Natural Expectorant Syrup With Oregano, Thyme And Honey

At the first symptoms of a cold or flu, we can make a natural expectorant syrup.  The recipe is very simple and its ingredients are easy to find.

We want to explain to you how to benefit from the expectorant virtues of three medicinal ingredients, oregano, thyme and honey, with this homemade medicinal syrup. 

Do you need an expectorant syrup?

We know that we need an expectorant syrup when we feel a build-up of mucus. It is what causes nasal congestion or coughing and, in addition, it can be one of the first symptoms of a cold, colds or flu.

Some natural remedies such as  this syrup help us to thin the mucus and facilitate its expulsion, while allowing us to breathe better.

It is important to carry out adequate treatment at the first symptoms to prevent mucus from accumulating in the bronchi and aggravating the state of health. This syrup is also very effective for people who cough at night, so it helps to rest better.

Properties of this natural and homemade syrup

If we opt for a natural syrup we can buy it, or make it at home ourselves. In this way, in addition to reducing the cost, we can also choose the ingredients we need for our case.

With natural syrups we also reduce the risks of conventional syrups, since all of them warn of possible side effects.

We will always use cane sugar or honey. In addition to adding sweetness and improving its flavor, they will act as natural preservatives. Even so, we must always keep the syrups in the fridge.

Properties of oregano

Oregano is well known as a culinary aromatic herb to flavor, especially, dishes such as pasta or pizza. However, it has very interesting properties.

• In natural medicine it stands out for its expectorant, digestive and antioxidant properties.
• It is an excellent ingredient for all types of respiratory diseases since, in addition to helping us expel mucus, it is also anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
•  In cases of mild fever it can also help us reduce it.

Thyme properties

Thyme is one of the most common medicinal plants in grandmother’s medicine cabinets, as it was a remedy for many minor ailments.

• This medicinal plant is expectorant and mucolytic, two essential virtues in any respiratory disorder.

• It also stands out for its antimicrobial, antiseptic and anticatarrhal properties.
• It is an excellent tonic and energizer in all senses, physical, mental and emotional, very suitable to recover well from any illness.
• Thyme infusion gargles are also an effective remedy for throat disorders such as laryngitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis. It is also used for irritating coughs.

Properties of honey

To make this expectorant syrup we will use a good quality honey, a very nutritious and natural food, rich in vitamins and minerals: 

• It helps us to better preserve this syrup.
• Sweetens more than sugar and improves flavor.
• It is a natural antibiotic.
• It has softening and antiseptic properties that help alleviate any disorder that affects the throat.

• It produces two very beneficial effects simultaneously, since it tones and relaxes us at the same time.
• Calms the cough and improves asthmatic attacks.

There are many varieties of honey. For this syrup we recommend the milflores or the eucalyptus, although all will be effective.

How to make the expectorant syrup

Now, we are going to see in detail how to make this syrup that will help us relieve that annoying congestion.  With the following amounts we will have for a maximum of 15 days. If we have left over later, it is convenient to discard it and prepare it again.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons of oregano, preferably fresh (50 g)
• 5 tablespoons thyme, preferably fresh (50 g)
• 8 tablespoons of honey (200 g)
• Two and a half glasses of water (450 ml)

Elaboration

To make this syrup we will follow the following steps:

• We will heat the water together with the oregano and thyme over a low heat.

• When it comes to a boil, let it boil for 15 minutes and strain the decoction.
• We will return to cook the already strained liquid together with the honey, over a low heat for 20 minutes.
• We will turn off the fire and let it cool down.

How is it taken?

The way to take this expectorant syrup will depend on our state of health :

• As a preventive: one tablespoon every morning on an empty stomach.
• At the first symptoms of mucus: a tablespoon half an hour before meals.
• If we suffer from coughing attacks at night due to mucus: a tablespoon every night before going to bed.

You have already seen, this expectorant syrup is very simple to make, but its effects can relieve you significantly, especially at night. If you start to notice discomfort, do not hesitate to take it.