Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup Recipe (2024)

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Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup Recipe (1)

I have already shared How to Stop a Cold in its Tracks, my nine Natural Homemade Cough and Cold Remedies, and promised to post my recipe for homemade cough and cold syrup. I’ve made this before, and it’s easy-peasy.

I can testify that it works well in soothing a throat that is irritated from coughing. Our whole family has used it throughout the winter months when those dry hacking coughs just won’t quit.

In addition to this cough syrup, I just have to tell you that I discovered the most amazing remedy for the croupy barking kind of cough – the kind that keeps you up all night (cue crazy eyes).

Isaac had a terrible barking cough this past winter and it was so bad that he couldn’t sleep because he couldn’t stop coughing for hours at a time (which meant no sleep for us, too. Ugh).In the middle of the night we bundled him up and took him outside in the cold air for a minute, and it stopped the cough in its tracks.

We paired that method with a spoonful of this cough syrup, and slept peacefully the rest of the night!

The Recipe:

1 large onion, diced
2/3 cup organic raw honey
1 teaspoon dried cloves (a natural pain reliever)
1 teaspoon ginger (helps loosen mucous and relieves pain and nausea)
the juice of half a lemon
a pinch of cayenne pepper* (helps loosen mucous, and raises body temp to kill off germs – can be omitted or reduced for kids)

Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup Recipe (2)

Combine all ingredients in a small pot and heat on low. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes, covered on lowest possible heat, stirring occasionally. Strain the onion out, and store the syrup in a glass jar in the fridge.

Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup Recipe (3)

It should last up to a month in the fridge, but be sure to use your common sense. If it looks or smells off, toss it! I would give as much as a spoonful every hour, maybe a little less for a kid. And, of course, this would not be recommended for a baby under one year, as it contains honey.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional, and this post should not be taken as medical advice. Please do your own research.Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It isgeneral information that may not apply to you as an individual, and isnota substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup Recipe (4)

About Beth

Beth is the creator here at . Mom of four, wife of one, and proud redhead. Sushi and tex-mex lover, fan of adventure, books, natural health talk, and pyjamas. INFP and Type 4 enneagram. Allergic to small talk. And, if you haven't figured it out already, #nerd. Read more posts by Beth.

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Reader Interactions

25 Comments

  1. Athena B

    Does the type of onion matter? I made this recipe with a regular yellow onion and it came out great! But we usually keep red onions on hand so I’m wondering if it would make any major difference?

    to Athena B" aria-label='reply to this comment to Athena B'>reply to this comment

  2. Emma Wateridge

    i made cough syrup with blackcurrants and ginger cloves lemon juice and a onion. but cannot remember weights to water. But in was very good for sore throats and cleared cough ups.I need som help…

    to Emma Wateridge" aria-label='reply to this comment to Emma Wateridge'>reply to this comment

    • Linda

      Doesn’t heating the honey destroy the medicinal properties of it?

      to Linda" aria-label='reply to this comment to Linda'>reply to this comment

  3. Wendy

    I just made the recipe but I grind the onion and mixed it with all the ingredients. Did I do it right or should I start all over?

    to Wendy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Wendy'>reply to this comment

  4. carla

    Just wondering- how often would you take this? As often as needed? Thanks.

    to carla" aria-label='reply to this comment to carla'>reply to this comment

    • Beth

      We take it as often as needed 🙂

      to Beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Beth'>reply to this comment

  5. Tim

    Quick Question: Are the Cloves and Ginger dried and ground?

    Thanks!

    to Tim" aria-label='reply to this comment to Tim'>reply to this comment

    • Beth

      Yes!

      to Beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Beth'>reply to this comment

  6. Kiree Bellamy

    Hi, i can’t use raw honey i get hayfever from it, can i use a decent organic processed honey from the supermarket instead?

