Ingredients
- 20 g dried elderberries
- 10 g dried marshmallow root
- 5 g dried or fresh ginger root
- 3 g dried thyme
- 60 ml local raw honey
- 60 ml gelatin (or substitute for agar at same volume)
- 350 ml filtered water
- Silicon moulds or baking paper
- Dusting of marshmallow root powder
Method
- Combine the herbal ingredients and the water into a saucepan and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes.
- The liquid will have reduced slightly to roughly 250 ml. Strain the mixture.
- Add the honey and gelatin/ agar and stir until dissolved.
- Place 5–10 ml (1–2 tsp) per lozenge into silicone moulds or gently drop onto baking paper.
- Leave to cool and set. Placing them in the fridge can accelerate this process.
- Once the lozenges have set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
This editorial draft organizes preparation facts extracted from 1 research source. It is not ready for publication until every quantity, step and safety note has been checked against the linked source trail.
Preparation overview
A syrup or herbal honey combines a prepared liquid or plant material with a sweetener. Concentration, heating, storage and age-related honey restrictions must be checked carefully.
At a glance
- Prep: 1 hour
- Yield: 30 – 40 lozenges
Storage and shelf life
- Lozenges should be stored out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dark place (ideally in the fridge to extend the shelf life).
- They will last for up to six months if stored in the fridge, or three months in a cupboard. Check before using and discard them if they show signs of mould or decay.
- Medicinal benefits of herbs in cough lozenges
- Elderberry is a potent antioxidant, rich in anthocyanins with an additional antiviral effect. Elderberry inhibits viral replication and increases the production of antibodies whilst also modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines to help protect and recover from viral infections (3).
- Marshmallow is rich in mucilage which is anti-inflammatory and offers protective and soothing effects on mucous membranes in the throat and respiratory system. It forms a protective layer which helps to calm irritation and the cough reflex (4).
- Thyme is rich in volatile oils, thyme also has antispasmodic actions specific to the bronchial tubes, helping to relieve coughs, bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. It is also an expectorant and helps to reduce mucus, whilst also exhibiting antiviral properties (2,5).
Safety review
- This automated research draft must be checked against every linked source before publication.
- Do not give honey to children under 12 months.
- Review food allergens, contamination controls and storage life before use.
Editorial verification checklist
- Confirm plant identity, plant part and preparation form.
- Verify every quantity, ratio, temperature and duration against the primary source.
- Check allergies, pregnancy, childhood use, medicine interactions and route of administration.
- Rewrite explanatory prose in the site’s own editorial voice and attach claim-level citations before publication.
!
Pause before using
- This automated research draft must be checked against every linked source before publication.
- Do not give honey to children under 12 months.
- Review food allergens, contamination controls and storage life before use.
Editorial standard
Useful data, visible limits.
This note is compiled into an original HHT format. Imported research lineage remains stored internally for deduplication, correction and audit, while the public page focuses on the preparation, safety boundaries and independent evidence references.
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