FIRESTONE, Colo., March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This winter has been one for the books for most Americans, with blistering cold and record snow. With the cold comes throngs of people feeling under the weather, experiencing scratchy throats, nagging coughs and colds. If this sounds all too familiar and you are seeking quick, soothing relief, it can be as easy as reaching into your pantry.

For centuries, honey has been a proven remedy to alleviate and soothe the irritation of a cough. Being a natural cough suppressant, honey offers an effective way to get relief from pesky illness-related symptoms. And when paired with other proven natural ingredients that complement honey’s qualities, this holistic approach to soothing ailments is also great for the body in the long run, according to certified holistic and well-being expert, Nataly Valenzuela.

“As a holistic living counselor, I take pride in educating my clients and helping them learn the value of leading a natural lifestyle. This is especially true when they get sick,” says Valenzuela, who is also known throughout Southern California as a dynamic TV and radio personality. “The most common ingredient I remind people to keep in their kitchen is honey. It’s at the very top of my ‘go-to’ list as a natural soother for scratchy throats because it can serve as a substitute for any quick over-the-counter cough suppressant for adults and children over the age of one. Best of all, honey is readily available, economical and tastes delicious.”    

Valenzuela’s palate-pleasing DIY natural remedies sound like confections from a candy store: fragrant vanilla, tart yet energizing citrus juices, refreshing herbs like mint or warm cinnamon and cloves. All of these ingredients are filled with their own unique, soothing properties and when combined with nature’s sweetener, they create a wide array of delightful drops, pops, and lozenges to ease a hacking cough. However, remember to consult your physician if symptoms persist for more than two or three days.

Among Valenzuela’s fast-acting holistic honey soothers featured on www.mielpura.org are:

Cinnamon-Honey Lozenges

Makes 8-10

Ingredients:

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation:

Add coconut oil into a mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until it’s whipped. If you don’t have a hand mixer, you can use a whisk instead, making sure to move at a fast pace to obtain the desired texture. Add the honey and continue to whip until the honey and oil are well incorporated. Begin adding cinnamon and continue to mix. Once thoroughly combined, pour the mixture into silicone candy molds and freeze for about 20 minutes. Once frozen, you can wrap them up individually using small squares of wax paper and store in the refrigerator.

*Candies must remain refrigerated.

Kicked-Up Honey Relief

Makes 8-10

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Preparation:

Place water in a saucepan on medium heat. Add the honey and stir frequently to avoid burning. After approximately 15 – 20 minutes and as the temperature gets closer to 300 degrees (use a candy thermometer if you have one) add the cayenne pepper and continue stirring. When the mixture reaches 300 degrees, remove from heat and pour into silicone candy molds or carefully drop by the tablespoonful onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool and harden at room temperature. Once set, you can wrap them up individually using small squares of wax paper and store them at room temperature.

For other soothing honey recipes and information about honey as a natural holistic remedy, visit www.mielpura.org. 

About the National Honey Board

The National Honey Board is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that works to educate consumers about the benefits and uses for honey and honey products through research, marketing and promotional programs.