They began to use sugar for coughs a long time ago, this remedy was used by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Over time, it was replaced by pharmacological drugs. Today, lollipops and lozenges are sold in every pharmacy. But it is worth noting that the long-familiar recipe was undeservedly forgotten, because granulated sugar that has undergone heat treatment perfectly helps to fight diseases accompanied by coughing.
Action of the remedy
Many are surprised that sugar in general can be useful for the body, because we are warned everywhere that we need to limit its use. Indeed, plain white granulated sugar is a net carbohydrate that is deposited in the liver and other internal organs, triggering weight gain. However, when this product is heat treated, its nutritional value increases significantly. If sugar is burned, not only its appearance will change, but also its molecular structure. Exposure to high temperatures turns granulated sugar into a real panacea for a sore throat.
Burnt sugar from a cough helps to get rid of it quite quickly and effectively. The agent has a mild effect on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Its main advantage is sputum dilution.
The product also has the following properties:
- softens;
- envelops the mucous membranes;
- relieves pain syndrome;
- eliminates perspiration.
What Diseases Can Be Treated With Burnt Sugar?
There are two types of coughs: wet and dry. A wet cough is a normal reaction of the body to the presence of foreign bodies, viruses, and bacteria in the airways. Reflex spasm helps to get rid of them, together with sputum, all pathogenic organisms leave the bronchi and lungs. It is not necessary to interfere with this process, since the rapid discharge of mucus promotes recovery.
Another thing is if the patient is tormented by a tearful dry cough. It does not bring any relief, since phlegm is not secreted, the attacks can be so severe that nausea and sometimes vomiting appear. To improve the situation, you need to stimulate the passage of mucus from the respiratory tract as soon as possible. For this, special expectorant and sputum-thinning drugs, including sugar, are used. It will be effective when:
- sore throat;
- laryngitis;
- tracheitis;
- bronchitis.
Methods for preparing a medicinal product
You can use burnt cough sugar in the form of lozenges, syrups and medicinal mixtures. Heat-treated granulated sugar is often mixed with other cough-stimulating products. The additives give the medicine a pleasant taste and aroma, which is especially appreciated by children, and make it even more effective. Consider the most popular methods for preparing cough remedies.
- Classic lollipops. To prepare such a product, you need to pour granulated sugar into a tablespoon and hold it over an open fire. The sugar should turn brown, develop a distinct caramel flavor, and melt completely. After the product is ready, remove it from the heat and leave it to cool in a spoon. After hardening, the lollipop is easily removed.
With the addition of milk. The combination of milk and burnt sugar will enhance the healing effect and improve the taste of the product. To prepare it, we need 2 cups of milk, which should be boiled in an enamel saucepan. Add sugar to milk, its amount should not exceed the amount of liquid. Cook everything over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mass becomes stringy. Pour the finished mixture into molds greased with sunflower oil.- With water and lemon juice. Lemon juice contains a lot of vitamin C, it perfectly disinfects mucous membranes and helps to cope with attacks of dry cough. To make a drink, take a spoonful of sugar, melt in a saucepan, add the juice of half a lemon and a glass of boiled water. Drink the finished cocktail in small sips.
- Onion syrup. To prepare this remedy, we need 1 onion. It needs to be peeled, finely chopped and squeezed out. Pour a glass of warm boiled water and onion juice into the melted sugar, mix everything thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is formed. It is recommended to use the syrup 1 teaspoon every 30 minutes.
- Herbal drink. We take 1 tablespoon of dried herb of thyme and coltsfoot, pour water and simmer in a steam bath for 15 minutes. Strain the finished broth and add a tablespoon of burnt sugar to it, mix. We take it 2 times a day after meals. For adults, a single dose is half a glass, for children 12-14 years old - a quarter glass, 3-12 years old - 2 tablespoons.
Syrup with the addition of vodka. Pour 9 tablespoons of sugar into a large non-stick skillet until it melts. Then pour in 1 cup of boiled cold water, mix thoroughly, remove the mixture from heat. When the syrup has cooled, add 20 ml of vodka to it. You need to use the product 25 ml every 2 hours. For children, pregnant and lactating women, patients who are taking potent drugs, this method of treatment is contraindicated.- Sugar with butter. We use granulated sugar and high-fat butter with enveloping, thinning, pain-relieving properties in a 1: 1 ratio. Place the mixture of ingredients in a frying pan or saucepan and keep on fire until it melts. You can't let the medicine boil. Pour the finished caramel into molds and refrigerate.
With the addition of milk. The combination of milk and burnt sugar will enhance the healing effect and improve the taste of the product. To prepare it, we need 2 cups of milk, which should be boiled in an enamel saucepan. Add sugar to milk, its amount should not exceed the amount of liquid. Cook everything over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mass becomes stringy. Pour the finished mixture into molds greased with sunflower oil.
Syrup with the addition of vodka. Pour 9 tablespoons of sugar into a large non-stick skillet until it melts. Then pour in 1 cup of boiled cold water, mix thoroughly, remove the mixture from heat. When the syrup has cooled, add 20 ml of vodka to it. You need to use the product 25 ml every 2 hours. For children, pregnant and lactating women, patients who are taking potent drugs, this method of treatment is contraindicated.Cooking nuances
When preparing drinks, syrups and hard candies, it is very important not to over-burn the sugar. The caramel should be golden brown in color and have a pleasant aroma. If the drug turns black, you can discard it. Prolonged exposure to temperature makes the product completely useless and tasteless.
Be careful when adding new ingredients. In some cases, they can cause allergic reactions. Honey and citrus fruits should be used with extreme caution. All burnt sugar drinks are best consumed immediately. Do not cook them for future use, because the caramel will thicken as the liquid cools and separate from it.
Features of use
Doctors recommend taking products based on burnt sugar only during a period of severe exacerbation of the cough. When symptoms disappear, use of the sweet medicine should be discontinued. To avoid unpleasant side effects, do not exceed the dosage. You can dissolve no more than 3 lozenges per day, and drink the mixture and drinks strictly according to the specified scheme.
After each use of the remedy, it is necessary to rinse the oral cavity well with clean water, since sugar has a detrimental effect on the tooth enamel. Overweight people should assess the risks before consuming medicines that are high in simple carbohydrates. Taking medications from burnt sugar is prohibited when:
- diabetes mellitus;
- obesity;
- children under 3 years of age.
Drawing conclusions
It is advisable to take burnt sugar for dry cough only in cases where the remedies are likely to have a positive effect. This method of treatment should be discussed with your doctor to make sure there are no contraindications and to prevent side effects. Also, do not forget that potions, lollipops and syrups prepared according to folk recipes cannot become a full-fledged substitute for drug therapy. Get treatment on time and take care of your health!
