More and more, people are returning to the centuries-old wisdom of herbal remedies and medicine to combat disease as well as the unpleasant side effects of modern life, such as stress and exhaustion.
Effective herbal remedies like those featured here can be easily made at home to treat common seasonal and winter conditions like sore throats, coughs and fever, and are safe for children and adults alike.
Once you try these sage throat candies we doubt you’ll go back to store-bought!
Sage Candy for Sore Throats
Sage is the classic medicinal herb used to fight sore throats and gum inflammation and to treat the inside of the mouth or the throat. It fights the pathogens that cause illness and quickly soothes pain. The candy will keep for at least 1 year in an airtight container.
How to Use It
If you have a sore throat, suck on a sage candy several times a day.
You Will Need
10 sprigs fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried sage) ½ cup granulated sugar
How to Make It
Briefly rinse fresh sage under cold water, then lightly pat dry with paper towels. Pull leaves off stems. Using a sharp knife and a cutting board, chop sage leaves as finely as possible. (If you are using dried sage, don’t rinse it, and grind it using a mortar and pestle.)
In a small saucepan, melt sugar over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until the sugar is light brown. Stir the sage into the sugar. Be careful: The water contained in the fresh sage leaves will make the mixture sizzle, bubble and spit. Making this candy is, therefore, not a job for children.
Take the saucepan off the heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a wooden spoon, drop candy-size portions of herb mixture onto the paper. Be careful: The sugar mixture is hotter than boiling water! If you don’t like the shape of the candy, let the drops cool enough to handle, then, using your hands, roll them into balls.
Elderberry & Honey Syrup Herbal Remedy
Elderberry is known for its outstanding effectiveness in fighting colds and flus, and for strengthening the immune system. If the juice is sweetened with honey, even children will find it delicious. Look for freshly pressed elderberry juice at natural foods stores or organic supermarkets. Once opened, a jar will keep for about 6 months in the fridge.
How to Use It
At the start of a cold or fever, take 1 tsp of the syrup every 2 to 3 hours, letting it slowly dissolve in the mouth.
You Will Need
3⁄4 cup + 2 tbsp elderberry juice
1 ¼ cup organic liquid honey
How to Make It
In a saucepan, heat elderberry juice, stirring with a wooden spoon.
Add honey and simmer over low heat, stirring, until reduced to a moderately thick syrup, about 10 minutes.
Rinse a 2-cup preserving jar with boiling water. Pour hot syrup into the jar and seal immediately. Let cool, then store the jar in the fridge.
Courtesy of THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO HOME HERBAL REMEDIES by Melanie Wenzel
© 2014 www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission. Available where books are sold.
