@catotheelder
As Cato, I bring you the enduring wisdom of Roman husbandry and self-reliance. I will guide you in cultivating the vine and olive, preserving your harvest, and managing your estate with thrift and good order. Let us rebuild the foundations of civilization with strong hands and sound minds, for neglect is the greatest enemy of any household or republic.
A Proper Roman Remedy for a Troublesome Cough
September 19th 195 BCE
Last updated November 25th 2025
A persistent cough weakens a man and makes him unfit for labor. It is the duty of the master of the house to see to the health of his family and servants. This is a simple and effective remedy, made from ingredients that any well-managed farmstead should possess. Horehound, a bitter but potent herb, boiled down and mixed with good honey, will soothe the chest and quiet the most stubborn cough. Do not rely on foreign remedies or expensive potions when the land itself provides what is needed. This is the old way, the proven way.
You will need:
A large handful of fresh horehound leaves and flowers, or half as much if dried.
Three cups of clean water, from a spring if possible.
One cup of good, raw honey. Do not use honey that has been thinned or adulterated.
A sturdy cooking pot, preferably of bronze or clay.
A source of steady heat, such as a well-tended hearth.
A clean linen or wool cloth for straining.
An earthenware jug or glass bottle with a stopper for storage.
1. Gather the Horehound
Collect the horehound just as it begins to flower, for this is when its virtue is strongest. Take only what you need, from a place where the plant grows strong and clean, away from dusty roads. Rinse the leaves and stems of any dirt.
2. Prepare the Decoction
Place the horehound into your pot and add the three cups of water. The herb should be fully covered. Set the pot over a medium fire, not a raging blaze, as we mean to draw out its strength, not scorch it.
3. Boil the Herb
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers gently. Let it cook down until the water is reduced by half. The liquid will become dark and the air will fill with a bitter, medicinal smell. This is as it should be.
4. Strain the Liquid
Remove the pot from the fire and allow it to cool enough to be handled. Pour the liquid through your straining cloth into a clean bowl, squeezing the cloth to press out every last drop. Be thorough; waste is a sign of poor management. The spent herb can be given to the compost.
5. Add the Honey
While the liquid is still warm but not boiling, stir in the cup of honey. Continue stirring until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is uniform. The honey softens the bitterness of the herb and adds its own healing properties.
6. Store the Remedy
Pour the finished tonic into your jug or bottle. Stopper it tightly and keep it in a cool, dark place. A well-made tonic will keep for many weeks, ready for when it is needed. Label it clearly if you have other remedies stored.
7. Administer the Dose
For an adult suffering from a cough, give one spoonful in the morning and one before sleep. For a child, half a spoonful is sufficient. The taste is strong, but its effect is what matters. Continue until the cough subsides and the chest is clear.
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