Fig, Fennel, and Thyme Soothing Cough Syrup Recipe
With the flu season upon our area now, I wanted to get a simple effective cough syrup recipe out to all of you. As you know, with the flu, there is always a harsh sounding cough that goes along with it. This recipe is delicious and very helpful to soothe an irritable cough. All the ingredients have a specific purpose for combatting a cough and with the addition of the herbs, lemon juice, and honey, it also has potent anti-microbial properties to ward off infection.
Did you know that not only are figs delicious and sweet but they have a cooling and calming effect on our lungs? They have a moistening effect on lungs that tend to be dry, which leads to a dry cough. They also help to soothe sore throats and decrease excess mucus congestion in the body.
These lovely fruits are also high in the flavonoid quercetin, vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium. All of these nutrients are important in keeping your immune system healthy. Figs are also used to nourish the stomach and digestive system helping to promote proper digestion. Figs combined with honey have a soothing effect on the large intestine and can help to relieve constipation as well.
I decided to add fennel and thyme to the fig syrup to give it an extra herbal anti-microbial kick. First of all, fennel can help to loosen mucus in the lungs and can be relieving to a cough and sore throat. Fennel has been shown to be effective in fighting and slowing the growth of certain bacteria.
Thyme is the third ingredient added which has major anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-septic, and anti-microbial properties. It also helps to fight respiratory infections and is a natural expectorant as well.
Last but not least is the addition of a good quality raw honey and lemon juice. Honey has so many anti-microbial and antiseptic properties on its own, not to mention it tastes yummy! Honey also helps to lubricate your airways and reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Lemon juice is high in bioflavonoids, Vitamin C, and can help to reduce inflammation and mucus production.
With all of this said, let’s get to this easy, yummy, and effective soothing recipe!
Recipe
1 lb organic figs (Turkish are my favorite but Mission works great too)
3 cups water
Juice of 2 lemons
½ cup of a good quality raw honey (if you have Manuka honey, that’s even better as a top notch anti-microbial punch against infection and bacteria)
4 TBSP Fennel seed
4 TBSP Thyme (dried) or 1 cup fresh thyme is great
Optional but not necessary- Certified Organic Thyme Essential Oil (3-4 drops to finished syrup) Good sources below…check out the 2 links. My favorite thyme is benchmark thyme
*Do not give this syrup to children 2 or under because of the honey added. If you have a baby or youngster under 2, leave out the honey and thyme essential oil.
Place the water in a saucepan and add the figs, thyme, and fennel seeds. Simmer this mixture on low heat for about 20 minutes or until liquid is decreased and has a thicker consistency. Take this off the heat and put the lid on and let this mixture steep for 1-2 hours or until cool.
Strain syrup through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth. Press until all the liquid and syrup has been removed from the mixture. I took my final mixture, after pressing it through cheesecloth, and placed it in an unbleached piece of muslin and wrung out even more liquid. You can also use a clean pillowcase here too if you desire.
Finally add in your lemon juice, honey, and thyme essential oil (if using). Store in a glass jar and keep for 1 month to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
Adults: May take 1-2 TBSP every 1-2 hours or as needed to relieve coughing
Children 12 and younger: 1 tsp every 2 hours or as needed
Children 2 and younger: do not take unless honey and thyme essential oil is omitted, if omitted may take 1/2 tsp every 2 hours for no more than 2 days
Links:
Benchmark Thyme
https://inshanti.com/product/benchmark-thyme-thymus-zygis-loefl-l/
Thyme Vitality Essential Oil
https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/thyme-vitality
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