Dry cough, wet cough, asthma cough, and allergic cough. I’m sure you’ve experienced at least one of these. Cowboys from the Wild West had their own simple but effective remedy to tackle a cough before it worsened.
Whether it was during cold nights on the trail or harsh winters in North Dakota, they relied on this natural cough syrup to keep their throats clear and their lungs free from congestion.
This remedy combines ingredients you likely have on hand: honey, lemon, whiskey, and a few other natural additions for extra power. It’s a simple yet effective syrup that has been passed down through generations.
The Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at why each of the ingredients is so effective in this natural cough remedy. Each one brings its own unique healing properties to the table.
Honey has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Raw honey is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes.
It coats the throat, soothing irritation, and helping to reduce the frequency of coughing fits. Additionally, honey can ease sore throats and help reduce hoarseness and inflammation in the respiratory system.
Lemon brings a high dose of vitamin C and citric acid, both of which can help to break up mucus and relieve congestion. The acidity of lemon juice helps to clear the throat and reduce pain, while its natural anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated airways.
Whiskey might seem like an unconventional ingredient, but it has been a go-to for traditional cough syrups for generations. Not only does it have a warming effect that can soothe a sore throat, but it also acts as a mild anesthetic, temporarily numbing the throat and suppressing the urge to cough. Plus, it helps preserve the syrup for longer use.
Bronchial Blend Tincture is a powerful herbal tincture that will supercharge this traditional cowboy remedy by providing support for lung health. While this tincture wasn’t part of the original cowboy concoction, its potent herbs help support lung health, clear congestion, and calm persistent coughs, making it the perfect addition to your cough syrup.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Power
Apple cider vinegar is another ingredient you can add for an extra boost. It helps balance the body’s pH and fights bacteria, making it useful when dealing with coughs due to colds or flu.
Ginger is also a great addition to this remedy, known for its warming, anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce irritation in the throat and chest, making it easier to breathe.
Cayenne pepper adds a powerful kick to this remedy. Its active compound, capsaicin, helps to stimulate circulation and thin mucus, making it easier to expel from the respiratory system. The heat from cayenne can also relieve throat pain and open up the airways, providing quick relief from congestion and persistent coughing.
Elderberries are well-known for their powerful immune-boosting and antiviral properties. They can help shorten the duration of colds and flu, support respiratory health, and combat infections that often lead to stubborn coughs. Adding elderberries to this syrup enhances its ability to fight off illnesses and strengthen your immune system.
However, if you don’t have access to fresh elderberries, don’t know where to forage them, or they’re out of season, using this non-GMO Dual-Extracted Elderberry Tincture is a convenient and equally potent alternative. This tincture provides the same immune-boosting benefits without the need to source elderberries yourself, and it also avoids the risk of foraging berries that may have been sprayed with pesticides.
Here’s what you should do next time to stop a stubborn cough fast and easily. It’s a homemade syrup that traces back to the time of the Frontiers!
Cowboy Cough Syrup with Whiskey
Here is how you can prepare the cowboy’s cough syrup:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 2 lemons cubed (medium-sized)
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 3–6 ml (roughly 3–6 dropperfuls) Bronchial Blend Tincture
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or a small piece of fresh ginger (optional, for added warmth)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 3–6 ml Dual-Extracted Elderberry Tincture (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl or jar, combine the whiskey, honey, lemon cubes, Bronchial Blend Tincture, and any of the optional ingredients. Stir or shake well until fully mixed.
2. Store the Syrup: Pour the mixture into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a month.
3. To Use: Adults can take 1 tablespoon of the syrup every 3–4 hours to soothe a cough. It can be taken straight or mixed with a bit of warm water for a more diluted version. You can also add 1-2 teaspoons of this syrup to your tea.
As you whip up your cowboy cough syrup, remember that relying solely on the medical system isn’t always wise, especially in uncertain times. The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies II by Dr. Nicole Apelian can help you take control of your health by teaching you how to make your own remedies at home.
This book dives into new medicinal plants and practical recipes, giving you the tools you need when traditional healthcare options are limited. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get ready to support your health and wellness during tough times.
You may also like:
The Best States to Outlive a Food Crisis
How Far Away Would You Need to Be to Survive a Nuclear Blast?
The Only 4 Knots That You’re Going to Actually Use in a Survival Situation
What Do I Store in My Pantry as a Prepper?
How to Build an EMP Emergency Car Bag
Read the full article here
