Tag Archives: dry

July 3, 2022 · 4:12 pm

Herbal dry cough syrup

Merry meet all,

If any of you are worried about contracting Covid, or are just guarding your health for your own reasons, here is a beautiful herbal remedy. I love this cough syrup. It should have a shelf life for a year. 

Ingredients:

  • Elderberry tincture – a preservative
  • hibiscus, dried and ground in a mortar and pestle
  • horehound, dried and ground in a mortar and pestle
  • echinacea root, decocted, dried and ground in a mortar and pestle
  • liquorice root, decocted, dried and ground with a mortar and pestle
  • 1 cup of honey
  • 1 quart of water

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Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe for a Dry Cough

Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe for a Dry Cough | Herbal Academy | This herbal cough syrup recipe containing demulcent herbs is just wonderful for soothing throat tissues during a dry cough or sore throat.

A dry unproductive cough can be caused by irritation such as dry air, smoke, allergens, and pollution, or develop during a respiratory infection. Worst of all it can be really uncomfortable, disrupting sleep, work, school, travel, and other activities, and can cause a headache or a sore throat that lasts. A dry cough and sore throat will perpetuate each other. For soothing relief, I will share with you how to easily prepare your own homemade cough syrup recipe, including moistening, inflammation-soothing, and demulcent herbs.

These herbs come to your aid in a dry cough when natural protections like healthy mucosal production are lacking and the throat feels dry and scratchy. So, instead of suppressing the coughing, this herbal cough syrup is helping to reduce the irritation causing a cough so the coughing fits aren’t so painful and become more productive. The demulcent quality can also support natural healing in many cases!

dried herbs and honey ready for dry cough syrup recipe

Herbal Allies For A Dry Cough

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root, plantain (Plantago spp.) leaf and seed, and hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces are all demulcents. The slippery nature of demulcents contributes to and influences the quality of mucus even when it has become sticky, dry, and stuck, helping to unstick and thin the natural mucosal layer, making it more functional and protective. This effectively makes demulcents expectorant too!  This is particularly supportive in a dry cough or when there is an urge to cough but no cough is present. In these cases, mucus may be present though it is too thick, hardened, and inert to elicit a cough—or too thick and sticky to expel effectively by coughing. These herbs can also be used to reduce the impact of airborne allergens and other irritants, such as smoke or pollution that often occurs in densely populated areas. 

Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra (root)

The Genus name, Glycyrrhiza, is of Greek origin, with glykys meaning “sweet” and rhiza meaning “root”. A well-suited name for this herb!

Licorice is a sweet, neutral, and moist root that restores, relaxes, and softens. Polysaccharides in the root contribute to its soothing, demulcent quality. Licorice also has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for afflictions that are hot and dry, such as sore throats related to bronchitis and dry coughs. 

Licorice may also act as a broad-spectrum antiviral that either prevents a virus from entering cells, directly kills a virus through a variety of mechanisms (e.g., stops replication, inhibits growth), or stimulates the immune system to attack a virus.  

Glycyrrhizin, its most noted antiviral constituent is also 50 times sweeter than sugar and gives licorice its sweet taste. (Buhner, 2013)

Safety: Licorice should not be taken long-term (more than 4-6 weeks) or in high doses (Buhner, 2013). Licorice can induce a drop in potassium, leading to high blood pressure, and weakness. Those with high blood pressure, heart, liver, and kidney disease, diabetes, and pregnant women should not use whole licorice. 

infusing herbs in a jar for cough syrup recipe

Marshmallow Root – Althaea officinalis (root)

The demulcent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and emollient properties of marshmallow have long been in use to soothe inflammation and sore throats (Whelan, n.d.). Nowadays herbalists still value this demulcent for supporting mucosal membranes. Additionally, the German Commission E, a scientific federal medical advisory board, has approved marshmallow root for oral and pharyngeal mucosa irritation and dry cough (Hoffmann, 2003).

