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Honey is one of the most recommended ingredients to calm a cough. In addition, it can be infused with herbs to enhance its effects.
Learning how to infuse honey with herbs can be helpful in alleviating cough and other typical cold symptoms. Since ancient times, this sweetener has been the protagonist in the preparation of multiple remedies due to its properties. In fact, the science backs their soothing, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Likewise, its components have been observed to help stop the growth of viruses, bacteria and yeasts that cause infections in the respiratory tract. And although by itself it has the capacity to give relief, combined with herbs it is more effective. Do you dare to try these remedies?
Benefits of honey to relieve cough
Honey is a natural product made by bees from the nectar they extract from flowers.. As stated by one review disclosed in Pharmacognosy Research, is a significant source of carbohydrates (between 95% and 97% of its composition), as well as proteins, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids.
Added to this, it is an ingredient widely researched for its medicinal properties. Specifically, it appears to have antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activity. And although the studies are still ongoing, it is considered a good complement when it comes to dealing with respiratory diseases.
As far as coughing is concerned, a review of studies shared in Cochrane Systematic Reviews came to the conclusion that the consumption of honey helps to reduce this symptom to a greater extent than diphenhydramine and placebo. In addition, everything indicates that it also decreases its duration and severity.
For its part, a study revealed in Allergology and Immunopathology reported an 80% therapeutic success among children who consumed a mixture of honey with milk to calm cough. Similar results were reported in a 2016 revision, which found that this sweetener decreases the severity and frequency of coughs and improves sleep quality without causing side effects.
Benefits of herbs to calm cough
In traditional medicine, herbs have played a major role in preventing and treating a myriad of illnesses. Coinciding with a review shared in 2015, some species like Andrographis paniculata, ivy, primrose and thyme They can help relieve cough. Not only do they calm said symptom, but they also reduce its duration.
Other herbs recommended for their antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects include the following:
- anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum).
- bee balm (Monarda fistulosa).
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita).
- elecampane root (Inula hellenium).
- Garlic (Allium sativum).
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale).
- purple basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum).
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
- Melissa (Melissa officinalis).
- Linden (Tilia spp.).
- Mints (mint spp.).
- Oregano (Origanum spp.).
- Pine tree (Pinus spp.).
- Hip (Rosa spp.).
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).
- Rose petals (Rosa spp.).
- Sage (Salvia officinalis).
- Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus).
- Purple (Viola spp.).
How to infuse honey with herbs to relieve cough?
Both honey and herbs can be used on their own to promote relief of cough and respiratory symptoms. But nevertheless, infusing both ingredients results in a more effective remedy. Take note!
Ingredients and materials
- Mortar.
- Sisal yarn.
- Tea cheesecloths.
- Glass jar with lid.
- 1 bottle of organic and raw honey (300 g).
- 3 tablespoons of herb mixture (your choice, they can be dried or fresh).
Note: You can make the mixture of herbs with 2 or 3 species of those mentioned above. First of all, educate yourself about their interactions to determine if it is safe to combine them.
Instructions
- If you chose fresh herbs, put them in a mortar and grind them well.
- Next, place the shredded on the tea cheesecloth and tie it with a piece of sisal twine.
- Incorporate the honey in a glass jar and heat it in a bain-marie.
- Right there, introduce the bag of herbs and leave it over low heat for 5 minutes.
- After this time, let the infusion rest and cover it well. Leave the bag with herbs inside. It is not necessary to remove it.
- Now, store the infused honey in a cool and dark place.
- Consume 3 to 5 tablespoons, distributed throughout the day.
- If you prefer, you can add them in half a cup of hot water.
Recommendations for the safe consumption of this remedy
The consumption of this natural remedy is generally safe for most healthy children and adults. But nevertheless, should not be administered to babies under one year of age. In these cases, honey can lead to a condition called infant botulismwhich is quite dangerous. Its consumption is also not recommended in people allergic to pollen and in patients with diabetes.
Herbs are not exempt from causing side effects and drug interactions. Therefore, before consuming them, it is important to check what their contraindications are and what drugs they can interact with. Doubts in this regard can be resolved with a family doctor, a professional in complementary medicine or an herbalist.
Do you dare to try this remedy to calm the cough?
When it comes to relieving cough and other respiratory discomfort, honey combined with herbs is a good option. Due to its components, the relief of infections is favored, sore throat is reduced and the elimination of phlegm is stimulated.
Of course, it must be remembered that its effects are not curative or miraculous. It is important to complement your intake with a good diet, proper hydration and optimal rest. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
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