Sniffle, cough...atchoo!!!

July already. Endless days of 100F and hotter. Hard to believe it won't be long until fall will be here. And of course fall is followed by winter. Might just be part of my eccentricity but I'm already thinking about the sniffles and miserable afflictions that come with the changing seasons. Let's start a new batch of Spicy Cold Remedy!

This remedy smells likes a spicy version of bread and butter pickles. Not a smell that I cherish but it could be worse, right? I won't go into the more technical aspects unless you ask but each of the ingredients has specific medicinal properties that combined make up a strong remedy to clear up congestion when you get a cold.

An additional bonus, if you need one, is that this is all natural and much cheaper than a small bottle of cough syrup you could buy from a store.

I will add pictures to the post once I start to put it all together. It takes 3 weeks to brew, which is why I want to start now. The recipe makes 1/2 quart. I shared with a couple of sick soldiers earlier this year (who were amazed with it's effectiveness) so last years double batch got depleted. It will last two years kept in an airtight jar in the fridge.

Let me say this. It is not a cure. It is a symptom remedy. It helps you feel better by addressing the symptoms. If you continue to be sick please see a doctor. And although it is alcohol free please - *Not for use with small children!*

3 Tablespoons each of the following:

minced onion

minced garlic

grated ginger

grated horseradish

mustard seeds

black peppercorns

1 whole cayenne diced or 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Place all the ingredients in a 1 pint Ball jar.

Add 1 cup apple cider vinegar.

Cover jar tightly. Shake to combine all ingredients. Make sure all ingredients are covered by the vinegar after shaking. Leave on counter for two to three weeks and shake daily.

After two or three weeks strain through very fine sieve or cheesecloth. Save liquid and toss spices. Using a clean jar pour liquid in and add 1/3 to 1/2 cup honey depending on your taste. (Use local honey if at all possible. There is a reason but to detailed for here.) Mix to combine. Store covered in fridge.

Use 1-3 tsp every 2 hours as needed for colds and flu.

The ingredients are antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antifungal, and immune-stimulating.
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Simple recipe but not as effective. (great for sore throats, minor coughs and laryngitis)

3/4 cup honey

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

enough whiskey to make 1 cup

Heat honey just until warm. Stir in lemon juice until combine. Add whiskey to make one cup. Store covered in fridge. Use 1 oz when needed for relief. (Whiskey can be omitted and it is still effective.) Syrup can be slightly warmed for a more soothing effect or put into a cup of hot tea.