Pine cough syrup.

[MSkiba]

Not sure if this is common knowlege or not. But I thought I would share with you how we made (anti) cough syrup when I grew up in poland.

In spring , collect a handful of the pine buds. not sure the correct terminology, the little buds/flowers that begin to form on pine tree branches.

simply throw them into a jar, add sugar, and leave for a month or 6.

You will see a golden syrup forming at the bottom. Tastes great and treats coughs and sore throats.

if this is common knolege within bushcraft community I appologise for wasting your time.

 

[Mang]

Sounds worth trying. What sort of tree and what dose?

 

[British Red]

Thats fascinating - I am sitting here right now making elderberry tincture - so I have an interest in herbal remedies.

Is any liquid required for this syrup?

 

[hardr004]

Thats fascinating - I am sitting here right now making elderberry tincture - so I have an interest in herbal remedies.

Is any liquid required for this syrup?

what do you use the tincture for?

 

[British Red]

Its got documented anti viral properties. Sweetened and taken three times a day it is supposed to ward off / reduce duration & severity of coughs and colds.

Either way its fruit booze

 

[Man of Tanith]

didnt know that and definately not a time waste at all. might be something for me to experiment with.
mind you the elderberry tincture sounds interesting too Red

 

[MSkiba]

Hi sorry for late reply.

No liquids needed. just the pine buds and some sugar. We normally got a normal sized jar and filled it a quarter, with buds. we threw in the odd pine needle for kicks. then just add 2 tea spoons of sugar (i dont know the exact measures here) and leave it.

as soon as liquid starts to form at the bottom u can use it. the longer u leave it the more liquid will form.

 

[Man of Tanith]

excellent
thanks very much nice and easy one to try

 

[MSkiba]

Yup, just have to wait till spring however

 

[Man of Tanith]

plenty to keep myself occupied until then and something to look forward to

 

[Mang]

There was an Elderberry cough (brittle type) sweet made on 'Grow your own drugs'. Perhaps a recipe for the tinture Mr Red? (please )

 

[Toddy]

I know this as pine honey, and it's one of the antibacterial decongestants and throat soothers I admit I use more sugar though, I make it like rhubarb, 'just' covered with sugar. It's very good for colds and sinus congestion.
If folks can take liquorice, some fresh root or a tspoonful of tincture added when the honey has seeped, adds a kind of ease to the throat when the cough has been harsh, though the pine itself reduces inflamation.

When out and feeling the onset of a cold or sore throat, even bronchitis, then freshly made, strong, pine tea is very good.
It's perhaps worth noting that the buds are richer tasting than the needles that most of the books rave about.

Thanks for posting your recipe MSkiba

cheers,
Toddy

 

[British Red]

There was an Elderberry cough (brittle type) sweet made on 'Grow your own drugs'. Perhaps a recipe for the tinture Mr Red? (please )

Equal volumes of cheap vodka and ripe elderberries Mang. Then prepare as sloe gin - agitating regularly for 3 months. Sweeten to taste with honey dissolved in water.

Simple, and keeps indefinitely.

Dosage is one tsp four times a day - but clearly not if driving!

 

[MSkiba]

Thanks toddy!! No idea it was called Pine honey, makes sense now i think about it.

I think your right, more sugar is needed than just 2 tea spoons. last time I made it was 1987!

I was out camping this weekend and had the flu big time stylie. Pine tea helped I must say just a shame I was so bunged up I coudnt taste anything

 

[hardr004]

can you please till me the quantities for the syrup