Rosemary Gladstar's Thyme Cough Syrup

If I had not already done so, now is the time of year that I prepare one of my favorite herbal medicines to keep on hand. As everyone knows, having young children at home is like having a petri dish waiting to go rogue! As children grow and develop their immune systems, they often get bombarded with different viruses. And then, often, they share those germs with the rest of their family back home. Sharing is caring, after all!

HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY GLADSTAR'S THYME COUGH SYRUP

One of the most disruptive symptoms we all face in a sick household is a relentless dry cough, especially when it comes at night. This is a remedy that I learned from Rosemary Gladstar's Herbs and Health Awareness. Rosemary Gladstar is a wonderful and trusted herbalist, and this cough syrup has been a winter staple in my home for years. It is an easy remedy to make and has just two main ingredients: Thyme and honey.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-4 ounces thyme leaf and flower (fresh is best)
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup honey
• ¼ cup brandy

DIRECTIONS:

• Combine thyme and water in a pan on very low heat.
• Simmer lightly with the lid ajar to allow the steam to escape until liquid is reduced by half (will yield about 2 cups of strong tea).
• Strain.
• Add honey to the warm liquid and stir.
• Add ¼ cup of brandy per cup of syrup.
• Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

DOSAGE:

½-1 teaspoon every 2 hours as needed.