Hello All

In the northern hemisphere, we're just heading for winter and the season of coughs, colds and flu.

A good all round protection and boost for the winter months is a combination of Vitamin B and C.

I take it in an effervescent tablet which makes an orangey flavored drink - the B vitamins give energy and the C boosts your immune system.

If you get a cold or flu and you're left with a nasty cough, then there are many herbal rememdies.

Honey is good - it coats and soothes your throat - add it to hot water and lemon juice to taste - it is good to sip and will ease a dry cough.

A steam inhalation can also ease a cough - add some drops of thyme oil to ease your bronchial passages.

This is a simple soothing herbal cough remedy.

It's so easy to make.

It will store for several weeks in a jar. Just take a tablespoon in warm water and use three times a day for relief from your cough.

The herb you use will depend on your symptom.

To ease a tight chest, use thyme, for a chill, use sage - you can combine these with rosemary to combat lethargy.

Honey is a natural antiseptic. It coats the respiratory tract and keeps the herbs in contact.

The quantities here are for a 'good bottle' of medicine.

Take 2 pints or 1 litre of water and bring to the boil.

Add 1 oz or 25g of dried herbs.

Bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.

Strain the liquid to remove the flakes of herbs - use a muslin cloth or kitchen roll.

Return to the pan and add 1lb (450g) of honey.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

Allow this mixture to cool and then put in a jar.

Use 1 tbspn in warm water as and when required.

You might find that this natural cough remedy will only be needed three times a day, but you can use it more often if you need to.

It is most effective using thyme - this seems to ease the congestion caused by a cough.

Visit this page to read 10 simple natural remedies to ease a cough.

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