Secular Charlotte Mason

My long entries keep disappearing so I am going to do this entry as two entries and hope it works. One on syrups and one on the other herbals. Cold and Flu season seems to be rearing it's ugly head at our house. KodyGirl has a cold that just keeps coming back even though the actual symptoms are actually fairly mild, the cat is snuffly and even I started sneezing today. All sure signs that it is time to make some cough syrup and other medicinals. So, that is what we have spend some time doing the past couple days instead of holiday baking or decorating. These recipes are easy enough for children to help with and fall under "handicrafts" at our house.

******Do not give honey syrups to children under the age of one*******

Lemony Cough Syrup

This is my own recipe based on several I found online. In an attempt to get a thicker syrup we simmered and reduced the the entire mixture rather than just the water. Not sure what the heating will do to the honey but we did get the thickness we wanted. Just be careful not to overcook the honey!!! KodyGirl helped me create this recipe to her preferences since she is less than fond of cough syrups. It is mild enough for long term usuage and great for kids.

Ingredients:

3TBSP lemon juice (bottled ok, fresh is best)

1TBSP sliced ginger (I only had crystallized but plain root would be better, adj. to taste)

1 Tsp. dried thyme (if you add more be sure not to overpower the lemon)

1/4 cup water (distilled best, boiled ok)

1 cup honey (local or Manuka)

Steps:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a small saucepan.

2.Bring just to a boil and immediately turn the heat down to a slow simmer.

3.Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until close to the thickness you want (will thicken more once cooled)

4. Strain before putting into a jar. There will be small flecks of thyme in the syrup and the syrup will retain a strong honey taste.

*If you want a clearer syrup you can make a small infusion of the thyme and water as the first step. Strain that with cheesecloth and then add it to the rest of the ingredients and continue with the recipe.

Uses:

*Take 1 TBSP straight from the spoon as needed. Up to 1 TBLS per hour

*Add 1 TBSP to hot water to drink as a tea

*Add 1 TBSP to your child's favorite tea or juice

Licorice Anise Cough Syrup

This is my interpretation of the recipe found on EHow.com. This is a fairly robust syrup that will appeal to more mature palettes and symptoms (ie. the teens and adults).

Ingredients:

1/2 cup licorice root

approx. 1/4 cup anise (ok to use less, anise has a strong flavor)

2 small cinnamon sticks (or one large stick)

1TBSP sliced ginger (I used crystallized since that is what I had, regular root is better)

I TBSP dried thyme

1 cup honey (local or Manuka is best)

2 cups water (distilled or boiled)

Steps:

1.Add the licorice, anise, cinnamon and ginger to a small saucepan. Then add the water (I like to use boiling water from my electric teapot). Mix well.

2. Bring just to a boil and immediately lower the heat to a slow simmer (unless you used hot boiling water in step 1 in which case you skip step 2)

3. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.

4. Add in the thyme and let set in the pan until just warm enough to melt the honey.

5. Strain the mixture with cheesecloth (or metal strainer if you don't mind flecks) and add it to the honey.

6. Pour into a jar and refridgerate

*If you have to use ground cinnamon try adding it to the honey before starting. This may help it encorporate into the mixture better, otherwise it will float on the water in globs.

*I didn't try it but I think you could add a sprinkling of cayenne to this

Dosage:

Children: start with one teaspoon as needed, may go up to 1 TBSP per hour or two for persistent coughs

Adults: start with 1 TBSP as needed, may go up to 2 TBSP per hour or two for persistent coughs

Best for the height of the cold, long term(ie. more than 7-10 days) usuage is not recommended esp. for children

Uses:

*take straight from the spoon like traditional cough syrup

*add to hot water to drink as a tea

*add to your favorite licorice, fennel or anise tea for an extra boost