Medicinal Moonshine: A Prepper’s Remedy for Stubborn Coughs
I sometimes wish I had an old-fashioned gypsy wagon to peddle my own line of medicinal moonshine. Maybe I’d call it “Crazy James’ Snake Oil Wagon of Wonder.” If this whole Survivalpunk gig doesn’t pan out, perhaps that’s my next business venture.
A few weeks ago, I came down with a nasty stomach virus. Just as I started to recover, a sore throat and relentless cough set in. I felt achy, exhausted, and run down. My nose wouldn’t stop running, and each cough rattled my chest like an out-of-tune drum. Flu? Bronchitis? Who knows. I didn’t visit a doctor—I rarely do. I’m no medical expert, and I certainly don’t play one online. All I knew was that the cough wouldn’t let up, and I needed a remedy fast.
That’s when a good friend, far more knowledgeable about herbal remedies (and moonshine) than I am, suggested a dose of the good stuff. Never one to turn down a potential cure involving moonshine, I decided to give it a go. Here’s how medicinal moonshine came to my rescue.
Medicinal Moonshine: The Classic Recipe
After I already concocted my own remedy, my friend texted me her go-to recipe:
- One shot of moonshine
- A spoonful of honey
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Simple, right? I tucked that recipe away for later, but at the time, I found myself Googling moonshine remedies while waiting for her message. I stumbled across a treasure trove of medicinal moonshine recipes. One, labeled as “Pleasant-Tasting Syrup for a Nagging Cough,” caught my eye. Nagging cough? Say no more.
Gathering Ingredients
You’ll only need three key ingredients to make this syrup:
- Moonshine
- Honey
- Lemon
I appreciate a short shopping list. If you can score real moonshine or craft your own, that’s the best option. Living in Tennessee, I figured moonshine wouldn’t be hard to track down. Surprisingly, even here, I couldn’t get my hands on the authentic stuff quickly enough. Thankfully, most liquor stores now sell legal moonshine. It’s not as strong as the underground kind, but it works well in a pinch.
As for honey, I recommend buying local if possible. I picked up a jar of raw honey with the comb still intact. If you can get it straight from a beekeeper, even better. When it comes to lemons, just grab a fresh one. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in Florida with citrus trees in your backyard, the grocery store will suffice.
Crafting the Moonshine Cough Syrup
Here’s the recipe I followed:
- 1/4 cup of moonshine
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
I combined the ingredients in a Pyrex measuring cup and popped it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. After a quick stir, the mixture blended beautifully. I expected a thicker syrup, but it turned out surprisingly smooth.
Pouring the concoction into a coffee cup, I took my first sip. Instantly, I knew this was unlike any store-bought cough syrup I’d ever tasted. The flavor was rich, sweet, and warming. The honey soothed my throat while the moonshine brought a delightful heat that seemed to melt away the scratchiness.
First Impressions and Effectiveness
Let me be clear—this syrup is sweet. I rarely consume sugary foods or drinks, so the honey hit me hard. But I didn’t mind, as the sweetness helped mask the sharpness of the moonshine. The warmth spread through my chest, calming my cough almost immediately.
As for effectiveness, time will tell. After finishing the cup, I felt relaxed and sleepy—always a good sign when you’re sick. The next morning, my throat felt less irritated, and the cough had lessened significantly. I wasn’t cured, but I felt better than I had in days.
Why Medicinal Moonshine Works
Moonshine, honey, and lemon create a trifecta of healing. Here’s why:
- Moonshine (or any high-proof alcohol): Alcohol dilates blood vessels, improving circulation and potentially helping the body fight infections. It also numbs the throat, reducing the urge to cough.
- Honey: A natural antimicrobial, honey coats and soothes the throat. It has been used for centuries as a cough suppressant.
- Lemon: Packed with vitamin C, lemons boost the immune system and help break down mucus. The acidity also cuts through the sweetness of the honey, balancing the flavors.
Tips for Making the Best Medicinal Moonshine
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the moonshine, honey, and lemon, the more effective the remedy.
- Don’t Overdo It: A little goes a long way. Too much alcohol can dehydrate you, making symptoms worse.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any extra syrup in a sealed container at room temperature. Use within a few days.
- Experiment with Additions: Some people add ginger or cinnamon for extra flavor and health benefits.
The Tradition of Medicinal Moonshine
Moonshine has long held a place in Appalachian folk medicine. Families passed down recipes designed to cure everything from colds to aches and pains. During Prohibition, moonshine wasn’t just recreational; it served as a crucial medicinal tool, often the only remedy available to remote communities.
Modern preppers can learn a lot from these old traditions. In a world where supply chains are unpredictable and pharmaceutical drugs may be scarce, knowing how to craft simple, effective remedies from natural ingredients is invaluable.
Prepping for Health: More Than Just Stockpiling
As preppers, we often focus on accumulating food, water, and gear. But health and wellness are just as important. A strong body is better equipped to handle emergencies. Learning how to create remedies like medicinal moonshine adds another skill to your preparedness toolkit.
If you’re new to herbal and home remedies, start simple. Experiment with honey, lemon, and alcohol. Learn to grow herbs like mint, thyme, and chamomile, which also have medicinal properties. Building a small apothecary at home can provide peace of mind and practical benefits.
Final Thoughts
Medicinal moonshine isn’t just a nostalgic folk remedy; it’s a practical, effective way to tackle lingering coughs and colds. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting out, adding this recipe to your repertoire can bring comfort and healing when you need it most.
So, what do you take for a cough? Are you a fan of over-the-counter syrups, doctor visits, or home remedies? Share your thoughts in the comments. And who knows—maybe one day, Crazy James’ Snake Oil Wagon of Wonder will roll through your town, offering a cure in every sip.