Plantain – Plantago spp. (esp. P. lanceolata and P. major)(leaf)

This seemingly lowly little weed, ubiquitous in disturbed and compacted soils around the world, has a surprisingly broad range of uses! Among these many uses, plantain is a powerful ally for lung health, helping to soothe inflamed and irritated airways (Gray, 2011). 

Hibiscus – Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyces)

The calyces of the luscious hibiscus plant are both astringent and demulcent, making it juicy and yet tonifying, supporting the functions of our natural barriers in a balanced way.
Besides that, it comes with a rich supply of antioxidants, including polyphenols, rutin, and anthocyanins, and has a lovely fruity taste, therefore rounding out the syrup recipe perfectly (Groves, 2016).

dry cough syrup recipe in a jar with dried herbs on table

Homemade Cough Syrup for a Dry Cough

An herbal syrup is prepared by combining a concentrated decoction and/or infusion with honey. The honey works well for any kind of cough and increases the shelf life of the decoction. Also, honey increases the palatability of less tasty herbs. Children especially find syrups to be delicious!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, dried
2 tablespoons marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root, dried
2 tablespoons plantain (Plantago spp. (esp. P. lanceolata and P. major) leaf/ seeds, dried or fresh
2 tablespoons hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces, dried
1 quart of water
1 cup raw, local honey

Directions

  • Grind the herbs in a mortar and pestle.
  • Prepare a concentrated decoction with the licorice and marshmallow root:
    Combine the dried roots with a quart of water in a saucepan as follows.
    Bring to a simmer and cook gently until the liquid volume reduces by half.
    Keep an eye on the decoction to ensure it stays at a gentle simmer and be sure to remove it from the heat before the mixture becomes too thick or scorches.
  • Prepare an infusion with the plantain and hibiscus, using the finished root decoction (Should be about 1-2 cups): Pour the hot, strained decoction over the plantain leaves and hibiscus calyces.
    Steep for at least 1 hour though not more than 8 hours.
  • Strain with a tea strainer, cheesecloth, or French press and return the liquid to the saucepan. 
  • Add the honey to the liquid in your saucepan.
  • Warm the mixture just slightly to enable the liquid and honey to mix.
    (not heating above 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Transfer syrup into a clean, dry, sterilized glass bottle(s) or jar(s) (ideally, a dark-colored jar or bottle to protect from light exposure) using a sterilized funnel. 
  • Label and store in the refrigerator.

To Use: Take 1 tablespoon every 4 hours for adults, 1 teaspoon every 4 hours for older children.
Shelf Life: Up to 1 year in the fridge.

This delicious sweet syrup makes a great addition to many beverages or foods. Or, it is tasty enough to be taken on its own. Enjoy this herbal cough syrup with a warm cup of tea, or in sparkling water or desserts—get creative here!

Being Prepared For The Allergy Season

Even if you feel balanced in the present, it’s always best to prepare as much as you can in advance so you feel supported through all of the challenges the allergy season ahead can bring. This syrup containing demulcent herbs is just wonderful for soothing throat tissues during a dry cough or sore throat. Also, consider making a batch ahead of time if you plan on spending time in an area that is heavy with pollutants or other airborne irritants.

Be sure to also check out our Homemade Cough Syrup for a Wet Cough!

Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe for a Dry Cough | Herbal Academy | This herbal cough syrup recipe containing demulcent herbs is just wonderful for soothing throat tissues during a dry cough or sore throat.

REFERENCES

Buhner, S. (2013). Herbal antivirals. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

Gray, B. (2011). The boreal herbal: Wild food and medicine plants of the North.Whitehorse, YK: Aroma Borealis Press.

Groves, M. (2016). Body into balance. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press

Whelan, R. (n.d.). Marshmallow [Online Database]. Retrieved from http://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/marshmallow.html

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I hope you all make your own beautiful herbal recipes. I would love to hear about your amazing conjurations. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

 

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April 25, 2022 · 12:27 pm

Sustaining Seedlings

Merry meet all,

This post tells you how to sustain your indoor seedlings until it is time to transplant them. I was out in my garden this morning. I’m delighted to see so many plants come up, thumbing their green noses at winter. Lady’s mantle, chives, raspberry, mullein, tiger lilies, my haskap berries, lavender, sage and red clover. These are just a few. I live in zone 6. It is not time yet to transplant the seedlings yet (how I wish). It’s hard to keep them going but this post will share tips on how to grow them to their very best potential. 

