This tropical syrup relieves summer colds

Summer colds are the worst – but this pineapple cough syrup can help save summer!

The symptoms of a summer cold are common and unpleasant. We're used to summer being a great time and enjoying outdoor activities. But coughs, mild fevers and general malaise can ruin the best-laid plans. Luckily, this tropical syrup will relieve the summer cold… and put a smile on your face! Summer and winter colds are caused by different viruses, but the symptoms are typical for summer.

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This syrup can help with a mild summer cold. However, if symptoms or fever persist, a visit to the doctor is necessary and the syrup can still be used as one of the treatment options.

The good thing about this tropical blend is that it is based on pineapple, which is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. One cup contains 1/3 of your daily dose of vitamin C, manganese, fiber and B vitamins!

Photos by Maria Penaloza

Pineapple​ ​Cough​ ​Remedy

Yields 16 oz, 2mg THC per oz, estimated

• 1 pineapple
• 1 pound ginger
• 3 lemons
• 1 tbsp cannabis glycerin tincture

Depending on the type of juicer, you can decide how concentrated you want the juice to be. If you're using a blender, you may need to add some water. A centrifugal juicer tends to produce a very strong juice, so be prepared for some spiciness, but you can add water to taste.

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Disassemble a fresh pineapple by removing the leaves and cutting off the tough outer skin. Remove the core and cut the pineapple into either strips (for a juicer) or chunks (for a blender). Peel the ginger using a scraping motion with a spoon or the blunt side of a butter knife, then cut into chunks. Remove the zest and most of the white pith from lemons and cut them in half.

Photos by Maria Penaloza

Blend or juice all the ingredients and add 450 ml of water if using a blender. When blending, you must strain the juice well, otherwise it will be very mushy and not pleasant. Try to see if it can be diluted with a centrifugal juicer machine.

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Add glycerin tincture and mix until dissolved. Store in a clean bottle with a cap or lid, or pour into smaller jars to take on the go. For best results, serve 1 oz at a time after gargling. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

*Cannabis​ ​Glycerin​ ​Tincture

Decarboxylate 3.5g of finely ground cannabis at 225 degrees for 20 minutes in a tightly sealed oven-safe container. Place the cannabis in a lidded mason jar or vacuum-sealed bag with cannabis and ½ cup vegetable glycerin. Heat in a water bath just below boiling point for at least 1 hour. Strain and cool to use in recipes.

Photos by Maria Penaloza

Being sick is the worst, and if you have the energy to put some of your efforts into managing the symptoms and self-care, you tend to get better faster, or at least that's how it feels. If you're in bad shape, you can also easily buy this juice from a juice shop and add cannabis in oil form to help ease pain or avoid anything smoky until your respiratory system is back in tip-top shape.

Photos: Maria Penaloza