Raspberry Leaf Gargle
1 dessert spoon dried raspberry leaves
1 cup boiling water
1 or 2 teaspoons honey
Place the raspberry leaves in a teapot and pour the boiling water over them. Infuse for 10 to 20 minutes, strain in to a jug and stir in the honey. When cooled to room temperature pour in to an airtight glass container and place in the fridge. Gargle this throughout the day to ease a sore throat but bring it back to room temperature first so it’s not too cold on the throat. Discard after 3 days. Other herbs that make very useful gargles are sage, nettle, plantain, and mullein.
Steam Inhalants
To help ease congestion make steam inhalants by filling a heat-proof basin with boiling water and stirring in a few drops of the essential oil of eucalyptus. Place your face over the basin and put a towel over your head and the basin to contain the steam. Be careful not to put your face too close to the basin. Other essential oils that are very effective include thyme, pine, and rosemary. The usual amounts used are 4 cups of boiling water and six drops of essential oil. Inhale the steam for around ten minutes and do this two or three times a day.
Cough Syrup
1 dessert spoon dried thyme leaves
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup honey
1 cup boiling water
Place the thyme leaves in a teapot and pour the boiling water over them. Let it infuse for ten minutes then add the lemon juice and honey. If the mixture doesn’t have the consistency of a syrup add more honey. Keep in the refrigerator and take one or two teaspoons as needed. Discard after three days.
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