the freezer until hard.
- Pop the cough drops out of the mold and place in a jar to use as needed. When they’re done, store in the refrigerator or freezer.
9. Eucalyptus Honey Lozenges
The natural antibiotic compound cineole, found in eucalyptus, also contains antiviral, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties. Additionally, eucalyptus relaxes the lungs, relieving congestion and discomfort.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup raw sugar
- 85gm butter
- 3 or 4 drops of eucalyptus extract
Instructions:
- To begin, place the sugar, butter, and honey in a small saucepan.
- Stir over a low heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Then, bring to the boil and cook for 10 mins
- When ready, remove from heat and add the eucalyptus.
- Fianlly, pour into a greased ice cube tray and cool until hard.