The best encyclopedia on home-made remedies are always the oldest people in a pueblo or village here in Mexico. They possess the knowledge of centuries that was passed from generation to generation. Some are even known for their healing abilities and are often consulted if someone in the pueblo is sick.

I am fortunate enough to know someone who lives in such a pueblo and whose old aunt is willing to share a bit of her knowledge with me.

This is what I was presented with:

Indigineous herbal tea against cough and throat pain 005

Bellow from left to right:

  • Blessed Thistle – It has anti-inflammatory properties, fights viral infections and it is also known to improve digestion.
  • Borraja or Borage – It is known for being effective against fever and pulmonary infections.
  • Eucalyptus – It is known for being an effective expectorant and for its ability to fight cough.
  • Gordolobo or Everlasting – It has been used for centuries in Mexico. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used mostly as an expectorant and an anti coughing agent.

On the second row up we have:

Now for the recipe:

Mexican indigenous Herbal Tea to purify the lungs & fight cough

Serves 2 cups

  • 1/2 a flower of Blessed Thistle
  • 3 leaves & 1 flower of Borage
  • 6 leaves of Eucalyptus
  • 1/2 cup of Everlasting flowers
  • 3 Bougainvillea flowers without the center
  • 2 small pieces of a cinnamon stick
  • 1 l of water
  • 1 tbsp of honey

Wash all the leaves and flowers. Bring water to a boil and add all the leaves, flowers and the pieces of cinnamon stick. Boil in low heat for 10 minutes. Remove the leaves, flowers and the pieces of cinnamon stick by straining the tea with a very fine mesh. Add 1 tbsp of honey and it is ready!

Indigenous herbal tea to purify lungs & fight cough 012a

I was pleasantly surprised by the aroma which had a strong herbal perfume, emanating in particular from the eucalyptus leaves.The taste was nice and sweet.

Maria

Maria

Welcome! Through my photography and my travels, you will discover the people I have encountered and the places that will stay with me forever. In this crazy new reality we seem to be living, it is even more important to be grateful for all the people who have crossed our path and touched us in same way. As for all the old and new stones, they can live in our imaginary for now, waiting, when the time is right again ...

4 Comments

  • Anthony Figueroa says:

    Wow! What a great remedy. Thank you so much for this. I Googled “Te de gordolobo” and This is one of the articles that popped up. I read it and tried the recipe because my throat was very irritated, I had been coughing a lot and my voice had even become raspy. After drinking this tea I fept soothed and relief came fairly quickly. I loved it! Thanks again

  • Robin says:

    Hi,
    I live in Mexico and am familiar with these herbs and their properties. Looks like a great recipe. I wanted you to know that you didn’t list the blessed thistle flower first on the list below the photo, so the names of herbs don’t associate with the order as they appear, they’re one off! Add blessed thistle first and it’ll be in order again.
    Blessings! I just happened upon your site. I am an authentic Indian Cuisine cook and teacher so will check out your site as you love spices, too!

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