Homemade Cough Syrup

With Cold and Flu season right around the corner, it's time for mama to break out the greatest cough syrup known to man! (no, I'm not overselling this) I am a firm believer in natural medicines. Our society has become dependent on pharmaceuticals. If something ails you, pop a pill. We have so many natural medicines at our disposal that people have been using for thousands of years to calm their symptoms. I prefer to try the natural remedies before putting the man made medications in my body. One of my families favorite natural medicines is my homemade cough syrup! My son actually gets excited about sick days because he knows he get mama's homemade cough syrup and homemade chicken soup!  My homemade cough syrup is simple to make, extremely effective, not to mention so yummy!

Ingredients;

16 oz. Raw Organic Honey
1 Organic Lemon
1 teaspoon of freshly grated organic ginger

Instructions;

Heat 16 oz. of raw organic honey in a pot on the stove on low heat. (Do not allow honey to boil or you are in for a really sticky mess) In another pot bring water to a boil and put the organic lemon in the boiling water (enough water to cover the lemon). Boil the lemon for about 3-5 minutes. This simply softens the lemon and kills any bacteria or germs living on the skin. Take the lemon out of the boiling water and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. When the lemon has cooled, cut it into slices and put the slices into the heating honey. Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated organic ginger to the heating honey and lemon mixture. Continue to heat the mixture on low heat for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 30 minutes pour the mixture into the mason jar and allow it to cool for about an hour. (You can strain the lemons and ginger out with cheese cloth, but I prefer to leave them in to infuse more of the oils) Place the lid on the jar and pop it in the Fridge. Voila! Homemade cough syrup!

You have a few options for how to take this scrumptious concoction. You can take a couple teaspoons straight from the jar, or you can add a couple teaspoons to warm water or hot tea. My son enjoys it in warm water. He thinks its warm lemonade. I prefer to drink it in my chamomile tea to help me relax and ease my symptoms. Honey, lemon, and ginger have all long been hailed for their medicinal properties. Studies have proven that 2 teaspoons of honey are as effective for suppressing cough as the leading over the counter cough syrup. This homemade cough syrup will help with cough, sore throat, and congestion. It is a go to when anyone in my home gets the winter bug. It works like a charm every time!
In the fridge this syrup will last for 3 months, so you will have it on hand when you need it! Due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning, honey should NEVER be given to children under the age of 1. I hope this helps your family the way it has helped mine. Enjoy and stay warm out there!