9 Better Ways to Fight Colds with Natural Cough Syrups and DIY Solutions
by Michelle Lloyd, 03/13/12
DIY Cough and Cold Remedies
Drinking or gargling warm lemon water mixed with honey is very soothing for sore throats, but did you know honey can be used as a cough suppressant as well? Children younger than one should not take any amount of honey, but for those older, a tablespoon before bed can help soothe nighttime coughs. In fact, a study was done comparing buckwheat honey to DM and the children who ate honey slept better and coughed less than those who took the DM.
Green Grandma says to make a vinegar solution using 1/4 cup organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 1/4 water, and 1/4 honey and take 1-2 tablespoons as needed for cold symptoms. You can read more remedies in her book Vinegar Friday’s.
In Peggy O’Mara’s book, Natural Family Living, she suggests making a tea to help reduce fevers using peppermint, chamomile, red clover, and rosemary. “Make a tea of any or all of the above, sweetened with a little honey,” said O’Mara. Other herbs to use for colds include: echinacea, ginger, garlic, licorice, marshmallow root, mullein, peppermint, garlic, thyme, wild cherry bark, yarrow, and elderberry.
You can make your own chest rub by using 2 oz. coconut oil, 10 drops eucalyptus, and 10 drops peppermint. I like to rub it on my child’s feet and then cover with socks since the coconut oil can be slightly greasy.
