Make It: Homemade Cherry Bark Cough Mixture

Soon, when I re-open my online shop (post-Brexit rules created a few hurdles, but I’m hoping to be able to re-open in the new year!) you will be able to get your mitts on my fabulous cough mixture potion, but until then this is a great blend that you can make at home. It’s a good one for helping to suppress a cough, so perfect for night time when you need some good sleep.

If you have loads of crud in your chest that needs to come out, it’s important to cough that up and out, so don’t overdo the cough mixture, especially during the daytime. 

Ingredients:

– 25g (1/2 cup) dried cherry bark
– 300ml (1.5 cups) water
– 200g (1cup) sugar
– Optional: lemon juice (for flavour)

(you can buy dried cherry bark from most herbal suppliers/alternative health shops)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cherry Bark:
Measure out 25g. Cherry bark can often be found in health food shops or online herbal stores.

2. Make a Decoction:
In a saucepan, combine the cherry bark and water. Heat the mixture on low to medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 20-30 minutes to create a decoction. A decoction is a method of extracting compounds from hard plant materials, like bark, by simmering in water.

3. Strain the Mixture:
After simmering, strain the liquid to remove the cherry bark particles. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure a smooth liquid. Allow the decoction to cool.

4. Make Cherry Syrup:
While the decoction is cooling, add the sugar to it and allow it to melt. If desired, add a small amount of lemon juice for flavour and an extra boost of vitamin C.

5. Store and Use:
Transfer the cough syrup to a clean, airtight container and store it in the fridge. Once opened, use it within a month. Use up to 3 times a day: 1-2 teaspoons for an adult / 0.5 – 1 teaspoon for a baby/child. 

If you want to buy one of my bottles of Cough it Up Baby then you will be able to in the new year. I will keep you posted!