I hear you. Why would you make your own cough syrup when you can easily just buy a bottle?

Because, why do I make all the other stuff that I make? Because I want to know exactly what’s in it and I don’t want a bunch of extra junk that in unnecessary…i.e. food dyes, added sugars or alcohol.

Who cares about that/why does that stuff make any difference? Here it is in a nutshell: your liver works hard to clean our your system. You’re sick. So you body has to work even harder, fighting the illness AND cleaning out whatever toxins you’re putting in. So – heal faster by giving your body a break by not bogging it down more with chemicals and additives you don’t need (Red dye, I’m looking at you…).

If you didn’t read that last sentence, it said HEAL FASTER.

PLUS this one works for both coughs, respiratory ailments AND bellyaches. Again, those herbs doing a 2 for One. Or 3 for One here…

This combination of sage, ginger and marshmallow root create a throat soothing, cough suppressing, digestive calming, delicious tasting syrup that will work throughout the cold and flu season on a multitude of issues.

The one plant that my lemon balm hasn’t taken over in my front herb garden is my huge sage bush. I adore it. The soft fuzzy green leaves emit that eucalyptus scent whenever you walk by and in the spring there are gorgeous purple blooms that the honey bees love. I wish I had a hive to get some sage honey straight from those little creatures but as of yet, I don’t.

Sage is often called “the mouth and throat plant” due to it’s soothing and healing properties specifically for those soft areas. “Sage has also been used traditionally to provide relief from several cold symptoms. It is antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, making it helpful for soothing sore and inflamed throats and tonsillitis. Its tannin content tightens tissues, making it more impervious to pathogens and infection. It helps to thin and expectorate phlegm from the lungs and dry up postnasal drip and runny sinuses.” -Herbalist Matthew Wood, 2004

With the addition of ginger, warming and also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, it thins mucus and promotes expectoration. Marshmallow Root, when brewed such as this, emits a slippery gel-like consistency that coats sore throats and soothes gastrointestinal membranes. Also anti-inflammatory, it is expectorant and emollient as well.

Besides the fantastic properties that these three plants provide, making this is so easy and it doesn’t contain any additives, colors or alcohol. Unless you decide to prolong the shelf life with some, but that’s your call. To top it off, it tastes absolutely delicious as well.

Take a tablespoon straight from the bottle to coat throats and soothe soreness, mix 2 tablespoons into a mug of hot water for a soothing respiratory, digestive and cough suppressing tea or add 1 tablespoon of syrup, 1/4 teaspooon of salt and a splash of warm water for an intense but amazing gargle when your throat is just burning from that virus. Anyway you take it, you’ll be glad you did.

RECIPE:

1 – 2 inch piece Ginger, sliced, chopped, or even grated. Grated will make your syrup more cloudy and a bit spicier. OR 5-10 drops of Ginger essential oil specifically formulated for internal consumption! (find the oil here)

3 Tablespoons chopped, fresh Sage leaves

2 Tablespoons dried Marshmallow Root (find that here)

3 Cups of filtered water

1 cup of raw honey

To 3 cups water add sliced ginger (do not add oil, if your using that, wait until the end), chopped sage leaves and marshmallow root. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer until water level has reduced by half. Cover and let steep for 20 additional minutes. Strain and add honey. If you’re using the ginger essential oil, add those now. Stir until combined. Pour into a lidded glass bottle and keep in the refrigerator for the most cooling effect.

Usage:

1/2 tsp for children age 6+, 2tsps -1 tablespoon for adults, when throat is scratchy, dry, or sore or for stomach upset and distress. If pregnant or nursing or child is under 3, consult your physician before use.