Herbal Teas for Coughs

Thyme, Hyssop and Sage:
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried hyssop
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1 cup water, barely boiled

Place the herbs in a teapot. Pour the boiling water over them, cover and steep 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey. Cool a bit and sip slowly in 1-ounce doses as needed (up to 2 cups a day for no more than a few successive days).

Do not use excessively. The tea can be gargled an ounce at a time for topical relief of a scratchy throat. For sipping, combine with plenty of honey for its throat-coating action.

Linden and Licorice:
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon chopped dried licorice root
2 teaspoons dried linden flowers

Bring water to a boil in a glass or stainless steel pan. Add licorice root, reduce heat to medium-high, and simmer 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the linden flowers in a teapot. Pour the unstrained licorice decoction over the linden, cover and steep 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey, if desired. Take in 1/2 cup doses, as needed.

This tea is also good lung medicine. It can be drunk as often as desired during the course of a respiratory illness. NOTE: Licorice tea is not recommended for people prone to high blood pressure, pregnant women, or women with fibroids.