When the winter chill sets in and coughs and sore throats become an unwanted companion, we often turn to store-bought remedies. But what if you could prepare a natural, chemical-free alternative at home in just 10 minutes? Chef Neha Deepak Shah recently shared a simple recipe for homemade ginger cough drops on Instagram, and it’s a game-changer. With just two natural ingredients, you can make these effective little candies that are not only soothing but also delicious.
Also read: Ayurveda’s top winter foods for your diet this season
How to make homemade cough medicine I Ginger Cough Drops Recipe:
Take:
- 1 cup jaggery (unprocessed cane sugar that is rich in minerals)
- 1/4 cup ginger juice (a natural remedy for cold, cough and throat irritation)
These two ingredients together make a powerful mixture. Jaggery acts as the base, providing sweetness and helping to soothe the sore throat. Ginger juice, on the other hand, adds its medicinal properties, which is known to tackle inflammation, soothe the throat and relieve cough symptoms.
Cooking Process:
These cough drops are very easy to make. Here’s how you do it:
Mix the ingredients:
– Mix jaggery and ginger juice in a heavy bottom pan. Make sure the pan is on low to medium flame to avoid burning the jaggery.
Cook the mixture:
– Keep stirring the mixture continuously for 10-12 minutes. As the jaggery melts, bubbles will start forming in it and it will start thickening.
Test for Consistency:
The key to perfect cough drops lies in the consistency of the mixture. To test this, pour a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it sets immediately and breaks like glass when tried to break, it is ready. If it’s flexible or stretchy, cook another minute or two and test again.
Set drops:
Once the mixture reaches the right consistency, pour it into a silicone or metal mold. If you don’t have a mould, you can use a greased tray and cut it into small pieces once it sets.
Cold and Dust:
Allow the cough drops to cool completely. To prevent them from sticking together, lightly sprinkle cornflour on them. This step also ensures that they remain fresh for a longer period of time.
Also read: Home Remedies for Stomach Pain: 5 Foods for Good Digestion
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How to store Ginger Cough Drop:
Put cough drops in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. They will stay for weeks, ready to provide relief whenever needed.
Also read: Natural Remedies: 7 Home Remedies for Dry Throat
Chef Neha’s special advice:
Always use silicone or metal molds to set cough drops, as they withstand high heat.
Make sure the mixture is at the right consistency before freezing; Otherwise, the drops will not be able to harden properly.
Why choose homemade products?
These ginger cough drops are free of processed sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives. They are completely natural remedies that can be a healthy alternative to store-bought options. With just jaggery and ginger juice, you can make a soothing remedy that is equally good for your taste buds as well as your throat.
