Old Fashioned Cough Medicine
Ingredients
- Honey
- Whiskey
- Lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Use equal parts of each ingredient (typically 1 tablespoon each for one dose).
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small glass or mug.
- Add honey and whiskey in equal amounts.
- Mix and stir well until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Sip slowly to coat the throat. Can be taken at room temperature or warmed slightly.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: How much should I take at once?
A: Typically 1 tablespoon of each ingredient (3 tablespoons total) makes one dose for an adult. This isn't medicine in the medical sense - it's a folk remedy to soothe symptoms and help you rest.
Q: Can I give this to children?
A: No, this remedy contains alcohol and should only be used by adults. For children, use honey and lemon in warm water or tea instead, and consult a pediatrician for proper cough remedies.
Tips and Techniques
You can warm this mixture slightly in the microwave (15-20 seconds) to make it more soothing, but don’t boil it or you’ll cook off the whiskey. The honey may take a bit of stirring to dissolve completely - warming helps with this.
Ingredient Substitutions
- whiskey: bourbon or brandy
- fresh lemon: bottled lemon juice
Equipment Needed
- Small glass or mug
- Spoon for stirring
Historical Context
Before the advent of commercial cough medicines, Southern mothers kept whiskey in the cabinet specifically for medicinal purposes. This remedy was considered respectable even in dry counties, as it was ‘for health.’ The combination of honey’s antibacterial properties, lemon’s vitamin C, and whiskey’s sedative effect made it a staple cold remedy.
