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Pinging the list - freepmail to get on/off this ping list. I will be adding to this thread finally.

AHA!!! Finally wrote down my Cough Syrup recipe as best I could. This makes a LARGE amount as I do have some clients who like it plus I give it away. You can cut it way down and even skimp on some ingredients. It sounds complicated but if you make it once, it isn’t really hard. Just have all materials and utensils on hand. I have a giant hand whisk that works well.

Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup

This makes over about a gallon and a half of cough syrup To make a smaller amount, just reduce ingredients proportionately. The main ingredients are wild cherry bark, coltsfoot herb and ginger, and the other herb ingredients can vary, what you have on hand or can get easily. The alcohol percent is low and is added just to preserve it; this cough syrup can be safely taken by children and usually they like it. I have just a bit left in my fridge that is two years old and just as it was when I made it.

This cough syrup eases the cough reflex, helps loosen phlegm in the lungs and helps with expectoration. It also helps clear sinus and head congestion, and has antimicrobial properties as well.

Dose – one spoonful a few times a day as needed. Shake each time before use and store in a cool dark place, my cool dark pantry works well. If you cannot find ajwan and pippali just leave out. Pippali is very rejuvenating for the lungs. Always keep the lid on when bringing to a boil and simmering.

In a large pot put 6 quarts water and add:
1 pound wild cherry bark
1 cup each anise, fennel and ajwan (alt spelling ajwain) seeds
1/2 cup each whole black pepper and whole pippali

Soak overnight and in the morning bring to a boil, with the lid on, and simmer for 1/2 an hour.

Then add:
1 cup fresh ginger root chopped and peeled
1/2 # or at least 3-4 cups coltsfoot herb (cut/sifted)
1/2 c. cardamom seeds

Bring to a low boil, turn down and summer very slowly for 20 minutes. Cool to warm and strain. I use a cone shaper ricer with wooden tamper thing to press all the liquid out, this is sort of the hard part.

To this herb mixture add:

8 cups honey
1 c. food grade vegetable glycerine (I get mine at Starwest Botanicals)

Mix well, and when cool add:

1 cup grain alcohol (180 proof)
These essential oils:
1 t. Anise (unless you used anise seeds)
1 t. Eucalyptus
1/2 t. Thyme
1 t. Peppermint
1 t. Cardamom

Whisk very well and pour into jars with tight lids and store in a cool dark place. Essential oils don’t mix in that well so shake before use. After a while they seem to blend it better. I use mason canning jars.