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Honey as a Natural Cough Suppressant

BZ Honey - Apple blossoms in winter
BZ Honey - Apple blossoms in winter
Apple blossoms in winter

Are you looking for a natural cough suppressant?

It’s early January and we just had our first good cold snap of the year in the Houston area.  Our bees are clustered to share warmth and aren’t venturing out of the hives in the cold, but honey is still on our minds.  This time of year, cold and allergy problems usually cause coughs and honey may be the natural cough suppressant you need.

Take a spoon of honey

Growing up, anytime we had a cough, mom would tell us to take a spoon of honey or have some honey in a cup of hot tea.  If you haven’t tried this, please do.  The simplicity of a honey cough suppressant shouldn’t be underestimated.  A teaspoon of raw honey soothes and coats an irritated throat for immediate relief from a cough.  Some of our customers also tell us that they want raw honey with active enzymes and pollen to help with their allergies.  If you’re looking for something with a little more punch from the addition of ginger and lemon, try this natural cough suppressant from Nurse Barb and the National Honey Board:

Honey Cough Syrup
Ingredients:

Zest of 2 lemons = 1 ½ tablespoons
¼ cup peeled, sliced ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup water
1 cup honey
1/2 cup lemon juice

Directions:

In a small saucepan, add lemon zest, sliced ginger and 1 cup of water. Bring mixture to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes and then strain into a heat-proof measuring cup. Rinse the saucepan out and pour in 1 cup of honey. On low heat, warm the honey, but do not allow it to boil. Add the strained lemon/ginger water and the lemon juice. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick syrup. Pour into a clean jar and seal with a lid.

Note: This can be refrigerated for up to 2 months.
• For children* ages, 1 to 5, use ½ -1 teaspoon every 2 hours
• For children* ages, 5 to 12, use 1-2 teaspoon every 2 hours
• For children* 12 and older and adults use 1 to 2 tablespoons every 4 hours

You can also add Nurse Barb’s Honey Cough Syrup to the following to help your child* stay hydrated and suppress their cough.

• Add 1 tablespoon to 4 ounces of water and pour in a Sippy cup
• Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of Nurse Barb’s Honey Cough Syrup over sliced bananas.
• Add 1 tablespoon to ¼ cup of cream cheese and use as a spread for bread, bagels or toast.
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to chamomile tea to help with sleep

 

[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEVvnwp3Sms&feature=youtu.be” width=854 height=510 ]

 

How do you use honey as a home remedy?

 

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