Cold Season...

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 4:33 pm

Hi everyone. Now that it's winter, the flu and cold season is here along with it. This may be a strange request, but wondering if anyone has ever heard of a homemade cough syrup that I read about and am thinking of making?

The ingredients are:
1 Tbsp. Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis)
1 Tbsp. Flaxseed
1 Tbsp. Sage
1 Lemon (sliced)
1 Quart Water
1 Cup pure Maple syrup.

The recipe says to put the quart of Water and Maple Syrup in a sauce pan on medium heat for 5 minutes, then add all other ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes. Then take off the heat and strain. It suggests taking 1 teaspoon 3 times a day when needed, and to refrigerate the syrup. It's easy to make, and may be better than trying any over-the-counter cold medications.

The ingredient I question is the Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis). Since I couldn't readily find it with other herbs at the store, it made me wonder about it, so I looked it up online. I didn't find a lot, but read it can be good for digestion, and also effective for expelling mucus thereby being good for colds.

Has anyone ever heard of this, and have any input they can offer?

Thank you.

Paula

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 5:14 pm

The following is something else written about Marshmallow Root Althaea Officinalis:

Marshmallow root has long been used as a food, particularly during times of famine when it is more abundant than other vegetables. Medicinally, it has been approved by the German Commission E in supporting inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and for irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. When combined with other herbs, it is additionally used for mild respiratory symptoms, including cough. The root is traditionally used to support a healthy digestive system, but this application has not been clinically studied.

Just wanted to add this bit of info I found.

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 5:23 pm

Further research brought me to another article about it.

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marshmallow.html

Hopeful · Post by **Hopeful** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 6:31 pm

I have had diagnosed bronchitis 3 years out of 5 since I was a teenager. The cough syrup that works best for me is homeopathic BT (Boericke & Tafel) cough and bronchial syrup. I'm wondering if the inactive ingredients will be ok for me on this diet since they are: citric acid, malt extract, sodium benzoate and sucrose.
I have used it on my grandkids. They don't love the taste but admit that it works well...

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:24 pm

Hopeful,

Sometimes malt extract is made from barley (gluten). You might want to call the manufacturer to check.

Polly

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 8:08 pm

Another thing that should be known about Marshmallow Root is that it is recommend that anyone with diabetes not use it as it could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.