Homemade Cough Drops

Tis the season for coughs and colds.... unless we keep our immune system in tip top shape. 

Are you the person that catches everything that floats by you? We need to talk! There is a reason I haven't had a cold, or any illness is 7 years!

Homemade Cough Drops

Making homemade cough drops is a great natural alternative to store-bought options, as you can control the ingredients and avoid artificial additives. Here are some homemade cough drop ideas using simple, natural ingredients that can help soothe a sore throat and ease coughing:

1. Honey and Lemon Cough Drops

• Ingredients:
1. 1 cup honey
2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
3. 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional for extra soothing effect)
4. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Instructions:
1. Heat the honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
2. Add lemon juice and grated ginger.
3. Stir continuously for 15-20 minutes, until the mixture thickens and reaches a hard-crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C on a candy thermometer).
4. Once thick, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or into silicone molds and allow them to harden completely before storing.

2. Herbal Cough Drops (Thyme & Honey)

• Ingredients:
1. 1 cup honey
2. 1 tablespoon dried thyme
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Instructions:
1. Simmer the dried thyme in water for about 10-15 minutes, then strain the liquid.
2. In a saucepan, combine the strained thyme tea, honey, and lemon juice.
3. Heat the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens and reaches the hard-crack stage.
4. Pour onto a parchment-lined sheet or silicone molds and allow to cool and harden.

3. Ginger and Clove Cough Drops

• Ingredients:
1. 1 cup honey
2. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
3. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
4. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Instructions:
1. Combine honey, ginger, cloves, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until the mixture thickens and reaches the hard-crack stage.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and allow to harden.

4. Eucalyptus and Peppermint Cough Drops

• Ingredients:
1. 1 cup honey
2. 1/4 cup strong peppermint tea (made from fresh or dried peppermint leaves)
3. A few drops of food-grade eucalyptus essential oil
• Instructions:
1. Brew the peppermint tea and combine it with the honey in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches the hard-crack stage.
3. Add eucalyptus essential oil after removing the mixture from heat.
4. Drop the mixture onto parchment paper or molds and let cool until hardened.

5. Coconut Oil and Honey Cough Drops

• Ingredients:
1. 1/4 cup coconut oil
2. 1/4 cup honey
3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
4. 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• Instructions:
1. Heat coconut oil in a saucepan until melted, then add honey, lemon juice, and grated ginger.
2. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly (this will not reach hard-crack stage but will still form a lozenge-like consistency).
3. Pour into molds or drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and allow to cool in the fridge.

Storage Tips:

• Once the cough drops are hardened, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking.
• Store the drops in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together.

Extra Tips:

• If you're not sure about the "hard-crack stage," you can test by dropping a bit of the mixture into cold water. If it hardens instantly and cracks, it's ready.
• You can also add herbal extracts or essential oils for added benefits, but always ensure that any essential oils used are food-grade.

These homemade cough drops can help soothe sore throats, ease coughing, and provide relief from cold symptoms with natural ingredients like honey, ginger, and lemon, which are known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.