When I think of fall, I think of pumpkin picking, anything apple-cinnamon, cozy sweaters, crisp air and runny noses. I cannot tell you how excited I am, but unfortunately, the beginning of fall is also the beginning of cold and flu season. I don’t always agree with contemporary medicine, and I question antibiotics and flu shots. For that reason, I’d like to offer some natural remedies.

Homemade Cough Syrup

1 Cup of Onion (Chopped)
1 Tbsp of Fresh Cloves (Chopped)
1 Tbsp of Fresh Ginger (Chopped)
¾ Cup of Raw Honey

Add the first three ingredients to a small/medium pot and cover with raw honey. Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes. Strain onions and herbs and pour remaining mixture into an air tight jar. This syrup can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Medicinal Marmalade

2 Lemons (Chopped)
1 Cup of Raw Honey (As Needed)

Chop two lemons and add them to an air tight jar. Pour raw honey into the jar until it covers about 3/4 of the lemons. Seal and refrigerate for at least one week. The lemons will begin to break down, forming a textured honey-lemon marmalade. The longer the mixture sits in the fridge, the smoother the texture will become. When ready, spoon into a teacup and top with your favorite tea. This medicinal marmalade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Medicinal Properties

Onion: Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and congestion relieving
Cloves: Natural pain reliever
Ginger: Increases warmth circulation and boosts the immune system
Raw Honey: Antibacterial, antioxidant and throat soothing
Lemon: Anti-viral and packed with vitamin C to boost the immune system

You can also try adding a spoonful of Coconut Oil to your tea or coffee during cold and flu season. Coconut Oil boosts the immune system with its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal healing properties. You should also keep in mind that an extra spoonful of Cod Liver Oil becomes especially helpful when the temperature begins to drop.

We wish you a happy and healthy fall!