Cough Be Gone Tea

During this recent flu, I had a dry, hacking, painful cough that left me with a sore back, abdomen and chest. The only thing that eased my suffering during this cough was my Cough Be Gone Tea.

I make this up in big batches, because when you need it, you need it NOW and OFTEN.

Cough Be Gone Tea

• 1 part coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
• 1 part plantain Plantago major
• 1 part marshmallow flower Althaea officinalis
• 1 part marshmallow root Althaea officinalis
• 1 part mullein leaf  Verbascum
• 1 part slippery elm powder Ulmus rubra
• 1/2 part iceland moss Cetraria islandica

Grind the herbs in a mortar and pestle or with a juicer or herb grinder.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

1 tablespoon of tea per cup of boiling water, let steep for 5-10 minutes covered.

Dose:  1 cup of tea as needed

Medicinal Actions:

Coltsfoot: Demulcent, expectorant and tonic. One of the most popular of cough remedies.

Plantain: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant. Medical evidence exists to confirm uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bronchitis

Marshmallow:  antitussive, mucilaginous, and antibacterial; helps reduce dry coughing and prevent further irritation

Mullein: demulcent, emollient and astringent properties, relieves the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes

Slippery elm: Demulcent, emollient, expectorant, diuretic, nutritive; the abundant mucilage it contains having wonderfully strengthening and healing qualities

Iceland moss: Demulcent, tonic, and nutritive when deprived of its bitter principle. Excellent in chronic pulmonary troubles, catarrh