The first tip I want to mention here is not to overwater them. This is why it pays off big time to do your research on plants. Sage, lavender, thyme, oregano and rosemary may originate from the Mediterranean. They like hot, arid conditions. I mist the plants with a spray bottle once to twice a day. That is it. If you do drown your plants, that can cause root rot or damping off. Then the seedlings die. Mist them, get the surface of the water wet or maybe a little more. I water them in the morning. 

Make sure your plants get lots of access to sunlight. You can use a grow light if you wish. This is almost more important than the plants getting water. The natural sunlight encourages the strong plant and root growth vital for them growing so strong. Plants can turn and stretch to reach the sun. This is why you hear people telling you to turn the pots. Plants reach toward the sun. 

Good soil is the next point here. My seedlings are healthier this year because I used good quality soil. I mentioned this in a previous post. I am sure it is because I used good soil instead of poor soil from the dollar store. The bad soil lacks the nutrients. 

While we are at it, get good seeds too. I ordered a package of mystery seeds from Green Witch co. I am so glad I did. I have never had such good luck with seedlings as this spring. I am sure it is a combination of the watering techniques, the soil and the seeds. Plus, I don’t use peat pots. I prefer the plastic starter pots over peat pots. This is a big tip. The peat pots don’t hold water the same way as peat pots do. I also have McKenzie heirloom seeds and organic seeds. 

Some people rush in using potting soil to start their seeds in. Nope, you need a good seed starting mix to grow seeds in. When they outgrow the starter pots and need to be transplanted into bigger pots, then you can use potting soil. You can even mix the two soil types together. 

Be gentle with the seedlings. Transplant them gently into their new pots. Be careful with the seedlings and they take over from there. Plants are living beings and have a mind of their own. Fertilize them when they are in their new pots placed on a window ledge where sunlight streams in. Watch them grow beautifully. It is amazing how plants work. 

The last point to make here is to have patience with the seedlings. You were a baby once too, and your mother was patient with you. Treat your plants the same way and they will grow into beautiful strong plants. Save the strong plants. I am not too happy that not all my seedlings have survived. I just do what mother nature does. I encourage the strongest seedlings to grow. 

Store the seeds you are not using in paper envelopes or very dry jars. Seeds will last a long time that way. Be sure to label and date the containers. 

If you follow all these tips, your plants may make it to transplant time. Never let the soil dry out, keep it moist. Place them in sun or under grow lights. Good luck planting!!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

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August 6, 2021 · 5:01 pm

Witch’s Herbal Potions

Merry meet all,

I know I haven’t posted much here lately. I sprained my wrist, the hand I write with – so that would have been a challenge. I had to rest and that was hard for someone with my strong spirit. Now I’m still healing but more rested.  I am back at blogging! 

Prior to my injury, I was in the midst of conjuring witch’s herbal potions. I did complete the herbal tea I had made earlier. I bought a cool jar to keep the herbs in at Michael’s arts and crafts, a local craft shop that sells art and craft supplies. I love that store. I made about 4 cups of herbal tea. The ingredients include lemongrass, dried ginger, dried lemon, roman and German chamomile, mugwort ( a pinch), rose petals, red clover, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, and mint. The scent is divine. I dried the herbs on my own DIY herb drying rack I made myself. I will post about that project below. The herbs are not crumbled. They keep their flavour and oils that way. I think they are drying and crumbling to the bottom of the jar. The scent is divine. 

The herbs are bone dry and the jar was bone dry when I added the herbs. The herbs need to be that dry for the herbal tea because otherwise it causes mold. When I was back home with the jar, I washed it thoroughly and let it air dry. When the herbs were truly dry, I added them. I can’t tell you just how good it felt to mix the herbs together in the jar. It looks romantic too. I enjoyed a cup of my own homemade brew yesterday! The flavour brought a taste of summer and a little bittersweet at the same time. 

