Herbalism: Onion Syrup

You can make a powerful, and famous, herbal medicine with two ingredients you might already have in your kitchen: an onion, and some honey. Chances are that your great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother knew and used this recipe in their homes.

Dice a medium onion of any kind (a red onion was used in the photograph, above). Add half of it to a pint jar (16 liquid ounces or 2 cups). Pour honey (raw honey, if you have it) over the half of the onion. Stir it around a bit with a spoon to get the honey into all the small crevices. Then add the other half of the onion to the jar. Fill to the brim with more honey. Lid the jar, preferably with a plastic lid. You can do the whole process in a bowl with a cover, if you prefer. If using a jar, "burp" the jar once a day by loosening the lid a bit, to allow any gases to escape. Do this once a day for a week, at least. Feel free to turn the jar upside down once a day, so that the honey will evenly distribute through the chopped onions.

The next day, you will have Onion Syrup. There is no need to strain it, unless you want to (keep the honeyed onions to add on top of rice, mashed potatoes, or cooked vegetables). The syrup has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antiseptic, antiviral, and antispasmodic properties. Take a teaspoon (with or without onions) as needed for coughs, spastic coughs, breathing troubles, or asthma. For bronchitis, colds, flu, or pneumonia, take a teaspoon every three hours throughout the day. For cuts and wounds, apply some of the syrup to the afflicted place before bandaging.

If you plan on being a naughty or lazy Witch this coming autumn, and are of a mind to skip making your winter medicines, we advise you at least to stock up on a couple of jars of raw honey and to put a bag of onions in your root cellar. If you, or another of your household, falls ill this winter, this famous medicinal syrup can be made within 24 hours.

YOUTHFUL WARRIOR,
CHILD OF THE ANCIENTS,
RESTORE ME
TO PERFECT HEALTH.


*** Blessed be to those who serve the Great Mother and the Horned Father.

* Copyright to Coven Rochester