Cold season is well upon us, and this has been a particularly tough year for coughs and chest infections. Here is a simple, safe, homemade cough syrup that combines the best of Eastern and Western wisdom. It's chief ingredient is the wonderful, humble pineapple!
Pineapples contain bromelain, a powerful enzyme that helps reduce inflammation in the lungs and sinuses. It helps fight infections and reduce mucous. Pineapples also contain plenty of vitamin C, plus a range of essential nutrients such as magnesium and potassium. In a 2010 study published in Der Pharma Medica, Indian researchers found that pineapple, mixed with raw honey, pepper and salt helped patients to recover five times more quickly when compared to an OTC cough syrup. Eat fresh pineapple, or make fresh juice from pineapple (including the bromelainrich core) and drink throughout the day to ease coughing, reduce phlegm and sooth inflammation. Prepackaged pineapple juice is not advised, as the enzymes will have been damaged during processing.
Homemade Cough Syrup
This is a fantastic recipe from biologist and natural health expert Amy Goodrich that I have often used when colds or flu strike. It is easy to give to children as they love the sweet taste. Keep taking until the cough is well and truly gone. If you don't have a juicer, the ingredients can be blended instead to make a smoothietype mixture. Use organic fruit where possible.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice (or blend half a pineapple)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (add in some of the lemon peel if organic – a fantastic TCM remedy for phlegm)
- 1 piece of ginger
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- Pinch of good salt – I love nutrientrich pink Himalayan salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (cut back on this for small children as it can be very hot – a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper will do)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric – nature's ultimate anti-inflammatory
Blend ingredients together, and take 1/4 cup three times a day (adults, 1/8 cup for small children).
Remember, this advice is not to replace the advice from your doctor. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned about your symptoms.
Fiona O'Farrell is a licensed acupuncturist and naturopath. She runs The Gate Clinic in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, and uses natural medicine to treat a wide range of conditions. For more information see www.thegateclinic.ie
