As fall comes around to us again with it’s cooler days, and for children, the start of school, quite often colds and flu’s start to go around. I like to be prepared with my assortment of home remedies that make a mild cold a little less unpleasant. This is one of my favourites – it tastes okay and it works. It comes from a shrub by the name of Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry.

Chokecherry is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 8 m tall, has white flowers and purplish-red to black berries. The berries can be eaten raw, but are much tastier when dried. However, eating large amounts of the uncooked berries (even dried) can cause nausea. An infusion of the inner bark is effective at easing coughs, but is fairly strong tasting, which is why it wasn’t used in my recipe. Should you want to add it, infusions are usually done 1:5 (1 part herb to 5 parts liquid) and can be added with the berries while boiling.
*note: the leaves of chokecherry are considered poisonous due to high concentrations of hydrocyanic acid

Take however many chokecherries you have harvested and/or want to use, and put them in a pot. Add water to cover the berries, and ˝ to 1 c. green plantain seed tops per litre (or marshmallow root) and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered for 30 – 45mins, allow to cool slightly and strain liquid. If you have too much liquid or want to make a stronger remedy, continue to simmer until liquid reaches the desired volume. Add honey 2:1 (if you have 1 litre liquid, add 500 ml honey), and essential oils of ravensara, myrrh, and juniper at 2% (if you have 500ml liquid, add 10 ml oil) (I suggest a blend of 50% juniper, 30% ravensara, 20% myrrh).

Depending on how strong you made your concentration (standard is 1:2 – if you started with 1 cup of berries, you should end up with 2 cups of liquid, unless you want to make a stronger remedy) take anywhere from a teaspoon or two to a tablespoon when a sore throat needs soothing. ˝ to 1 teaspoon would be good for younger children (depending on their size), and do not use on children under 3 (unless you leave the essential oils out – but the shelf life isn’t as long). Will keep about 6 months un-refrigerated and a year (at least) in the fridge.

You can also substitute black currants instead of chokecherries.

Written by Heather Halls