How To Make Horehound Cough Drops At Home + A Step-By-Step Guide

Native to Asia and Europe, horehound has been traditionally used to treat various health issues, especially respiratory problems.

It contains a powerful expectorant which makes people with severe coughs expel mucus that clogs the airways.

As cold winter approaches viral fevers are unavoidable. Hence, keep this recipe handy as you might need it at any time.

Ingredients To Prepare Horehound Cough Drops

• 1 ¼ cup boiling water
• 2 cups of organic cane sugar
• 50 grams of dried horehound
• 1/3 tsp. cream of tartar

Instructions To Make Horehound Cough Drops

• Place the dried horehound into a (non-plastic) mixing bowl.
• Pour boiling water over the dried herb, cover and steep for 30 minutes.
• Strain the infusion into a heavy saucepan, pressing to extract all the liquid you can.
• Over low heat, add the sugar and cream of tartar and stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved.
• Cover the pan and let cook at low heat for 3-4 minutes or until steam has melted any sugar crystals clinging to the pan.
• Remove the lid and cook the mixture without stirring over high heat until a candy thermometer reads 149°C (300°F) – or until drops form brittle threads in ice water – immediately remove from heat.
• Brush a baking sheet with olive oil and slowly pour the mixture onto the sheet. As it sets, score it with a sharp knife. Cut along the lines when it is cooled and brittle.
• Store pieces in an airtight container.
• If your mixture does not harden – store the syrup in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry location. Use within 4 months – if not needed, then discard.

(Recipe credit: thewildharvestinitiative.com)