Nia ( as my daughter Varinia calls herself ) and her partner Shaun came to visit last night. Poor Varinia has a really bad cold similar to something I had myself recently, so I gave a cough remedy that Paula had found on the net, and that I use whenever I have a cold.
This recipe helps to break down congestion and stops the coughing
Although the recipe is from Herbally Yours by Penny C. Royal, 3rd Edition, June 1982, I have spoken to a number of people whose mothers gave them various renditions of the mixture when they were younger.
The remedy works especially well for dry hacking coughs that keep you awake at night and hang on even once the symptoms of the cold are finished.
Home Cough Remedy
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons water.
Mix all the ingredients together. I find a couple of tablespoons seems to work.
You will see why this remedy works once you read about the beneficial effects of the individual ingredients:
- Ginger (zingiber officinale) is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that has long been used and recommended for arthritis and bursitis. Ginger is known for relieving chest congestion and is also a natural antihistamine and is used for for motion sickness and nausea.
- Cayenne (capsaicin) is warming and stimulating making it an excellent addition to a cold remedy, it eases chills and reduces pain by suppressing the chemical that sends the pain message from the nerve endings to the brain.
- Vinegar is another ingredient that has so many healthful uses.
- Honey is soothing and is a useful ingredient for the relief from colds. Honey is known to draw pus and poisons out of wounds and it is useful for relief from colds.
The mixture is strong tasting even with water added. I keep the mixture in the refrigerator after I make it.
Note:
- Do not give this mixture to young children not only because of the strong hot taste but a child with a persistent cough should be seen by a doctor.
- Do not give honey to children under 1 year old unless it is pasteurized or boiled for five minutes.
- Any cold that persists should be treated by a doctor.