This cough syrup is based on the old pioneer go-to of lemon juice, brandy and honey - or, in some places, maple syrup.

Added to that are herbs with anti-tussive, lung-loving and expectorant properties which have been relied upon down through centuries and across continents.

My herbal cough syrup does contains sugars (honey & maple syrup) and does contain alcohol.

It does not have any preservatives or other chemical nasties.

It also contains:

- Clove *

- Elecampane *

- Ginger Root

- Horopito *

- Liquorice Root *

- Marshmallow Root *

- Mullein *

- Star Anise

- Thyme *

- Wild Cherry Bark *

- Manuka honey

- all natural Sour Cherry Syrup

This cough syrup is suitable from ages 3 and older.

It's not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so for little ones & during pregnancy & lactation, I suggest the Calm A Cough Tea.

Suggested dose is 1-2 tablespoons for adults, up to 4 x daily, and 1-2 teaspoons for children, up to 4 x daily.

* Safety Notes:

During Pregnancy:

Clove B2 -

Elecampane B2

Horopito B2

Licorice Root C

Marshmallow Root B2

Mullein B2

Thyme B2

Wild Cherry B3

Breastfeeding

Clove - Lack of data

Elecampane - Caution. (The sesquiterpene lactones may pass into the milk and upset the baby's stomach).

Horopito - Lack of data

Manuka - Lack of data

Mullein - Lack of data

Wild Cherry Bark - Lack of Data

According the TGA classification system, substances that fall into Category A and B1 are the safest.

B2 means: "taken by a limited number of pregnant women without increase in harmful effects; limited animal studies show no increase in foetal damage"

B3 means: "taken by a limited number of pregnant women without increase in harmful effects; animal studies show increase in foetal damage but the significance of this in humans is uncertain"

C means: "has caused or may be suspected of causing harmful effects (which may be reversible)." In the case of liquorice root, excessive consumption during pregnancy has been associated with causing ADHD in children.

(Categories D and X are the worst & most dangerous - substances that fall into these categories must be avoided.)

'Lack of data' means that based on available data, we don't know.

This information is based on the consumption of these herbs at single therapeutic levels. When they are one of several ingredients in a mixed product (like this herbal cough syrup), the dosage is likely lower. Such herbs as clove and star anise are considered safe during pregnancy at culinary levels.