Written by Kate Tietje
In 2014, I noticed a very odd-looking rash on my 4-year-old son’s legs, which he was scratching. I asked him what it was — he didn’t know.
While I frantically began googling this strange rash, wondering about all the various (possibly bad) things that it could be, he went upstairs to show my husband. My husband recognized it immediately and told me — “It’s poison ivy!”
Oh.
It is not dangerous and contagious, but it is very itchy and annoying for a few days. My husband is very allergic to poison ivy, and it seems our oldest son is, as well. He’s gotten it twice this summer, and the second time, his face swelled up. He was extremely itchy both times and had trouble sleeping the first night.
I quickly got smart and mixed up this very simple, versatile anti-inflammatory syrup. Using this, plus some bentonite clay paste on the rash, meant he could sleep for 4 – 5 hours without itching. Score for him and me! (Because guess who was going to be up with him when he couldn’t sleep?) The poison ivy also healed within just a few days. That was so awesome!
The thing is, it’s not just for poison ivy. It’s really for any sort of inflammation. Anything that can cause redness, swelling, or illness. So it could be used for:
- Colds
- Coughs
- Sinus infections
- General pain
- Headaches
- Allergies
- etc.
Seriously awesome stuff. And it tastes great, so kids like it. Mine even ask for it when they aren’t feeling right.
There are a few ‘optional’ ingredients, too, which you can add depending on your specific symptoms and adjust for kids vs. adults. Before we get started, let’s discuss the ingredient’s benefits.
About the Ingredients
Honey is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cinnamon is great for inflammation and pain; it even has antibacterial properties. Keep in mind you want to use Ceylon, not cassia cinnamon. Check out our blog, Cassia Cinnamon Vs. Ceylon Cinnamon, to learn more.
Turmeric is great for inflammation and pain.
Cayenne pepper is especially good for colds, congestion, and pain.
Simple Anti-Inflammatory Syrup
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. raw honey (preferably local)
- 1 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon (great anti-inflammatory)
- 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
- pinch cayenne pepper (optional, but leave out if being used with small children)
Directions:
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a small glass bowl
Step 2: Mix together.
Usage: This mixture could be used daily as needed (you can’t overdose) for things like arthritis or chronic pain — but ask your doctor, of course, if you have a chronic issue. I recommend one “recipe” every 4 – 8 hours for colds, poison ivy, or other acute illnesses. Since it’s food-based, you don’t really have to worry about it. Do make sure to choose Ceylon cinnamon and not cassia cinnamon, though.
So do you recommend taking the 1 recipe all at the same time, every 4-8 hours, or dividing up one recipe worth and taking some every hour for the 4-8 hours? Especially for small children.
[…] Simple Anti-Inflammatory Syrup […]
Do you take it dry? or do you add a liquid.
I’m really excited about this recipe! Thanks for sharing. Is it safe to consume during pregnancy?
Also I’m curious what “additional” ingredients you mention occasionally adding. Thanks!
The next time he get poison Ivy try this, Take baking soda and water make a paste and put it all over the blisters, It take the itch away and dries up the blisters and could be gone the next day. My Jerry is alway in that stuff and this is the way I get it to dry up.
When I at or use too much cinnamon or strong cinnamon, I get a rash around my mouth and in my mouth. I know you say there is a difference in ceylon cinnamon and I will look for it. But your statemetnt that it is food based and you can’t overdose” or it won’t hurt you, could be wrong advice. Even “natural” food can cause allergeric reactions or cause digestion problems in some children and adults.
Is Ceylon cinnamon the same as sweet cinnamon? On MRH they have cassia cinnamon and sweet cinnamon. I’m wondering if sweet is the same as ceylon.
[…] Anti-Inflammatory Syrup (1 teaspoon, mixed with probiotic powder; children only) […]
[…] teething without issue. If you have a toddler who’s still struggling, you can try offering anti-inflammatory syrup. It’s based on honey, so you may not want to give it to the younger ones, but maybe you do […]
How do you know that all ceylon cinnamon is pesticide-free (implying that cassia can have pesticides, right?)? Does it have to do with it’s physical makeup making pesticide use impossible or unnecessary, or is it made by monopoly who do not produce very much and therefore don’t need to use pesticides to help “protect” the harvest? Thanks in advance
[…] if they have growing pains, cuts or bruises, and we’ve even used it for poison ivy. This anti-inflammatory syrup is an easy way to take it. Or, these anti-everything […]