Syrup
In Irish herbal medicine, traditional remedies focus on strengthening the immune system and using herbs known for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and soothing properties. Before I mention any herbs, however, I want to talk about the most beneficial way of taking them. It is so easy to reach for a pill but if you have a cough, cold or flu the most effective way to treat it is with a syrup or ‘hot toddy’. Once you know the advantages of each of these, then it is time to recommend the herbs you need to have in your larder before winter.
Today I am going to talk about the benefits of syrup.
A sugar syrup, particularly one made with honey or similar sweet substances, is beneficial for several reasons:
1. Coats the Throat
The viscosity of honey/sugar syrup coats the mucous membranes in the throat, forming a protective barrier. This soothes irritation, reducing the urge to cough.
2. Moisturizing
Syrup helps to keep the throat moist, which is crucial since dryness can trigger or worsen a cough.
3. Cough Suppressant
The sweet syrup can act as a mild local anesthetic, reducing the tickling sensation that triggers coughing.
4. Honey's Natural Properties
If honey is used as the sugar base, it contains natural enzymes and antioxidants that have been shown to reduce cough frequency, making it a natural cough suppressant.
5. Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties (with Honey)
Honey, often used in sugar syrups for coughs, has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. This helps to fight infections in the throat and respiratory tract, which can cause or exacerbate coughs.
6. Healing Properties
Honey promotes healing of inflamed tissues, which can help reduce the duration of a cough.
7. Increased Saliva Production
The sweetness of sugar stimulates salivary glands, increasing saliva production. This helps lubricate the throat, reducing the irritation that causes coughing. Saliva also helps keep the throat hydrated, which can help reduce coughing caused by dryness.
8. Pleasant Taste Increases Compliance
Sugar syrups, particularly those made with honey, have a pleasant taste, making them easier to consume regularly, especially for children. Regular use is important for ongoing cough relief.
9. Mild Energy Boost
The sugar in syrups provides a mild source of energy, which can be helpful when someone is feeling weak or fatigued from illness. This can help the body fight off infections more effectively.
10. A syrup is a useful and pleasant way for taking herbs
Sugar syrups are often used as a base to deliver herbal remedies like thyme, wild cherry bark, or licorice root. The syrup preserves these herbs while making them more palatable and effective in coating the throat.
A syrup is beneficial for coughs because it soothes, suppresses irritation, promotes healing, and enhances the delivery of other medicinal ingredients, all while being pleasant to consume. Honey-based syrups offer additional antibacterial and antiviral benefits.
How to make a syrup
Making a simple syrup using sugar or honey is easy and can be done with just a few ingredients. Here's how you can prepare it:
Basic sugar syrup
A basic sugar syrup can be used as a cough remedy base or for sweetening purposes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar (white, brown, or raw sugar)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add 1 cup of sugar to the simmering water. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps thicken the syrup slightly.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
- Pour the cooled syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Honey Syrup
Honey syrup is particularly beneficial for cough relief due to honey's natural soothing and antimicrobial properties.
Ingredients:
-1 cup of water
-1 cup of honey (raw, organic honey is ideal)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling as it can destroy some of the beneficial properties of honey.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of honey until it is fully dissolved.
- Let the syrup cool down completely.
- Transfer the syrup into a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 months.
Optional Add-Ins (for Cough Relief)
You can enhance your syrup for added medicinal benefits by adding woody herbs while the water is simmering or infusing leafy herbs for 10 minutes after creating the syrup but before it has cooled
Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the cooled syrup for additional vitamin C and a refreshing taste.
Dosage for Cough Relief
- Adults: Take 1 tablespoon of the syrup every few hours as needed for cough and throat soothing.
- Children: Use 1 teaspoon (for children over 1 year old, especially if using honey). Do NOT give honey syrup to children under one year old.
This syrup can be taken alone, stirred into warm herbal tea, or mixed with hot water for a soothing drink.
In my next post I will show how to make a ‘hot toddy' and what herbs are needed in your store cupboard.