Coughs: Manuka honey from New Zealand is particularly effective in easing coughs and soothing sore throats, but any dark honey such as chestnut or eucalyptus could be used. A teaspoon of honey on its own will help with a sore throat, but this syrup is particularly good for a tickly cough. Licorice root is available at health-food stores.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons licorice root, peeled and shredded
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 cup Manuka honey
Instructions
Put the licorice root in a medium saucepan, add water, and stir over medium heat, slowly bringing to a boil. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add the thyme, and stir.
Replace the lid and let infuse for 20 minutes. Strain the mixture into a clean pan and return to the heat. Once warm, add the honey. Stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve the honey, then simmer for a few minutes, stirring all the time, until the mixture is a syrupy consistency. Let the mixture bubble for a moment, but not overheat, then turn off the heat and let cool.
Pour the syrup into a sterilized bottle (put the bottle through a dishwasher cycle to sterilize). Label with the name, date, and dose. Keep in a cool, dark place and use within 6 months.
Dose: Adult: 2 to 3 teaspoons 3 to 6 times daily
Child over 18 months: 1 teaspoon 3 to 4 times daily
About this recipe
From The Beekeeper’s Bible by Richard A. Jones and Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
