Horehound Cough Drops

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Place the herbs in a pint of simmering water for 20 minutes over low heat.
2. Strain the liquid into a small bowl, pressing the herbs to express all the "juice." Return the liquid to the pan, adding both sugars.
3. Over a medium flame, boil until the sugar is dissolved.
4. 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.
5. 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.