A good flu syrup should have onion, honey, thyme, anise, licorice or elderberry in its composition because these plants have properties that naturally reduce the reflex of cough, sputum and fever, which are very common symptoms in people with flu.
Some syrups that can be used to relieve flu symptoms are:
1. Onion and honey syrup
This is a good syrup to use in flu situations, as it contains onion resins that have an expectorant and antimicrobial action and honey that helps to reduce congestion.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion; honey to taste
Method of preparation
Finely chop a large onion, cover with honey and heat in a covered pan over low heat for 40 minutes. Store in a glass bottle, in the refrigerator and take half to a teaspoon every 15 or 30 minutes, until the cough has subsided.
2. Herbal syrup
Thyme, licorice root and anise seeds release mucus congestion and relax the respiratory tract. Honey makes secretions more liquid, helps to preserve syrups and soothes an irritated throat. American cherry bark is very effective in soothing dry coughs.
Ingredients
- 500 mL of water; 1 tablespoon of anise seeds; 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root; 1 tablespoon of American cherry bark; 1 tablespoon of dry thyme; 250 mL of honey.
Method of preparation
Boil the anise seeds, root and licorice and the American cherry bark in water, in a covered pan, for 15 minutes and then remove from the heat, add the thyme, cover and leave to infuse until cool. Then strain and add the honey and heat to dissolve the honey. This syrup should be kept in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for three months. One teaspoon can be taken whenever necessary, to relieve cough and irritated throat.
3. Elderberry syrup and peppermint
A syrup with elderberry and peppermint helps to lower the fever associated with the flu and to decongest the airways.
Ingredients
- 500 mL of water; 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint; 1 teaspoon of dried elderberries; 250 mL of honey.
Method of preparation
Boil the herbs in water, in a covered pan, for 15 minutes and then remove from heat, strain and add the honey until it dissolves. This syrup should be kept in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for three months. One teaspoon can be taken whenever necessary, to relieve cough and irritated throat.
See more recipes for home remedies for the flu.
