Home made syrup for cough/cold/throat pain

When your really down with cough or common cold or throat pain, this concoction will do magic. Don't worry this will not be bitter but way too spicy.Don't panic if the throat passage has a burning feel after drinking this.Have it possibly 2 or 3 times a day for the cold to subside. Having half glass of this drink before sleep will help in having a sound sleep without nose block.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 1

1. Betel leaves/Vettrilai - 1
2. Tulsi/Basil leaves - 15 leaves
3. Black pepper - 7 or 8 grounded coarsely 
4. Cloves(Lavangam or krambu) - 3 
5. Ginger - 1/2 inch piece grated
6. Lemon or Honey

METHOD:

• Add all the ingredients except the lemon or honey and pour one cup water to this mixture.
• Bring to boil and wait until the mixture reduces to half and switch off the stove.
• Take a masher with which we mash vegetables/greens and mash the mixture along with the water so that the essence of the leaves comes out best.
• Strain the mixture and add few drops of lemon and/or honey . Lemon has vitamin C to fight the infection while honey has soothing properties to soothe the throat passage that has been damaged.Add more honey if you feel the mixture is too spicy.