Coughs

Colds, flu, allergies, or irritation of the bronchial tubes arc the primary causes of coughs. Coughs that bring up mucus should not be suppressed because the body is trying to expel mucus and bacteria from the lungs. Dry coughs, however, are generally non-productive and only further irritate the bronchi.

Quick cough reliever
Scoop up half a teaspoon of honey and add a squeeze of lemon. Let it dissolve slowly in your mouth before swallowing. Repeat when needed. Caution: Don't give unpasteurized honey to children under two.

Onion and honey syrup
The resins in onions are expectorant and antimicrobial. Honey helps loosen congestion. Finely chop a large onion, cover with honey, and warm in a
covered pot over a low heat for
40 minutes. Store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator. Take half to one teaspoon every 15 to 30 minutes until the cough is relieved. Caution: Don't give unpasteunzed honey to children under two.

Herbal cough syrup
Thyme. liquorice root, and aniseed loosen mucous congestion and relax the respiratory tract. Honey thins mucous secretions, preserves the syrup, and soothes a raw, irritated throat For a more potent syrup that
can ease spasmodic coughs, try adding wild black cherry bark,
which has a powerful sedative action.
500m1(I6fl oz) water
I tablespoon aniseed
I tablespoon dried liquorice root
I tablespoon dried wild black cherry
bark (optional)
I tablespoon dried thyme 250m1(8fl oz) honey
(To make and use, see below)
Ease a cough with peppermint oil
Peppermint's strong menthol scent breaks up congestion and helps ease spasmodic coughing. Dab a drop of peppermint oil under your nose. If your skin is sensitive, dilute the oil with an equal amount of vegetable oil. For young children, place a drop or two of the oil on a pyjama collar or pillow instead of the skin.

MAKING AND USING HERBAL COUGH SYRUP
I Simmer the aniseed, liquorice root, and wild black cherry bark (if you have chosen to include it) in the water in a covered pot for 15 minutes.
2 Remove from the heat, add the thyme, cover, and steep until room temperature. Strain, and add honey, warming the tea gently, if necessary, to dissolve the honey.
3 Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three months. Take one teaspoon as often as needed to relieve a cough.