
Making Medicine! Today I made a Cough & Congestion Decoction and Syrup.
The ingredients I used were Manuka Honey, Dried Sage (harvested from my backyard in October and hung to dry), Dried Thyme, Yerba Santa Leaf, Ginger Root and Lemon.
2 Tablespoons Manuka Honey
This has been used for centuries for cough relief, but it also has amazing wound healing properties as well. You can actually rub it on a cut or scratch and it starts healing the would immediately. It is antibacterial. antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Honey in any form also soothes and coats the mucus membranes.
1 teaspoons Sage (leaves grinded with mortar and pestle) This is anti-inflammatory and also has antioxidant properties. As an anti-fungal, it has been shown to kill candida. However, the most important reason why I included it is because it has a wonderful ability to soothe a sore throat that usually accompanies a cough.
1 teaspoon Thyme This a very powerful natural anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Thymol is the active ingredient here and it is actually used as a natural disinfectant in hospitals (and my house!). Thyme works to kill the virus when it wants to settle in your throat.
1 teaspoon Yerba Santa This is probably my favorite herb of all time. Also known as Mountain Balm, Consumptive Weed, Gum Bush and Holy Herb. Medicinal Uses: respiratory infections, bronchitis, asthma, colds, tuberculosis. This herb only grows on the West Coast, in the chaparral regions of California. The Spanish Conquistadors that invaded California loved this herb so much that they gave it the name Yerba Santa which means “Holy Herb”, even though the Native Americans had been using this herb for centuries for respiratory health. It was used extensively in the Missions of California by the Spanish Invaders. The Chumash of Southern California and other tribes used this herb in the form of a decoction. Yerba Santa is a decongestant. Modern studies show that it reduces the amount of phlegm which is very important for those who have asthma. This medicinal property would greatly decrease the chances of developing pneumonia due to a blockage of mucus in the lungs for asthmatics.
1 teaspoon of Ginger Root This helps with nausua, inflammation and its antibacterial properties helps to discourage secondary infections that sometimes develop after being exposed to a virus. Studies have shown that it fights against Staph, E-Coli and Candida. The main reason why I included it is because of it's anti-inflammatory peoperties which helps with muscle and joint pain associated with the Flu and Covid.
How to make the decoction: Place all dried herbs and one cup of water in a pot. Boil and then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Take away from the heat and cover with a towel to steep for 5 minutes.
While the decoction is still warm, strain it into another pot. Add the honey and stir until dissolved. Wait for as long as needed for the decoction/syrup to cool (so it doesn't break the jar). Add a slice of lemon to the bottom of the jar, then pour the decoction/syrup into the jar. Squeeze the juice of the remainder of lemon and add to syrup. Put the lid on tightly and shake.
Always label your medicines with name and date!
If your not into making your own medicine quite yet, Asunder Wellness carries a couple of tinctures that support the respiratory system here: Respiratory and Ling Support
P.S. I made a simple cough syrup last year and with only manuka honey and thyme, it helped my cough during Covid. I hope no one needs this, but if they do - it is sure to provide healing.
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