Super Medicinal Plants

Thyme honey probably wouldn't be considered the strongest remedy for coughs and colds, but it is one of the better tasting. To make the honey: Fill a widemouthed glass jar half full of fresh thyme leaves and flowers. Gently warm a batch of raw, unpasteurized honey, so that it will better extract the properties of the thyme. Do not overheat or boil; heat over 110°F will kill the honey's enzymes and destroy its medicinal benefit. Add enough honey to the jar to cover the herbs, and place the jar in a warm spot (near a sunny window will work). Let steep for approximately 2 weeks.(You could also use a slow cooker set to 100°F. It will take only a few hours of constant warm heat to make a strong medicinal honey.) When the honey taste and smells strongly of thyme, it's finished. You can leave the tiny thyme leaves in the honey. Bottle and store in a cool pantry or in the refrigerator, where the honey will keep for several months. To use: Use by the teaspoonful. E...

This is one favorite syrups for treating coughs, colds, and chest complains. 2 - 4 onces thyme leaf and flower. (fresh is best but dried will do)  1 quart water 1 cup honey To make the syrup: Combine the thyme and water in a pan over very low heat.Simmer lightly,with the lid ajar to allow the steam to escape, until the liquid is reduced by half, giving you about 2 cups of strong thyme tea. Strain, and compost the spent herbs. Add the honey to the warm liquid and stir, just until the honey is melted.Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator, where the honey will keep for 3 to 4 weeks. To use: Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon every couple off hours until the cold or cough subsides. Variation:   For a longer shelf life, add 1/4 cup of brandy to each cup of syrup. Brandy not only is a good preservative but also serves as an antispasmodic and will help relax the throat muscles, which is helpful in treating a cough. If you want more information about the thyme as h...