Horehound Cough Drops

4 handsful fresh or frozen horehound leaves or
    2 handsful dried leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed aniseed, fennel seeds or licorice root tea
3 crushed cardamom seeds
12 ounces granulated sugar
12 ounces brown sugar
1 pint water
1 bowl ice cold water

Place the herbs in a pint of simmering water for 20 minutes on low heat.

Strain the liquid into a small bowl, pressing the herbs to express all the "juice." Return the liquid to the pan, adding both sugars.

Over a medium flame, boil until the sugar is dissolved.

To make the drops: drop 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture, which should be a syrup, into the cold water. When the syrup hardens, immediately add the syrup in 1/2 quantities to the cold water, removing immediately with a slotted spoon. Wrap individual drops in 2 inch squares of wax paper, twisted at each end, until ready to use. Keep refrigerated until needed, then suck on the drops and let their soothing qualities calm a sore throat or stuffy nose.

CAUTION: Do not use more than 12 drops in one day as diarrhea may occur. Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure.