Over the years, I have gathered a collection of proven flu remedies to ensure my family stays healthy. While I am a fan of using garlic, raw honey, and elderberry, having a few targeted treatments is often beneficial. This wild cherry bark cough syrup is excellent for soothing stubborn coughs, particularly at night.
Using Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup
When people imagine cough syrup, they often think of artificially cherry-flavored, red-dyed concoctions. Conventional cough syrup generally suppresses the cough rather than addressing the underlying issue. The key is recognizing that there are different types of coughs.
A cough can be wet, with plenty of mucus, or dry, without any mucus. There might be coughing fits leading to intense spasms, causing rib pain. Various herbs can effectively address different types of coughs.
My herbal cough syrup is a versatile remedy that I frequently use during cold and flu seasons. However, this wild cherry bark cough syrup is especially beneficial for dry, hot, and irritated coughs. Traditionally, it has been used for conditions like whooping cough, chronic coughs, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Benefits of Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup
Derived from the inner bark of wild cherry trees, this natural medicine has various advantages. Wild cherry bark aids in opening the lower respiratory system, helping to move and dry up mucus. It provides a calming effect that reduces coughing spasms, alleviating throat irritation. Its calming abilities make it suitable for nighttime coughing that disrupts sleep.
This herb offers a cooling sensation to soothe inflamed, sore, and red tissues in the sinuses and throat. Its benefits extend beyond managing occasional colds; it can ease asthma symptoms, enhance heart health, and improve digestion.
Mullein for Scratchy Throats
Mullein, often seen with tall stalks of yellow flowers along roadsides, may appear as warm and fuzzy leaves. However, they contain small hairs that can irritate tissues. When properly strained, mullein leaf tea or syrup is excellent for coughs and irritated throats.
Similar to wild cherry bark, mullein helps expel mucus, reducing inflammation and spasms. It is particularly effective for stubborn congestion, calming wheezing, and reducing unproductive coughing. Mullein is a key herb for addressing lung-related issues.
Adding Vitamin C Boost
Vitamin C is vital for a strong immune system and healthy skin, among other benefits. Excellent sources include lemons, camu camu berry, and bell peppers. Rosehips, rich in vitamin C, have a tart, fruity taste and help tighten tissues, combat free radical damage, and deliver cooling effects to inflamed areas.
Hibiscus flowers, also high in vitamin C with a tangy flavor, are great for tea and impart a reddish tint when used as a natural hair dye. In the absence of rosehips, hibiscus serves as a good substitute. Some herbalists advise against hibiscus consumption during pregnancy, as there are reports of its potential to stimulate the uterus.
Elderberry
Elderberry is highly popular today, and my personal elderberry syrup recipe can be found here. In this cough syrup recipe, elderberry plays a supporting role. Known for its antiviral properties, elderberry is perfect for flu season. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, helping to shorten and alleviate flu duration, even potentially preventing it. I have added it to the wild cherry bark cough syrup to infuse an antiviral element and enhance the berry flavor.
Making Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup
Preparing homemade cough syrup may seem daunting, but the recipe is straightforward. Essentially, we are brewing herbal tea and then adding some raw honey. However, a few considerations are needed.
As mentioned, mullein leaves have small hairs that can irritate the skin. We aim to soothe an already irritated throat, not further aggravate it! Ensure thorough straining of the tea using a cloth or paper coffee filter to avoid any issues.
Debates among herbalists exist regarding the best method to use wild cherry bark. Some simmer it to make syrup, while others favor a cold infusion. After research, I concluded that simmering is effective and the most convenient option.
Safety Considerations
While opinions vary, hibiscus may be unsafe during pregnancy. Dr. Aviva Romm, a doctor and herbalist, considers hibiscus safe for pregnancy. However, in her book Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, she deems wild cherry bark contraindicated during pregnancy.
Although no human evidence suggests harm from using cherry bark in pregnancy, some animal studies indicate potential risks that might not correlate directly with humans. Other experienced herbalists, like Dr. Sharol Tilgner and Jim McDonald, see no issues with using cherry bark while pregnant.
So, what’s the verdict? If you are pregnant and wish to err on the side of caution, it is best to avoid this recipe. Generally, it is considered safe, even for children. However, avoid using the wild cherry bark cough syrup for infants under one year old due to the raw honey content.
Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup Recipe
This cough syrup recipe is ideal for managing dry, irritating coughs. It is kid-safe and tastes delicious!
- Combine the herbs and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid reduces to about 1 cup, approximately 30-40 minutes.
- Strain the herbs using a coffee filter and measure the liquid. Adjust with water to reach 1 cup or simmer further until there is only 1 cup.
- Once the mixture is warm but not hot, stir in the honey.
Notes:
- Shelf life: This syrup should last several weeks to months if stored in the fridge.
- Dosing: Administer a teaspoon as needed throughout the day, up to once every hour. Children can have 1/2 tsp as needed, up to once every hour.
- Safety: Not suitable for infants under one year. Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider before use.
This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board-certified family physician. It is not personalized medical advice, and we recommend consulting your doctor.
What’s your favorite way to soothe a scratchy throat? Leave us a comment and share this post with a friend!
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