This mama has had a rough week.
After a long week of stomach virus woes in the Buckley household, I thought we were all on the mend – and then I woke up with a very sore throat. Whenever we are dealing with a sore throat, I make this quick and simple recipe that’s proven to make your symptoms subside faster.
Sore throats are caused by bacterial or viral infections that cause inflammation of the membranes in our throat tonsils. They’re very common and often uncomfortable with symptoms of dryness, itchiness, difficulty swallowing, and pain. And is there anything worse than when these symptoms accompany an uncontrollable cough? Me thinks not.
One of the best treatments for a deep cough + sore throat is right in your kitchen cabinet. But you probably already knew that! Many families use honey to ward off colds and sore throats because it’s use is proven to help these symptoms. In clinical studies, honey was as effective as a commonly used cough suppressant ingredient, dextromethorphan, which is found in typical over-the-counter cough medicine. Source. Honey is usually readily available and delicious, so why not give it a shot?
Another alternative to over the counter or prescription medicine for colds and sore throats is elderberry syrup. I personally don’t have elderberries in my region, but I long for the day when I can make my own homemade syrup. The elderberry supplement drops I used are not currently available on amazon, so I’d recommend these by another trusted brand we love. If you have your own elderberry syrup, please go ahead and use that! I find elderberry to be an enjoyable immunity-boosting enhancement in these honey spoons. When you’re down you need all of the extra soothing properties. Am I right?
I don’t know about you, but when I’m under the weather, I always boil some water and sip on tea all throughout the day. And although honey is sweet and delicious, I don’t enjoy eating it by the spoonful. So I pop one of these spoons in my tea, let it dissolve while my tea steeps. And my kids like to eat them like lollies. Please note: due to the risk of infant botulism, a severe but rare form of food poisoning, you should never give honey to a child younger than a year old.
Prepare popsicle sticks or lolly pop sticks over parchment paper or on a spoon mold (I use spoon mold)
Put your honey in a double boiler place over boiling water in a small saucepan
Stir constantly until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (use a candy thermometer)
Remove from heat and add your elderberry syrup, and stir until completely combined
Quickly pour into the top of your spoon mold, or gently drop in a circle shape over the top of your lollipop or popsicle stick, to encompass the top of the stick.
Let solidify at room temperature, or move to the fridge for at least one hour.
Gently remove from parchment paper, or easily "pop" out from your mold.
Lollies will dissolve easily in hot water.
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare popsicle sticks or lolly pop sticks over parchment paper or on a spoon mold (I use spoon mold)
Put your honey in a double boiler place over boiling water in a small saucepan
Stir constantly until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (use a candy thermometer)
Remove from heat and add your elderberry syrup, and stir until completely combined
Quickly pour into the top of your spoon mold, or gently drop in a circle shape over the top of your lollipop or popsicle stick, to encompass the top of the stick.
Let solidify at room temperature, or move to the fridge for at least one hour.
Gently remove from parchment paper, or easily "pop" out from your mold.
Lollies will dissolve easily in hot water.
While I hope you make and enjoy these honey lollies or tea spoons, I do not hope that you are under the weather now or anytime soon. If you are, feel better soon!
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