Sage Sore Throat Soother Cough Syrup

It’s the start of cold and flu season, and we recently held a workshop on making herbal cough syrups.  As you have heard by now, we like to use our food as medicine.  Herbal syrups are a simple effective way to sooth sore throats, using ingredients we already have in our kitchens - herbs and honey.  They are quick and affordable to make, use local ingredients, and are more delicious and nutritious than what you will find at the store.  We wanted to share our basic recipe which uses common culinary herbs you will be familiar with.  This recipe is adaptable based on what you have available or other herbs you may wish to try (see suggestions below). 

Sage Throat Soother Cough Syrup (with simple kitchen herbs)

Ingredients:
2 oz dried herbs (or 4 oz fresh) - we suggest sage, oregano, thyme, ginger root*
4 cups water
1 cup local raw honey

*other wonderfully soothing & immune boosting herbs you can include are mullein leaf, marshmallow root, hyssop, horehound, echinacea, rosehips, elderberries (we grow these on our farm so let us know if you would like to try any), or reishi mushroom

Method:
1) In a large pot bring water to a boil.  Then add herbs and let simmer for 15-30 minutes to make a strong infusion (tea).  The liquid should reduce by about half.
2) Strain herbs out and pour the leftover 2 cups infusion back into the pot.
3) Add 1 cup local raw honey (a 1:1 ratio, but you can add additional honey based on how thick and sweet you want your syrup).  
4) Simmer on low to dissolve honey, stirring to combine.  If you want a thicker syrup continue to simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
5) Strain into mason jars or glass bottles, label with ingredients and date, and store in the fridge.  This syrup keeps in the fridge for about 4 months.

To use: adults take 1-2 Tbsp at first sign of sore throat.  Children take 1/2-1 tsp (based on size and age of child). 

Always research your herbs before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  It is advised not to give honey to a child under age 2.  This site is for informational purposes only, and not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions.  Always consult a qualified health practitioner before using herbs or herbal remedies.