Natural Honey Citrus Syrups for Coughs & Sore Throats

 

 A home remedy that works! Combinations of honey, lemon, and tea are age old remedies for soothing a cough or sore throat. Turns out there's actually some science behind them; these old remedies can really work! What luck that they taste good, too-way better than those drug store cough syrups. 
Studies have shown that honey can calm a cough as well as, or even better than, over-the-counter cough medicines. Honey has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and can fight bacteria. Combine it with the nutrients in lemons & other citrus, herbs, and spices, and you've got a natural, delicious way to treat cold and flu symptoms. Blends of honey and citrus can be swallowed straight from a spoon or stirred into hot water or tea. The steam and warmth of hot tea and water are also soothing to sore throats and can relieve stuffiness.

• Warning:  Never give honey to a child younger than age 1 due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning.
• Disclaimer! I have absolutely no training in nutrition or medicine. My syrups are all based on information I've gathered on the internet. Of course, if you are experiencing severe cold or flu symptoms, or have diabetes or other health conditions, you should consult a doctor. 

DIY Home Remedy: Orange Ginger Honey Syrup  

Honey syrups have long been a home remedy to sooth a cough or sore throat. This syrup has a pleasant flavor than can be taken by the spoonful straight from the jar, or mixed into hot water or hot tea for a comforting drink when you are feeling under the weather.

SERVINGS: About 40 teaspoons

TIME TO TABLE:
4 hours prep

INGREDIENTS:

1 Paramount Citrus orange, sliced and quartered
½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
½ to ¾ cup locally-produced raw honey

PREPARATION

1. Place the orange pieces in a pint jar, pressing firmly to fit them all in. Add the ginger to the jar.

2. Pour the honey into the jar. Use a spoon or chopstick to gently move around the orange pieces to allow the honey to fill the jar. Use enough honey to fill the jar within ½ inch of the top.

3. Place the lid on the jar and transfer to the refrigerator for storage.

4. The syrup is ready in about 4 hours and it will keep up to 1 month. 

Homemade Cough Remedy

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (preferably Bragg's, if available)
2 tablespoons honey (locally produced raw honey is best, if available)
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Place all the ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine. Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage. Shake well each time, before using. The spices will not dissolve into the liquid. It will not be a thick syrup, it should remain watery. Take as needed and have a happy and healthy new year!

Turmeric Milk  

 Ingredients  

2 cups fresh whole milk 

1/2 - 1 tsp turmeric powder 

2-3 whole black peppercorns

 2-3 whole cardamom pods, cracked

 1/2 inch ginger,roughly chopped

 Pinch of saffron, optional 

Sweetener like honey, jaggery or regular sugar can be added to sweeten the milk. 

Method 

Heat the milk along with the spices for 2-3 minutes. Add the sweetener to taste if using. Let it cool until its warm. Strain and serve. 

granny tip