My second project is more involved than the tea. I am brewing a jar of herbs in oils for my Mom. The ingredients for making the salve are as follows:

Pine Salve

pine needles, pine bark, peppermint, comfrey, turmeric,  ginger,  grapeseed oil, beeswax, tea tree oil + peppermint essential oil

This pine salve aids in the reduction of pain inflammation and sore joints. Pine helps with inflammation, reduces pain and swelling, and is antimicrobial. It increases blood flow, helps with localized pain, and chronic inflammation. The other ingredients aid in reducing pain inflammation. Peppermint is a natural anti-inflammatory, a natural pain killer, and a muscle relaxer. Ginger reduces pain and inflammation. Comfrey contains allantoin which helps new skin cells grow and helps reduce pain inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumin which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. The salve also contains 2 drops of tea tree oil and twenty drops of peppermint essential oil.

I dried the herbs on my air drying rack. Once I was sure they were dry enough, I added the herbs to a clean dry sanitized jar. I poured the oils over them and closed the lid. Now I wait six weeks for the oils to extract the herbs’ essences. I already bought beeswax and tins for the salves. I will strain out the herbs over a strainer lined with cheesecloth and a bowl. Once I have strained out every drop of herbal goodness from the oils and herbs, I will add it to a pot with beeswax and make the salve. I have to wait a few weeks. I shake the jar a little a few times a day. 

I made jar labels too. I printed out the labels – one, listing the salve ingredients, and the other is a salve label for the jar. I collared them with a beige colour so the labels have that apothecary appearance. I love it. Then I printed out the ingredients and what each ingredients does in the salve. The ingredients all reduce pain and inflammation. I hole punched the ingredients list and what function each ingredient has and tied them together with a bow. I am so eager to make the salve but if I wait, the result will be amazing! My Mom gets the salve with the white lid and I am using the tin with the black lid. 

When the time comes, I will strain out the herbs from the oils. I have a large strainer I can fit over my stainless steel bowl. I also have cheesecloth. I will have to sanitize everything. I will strain out every last drop. I will melt the beeswax over a double boiler and add the herbal oil mixture. I can’t wait. 

I harvested the mugwort from my garden. 2 of my mugwort plants stood six feet high! The mugwort is now drying in my kitchen. 

Air drying Herb Rack

I bought a large 12 – 14 inch embroidery hoop from a local fabric store and cheesecloth. I opened the hoop. I tied 3 long strings to the embroidery hoop and to a loop. I used a curtain hook. Then I laid cheesecloth over the smaller hoop. I fastened the embroidery hoop back together. Now the cheesecloth was caught between the hoops. I trimmed the excess cheesecloth and tightened it. Then I knotted several strings to hang down from the hoop. This project is so easy to do and affordable. I have included a photo of the herb rack below.  I needed to lay paper towel down on the surface to catch all the falling petals and seeds. The cheesecloth is porous and so is the paper towel. It takes 2 weeks or so for the herbs to dry. Now I am drying chamomile and mugwort. I keep the screen door closed with Penny’s queenly scratching post at the back door. This allows for good air circulation for my drying herbs. 

I love my air drying herb rack. It didn’t cost a lot of money. I already had the string and scissors. I have other herbs to dry and store for the coming cold season. We all don’t like to think about that.I bought several new jars at Canadian Tire. I washed the jars and let them air dry. That is a great way to purify your jars. It costs nothing to air dry jars. It is also better than drying them with a towel since the towel may contain germs. I always prefer air drying my jars. I will store my bee pollinated sun loving herbs in the jars. 

I own a few new cool herb cutting tools now. One, the triangle herb chopper and two, my herb snipping scissors. Although I find for snipping herbs from my garden, I much prefer my scissors or boline. I’m also reading a fascinating book The Witching Herbs by Harold Roth. 

Happy potion making!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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