Do you want to get rid of that cough?

So ~ is it just me or are there a lot of people around you with sniffles and coughs? There's a lot of people 
"hacking"  and wanting to get 'over' a cough that seems to last a few weeks.
Are you getting enough rest? I know that this sounds so basic -- but are you getting enough rest? I would love to take a poll... Maybe I will..Stay tuned!
At the very least.. we need to eat nourishing warming foods infused with my 'pack of healers': Onions, Garlic, Cayenne, Horseradish (excellent for lungs!) and Ginger. These 'healers' can help us to be 'at the ready' so that we are strong when that person in the grocery store coughs 'at' us or we find ourselves surrounded by family members who are contagious or 'down for the count'!

Do you want to get rid of that cough?

Here are some 'home remedies'  to help!

Soothing Onion Syrup

An onion syrup? Yes, onions offer us much healing power. Combine onions and honey and you have an extremely effective remedy to soothe a nagging cough. It sounds simple, and it is...and effective!
Here's what you'll need:
½ onion, chopped
¼ cup raw honey (I always use honey but you can use brown sugar)
Place onions in a jar with a lid (canning jars work well here)
Add the honey (or sugar if using). Mix together. Top with lid and leave
overnight or for 6-8 hours.
Take a spoonful at a time, often to soothe raspy throat and nagging coughs.

 

Honey with Ginger Root + Lemon ~ to help you get rid of that cough!
2 pieces Ginger root ~ about 3 inches each, sliced into "coins"
2 lemons,  sliced
Honey, raw if possible (about a cup; enough to fill the jar!)

Place the ginger &  lemon slices into a canning jar.
Add the honey slowly. Use a chopstick or similar to poke at the contents a bit to allow the honey to completely
fill the jar, nestling the lemons & ginger root and covering them completely.
Close the jar.
As with the Onion Honey above, the mixture will form a loose syrup.
Allow to sit overnight if possible. Take by the spoonful often to help to soothe your cough or sore throat.
Enjoy warm on its own or added to your favourite herbal tea.

 Steam Inhalations to help you get rid of that cough!

A 'dampfbad' or stove-top steam bath are excellent help, in times of respiratory congestion.
Even one 'session' can help to loosen a stubborn cough. Use herbs or essential oils.
If using dried herbs, make a large infusion of the herbs ~ essentially a large pot of tea.
There is a quicker way ~ using essential oils makes a very quick home remedy.

Both are easy to do at home. Here's what you need:

Stove
Pot holders
towel or large t-towel
6 Quart pot + water

HERBS or Essential oils to consider ~ Eucalyptus, Thyme, Oregano, Peppermint

QUICK METHOD using Essential Oils:

1. Pour 4 quarts of water into a large pot.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Remove from the stove.
4. Add a few drops of essential oils to the water.
5. Put a lid on the pot.
6. Turn off the heat.

While the water is heating up, prepare your 'spa' area.
I usually get a large wooden cutting board and place it on a table close by.
Then I place the towel and a kleenex box nearby.

7. Put the hot pot on the cutting board (or something to protect your counter or table)
It'll be hot, so be careful! Get the towel or blanket ready to use.
8. Take the lid off the pot. Drape the towel over your head & the pot creating a
"vapour bath cocoon" for lack of better description.
9. Sit over the pot with your head directly over the steaming water.
10. Breathe in the vapours with your eyes closed. It can be intense but if uncomfortable, just 'come up for air'  i.e. take a break from 'the spa' and then go back under when ready.

Using herbs:

This is just the same as above, except that you will be essentially making an herb tea and then using the steam from the simmering herbs as a way to help with your congestion or cough.
In this case:

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil.
2. Turn off the heat.
3. Add a handful of the herbs -- single herbs or a mixture
4. Cover the pot
5. Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes.
In the meantime, prepare your 'spa area' as above.

Sometimes it's just taking a little moment away from normal activities to ensure a little self-care can keep us 'in the game'. Why not make that onion syrup and have it on hand? Here's to your health!!

"COLD + FLU SEASON ~ Are YOU Ready?"

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It's packed with effective, do-able ideas to help you and your family prevent and treat colds + flu!

For more information and/or to order for you and your family. click here

 What do YOU like to have on hand ?? Please SHARE YOUR IDEAS!!

As with all of my comments, this advice is NOT medical advice. Here's to self-reliance and great health!~  Wishing you and your family ~ only best health ! xo Carol