A good syrup for the flu should have onion, honey, thyme, anise, licorice, or elderberry in its composition because these plants have properties that diminish the reflex of cough, expectoration and fever naturally, which are very common symptoms in people with influenza.
Some syrups that can be used to relieve the flu symptoms are:
1. Onion and honey syrup
This is a good syrup to use in flu situations because it contains onion resins that have an expectorant and antimicrobial action and honey that helps reduce congestion.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion;
- honey
Method of preparation
Finely chop a large onion, cover with honey and heat in a covered pan on a low heat for 40 minutes. Store in a glass bottle in the fridge and take a teaspoonful every 15 to 30 minutes until the coughing calms.
2. Herbal syrup
Thyme, licorice root and anise seeds release congestion of mucus and relax the respiratory tract. Honey makes secretions more liquid, helps to keep syrups and soothes irritated throats. The bark of American cherry is very effective at calming the dry cough.
Ingredients
- 500 mL of water;
- 1 tablespoon of anise seeds;
- 1 tablespoon dried licorice root;
- 1 tablespoon cherry-apple bark;
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme;
- 250 mL of honey.
Method of preparation
Boil the aniseed, root and licorice seeds and the American cherry bark in the water in a covered pot for 15 minutes and then remove from the heat, add the thyme, cover and leave until infused until cool. Then you should strain and add the honey and heat to dissolve the honey. This syrup should be stored in a glass vial in the refrigerator for three months. One can take a teaspoon whenever necessary to relieve cough and sore throat.
3. Elder syrup and peppermint
An elderberry and peppermint syrup helps lower the flu-associated fever and decongestion of the airways.
Ingredients
- 500 mL of water;
- 1 teaspoon dried peppermint;
- 1 teaspoon of dried elderberry flowers;
- 250 mL of honey.
Method of preparation
Boil the herbs in the water, in a covered pot, for 15 minutes and then remove from the heat, strain and combine the honey until dissolved. This syrup should be stored in a glass vial in the refrigerator for three months. One can take a teaspoon whenever necessary to relieve cough and sore throat.
See more recipes for home remedies for the flu.