    Thanks

    to Kiree Bellamy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Kiree Bellamy'>reply to this comment

    • Beth

      That’s fine, yes. Raw honey is best, but since this recipe is simmered anyway, that doesn’t matter as much.

      to Beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Beth'>reply to this comment

  7. Cathleen Bowne

    If you simmer for 30 min it will be perfectly safe for babies! It is only unpasteurized that is bad for babies and you can’t pasteurize honey because the heat turns it into candy. It is much safer than store bought ,although I would leave out the cayenne pepper .

    to Cathleen Bowne" aria-label='reply to this comment to Cathleen Bowne'>reply to this comment

  8. Timi

    Thank you for this brilliant remedy, it is leaved my wee one sleep soundly all night!

    to Timi" aria-label='reply to this comment to Timi'>reply to this comment

  9. Desiree

    I wanted to respond back sooner but didnt have the chance til now. I wanted to thank you for that recipe! I was amazed really that it actually worked….didnt even have to take them to the doctor!! Thanks again ill b doing this again!

    to Desiree" aria-label='reply to this comment to Desiree'>reply to this comment

  10. Desiree

    I have a 1 an 2 yr old with a cough an cold. I just got through making this. Waiting for it to cool off to give to my children. Im really hoping it works. Thanks for the tip an ill post the outcome.

    to Desiree" aria-label='reply to this comment to Desiree'>reply to this comment

  11. Susie

    Do you know if candied cinger can be used? I don’t think my powdered ginger has any potency beyond flavor, and candied is all I have on hand.

    to Susie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Susie'>reply to this comment

    • Beth

      Hi Susie, I really have no idea about the candied ginger. I think if it were me, I’d just leave out the ginger altogether. I’d be concerned about the sugar, since I’ve read many times that sugar decreases your immune system. The cough syrup without the ginger would still be good.

      Do you have ginger tea in the house? That would be a nice addition on the side for someone who is sick.

      Hope this helps!

      to Beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Beth'>reply to this comment

  12. Cyndi

    Im pretty sure the issue with honey would be with the raw honey, but if you buy pasturized honey, that would be ok (tho it wouldnt have the properties you want as much)… 😉 I would google it tho, or ask a doctor but im almost certain that the organic honey would be what you dont want to give to a baby! Thanks for the recipe, trying it tonight!

    to Cyndi" aria-label='reply to this comment to Cyndi'>reply to this comment

  13. Athan Middleton

    Herbal tea is known to have a number of positive effects. It slows down the ageing process, helps in weight loss and is known to cure cough. It can be given to small children who should not be taking antibiotics and those who don’t like the bitter taste of cough syrup. Herbal tea can be taken in many flavors like ginger, lemon, jasmine, blackcurrant and peppermint.

    to Athan Middleton" aria-label='reply to this comment to Athan Middleton'>reply to this comment

  14. Naturallysta

    Thanks for sharing – I gargled with Cayenne (a few shakes only) in some hot water and cured a horrible sore throat..and when I say horrible, I mean I couldn’t even swallow water! It literally worked overnight and I’m a firm believer since. If only I could give it to my kids!

    to Naturallysta" aria-label='reply to this comment to Naturallysta'>reply to this comment

  15. Athan Middleton

    Helpful tips. also i want to add, Cinnamon and a Lime – This is an incredible remedy on how to stop a cough that is definitely effective. Boil 2 cinnamon sticks in one cup of lime juice. The vitamin C that is present in the lime juice can boost your body’s immune system. The combination of lime and cinnamon can take out the phlegm.

    to Athan Middleton" aria-label='reply to this comment to Athan Middleton'>reply to this comment

  16. Christi

    Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! I’m curious, though…is this the recipe that you used to conquer strep throat without antibiotics?

    Many thanks,
    Christi

    to Christi" aria-label='reply to this comment to Christi'>reply to this comment

    • Beth

      Nope, this is more just for coughs and colds. I used this info to cure my strep throat: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/strep_throat.html

      I did a combo of ACV and cayenne pepper in some sort of herbal tea (I don’t remember which kind – lemon or green or mint, maybe?). I also can’t remember if I gargled or swallowed – I think both would help… gargling might not get deep enough in the throat. It totally worked. Not immediately, but within day or two I was totally cured, without antibiotics. (And believe me – it was a definite bad case of strep, diagnosed with a throat swab!)

      Thanks for commenting!

      Update: here’s my tweaked refined version of a strep throat remedy: https://redandhoney.com/the-ultimate-strep-throat-remedy-if-youre-brave-enough/

      to Beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Beth'>reply to this comment

      • Christi

        Thanks so much for your reply, Beth. After I commented, I went back to the original article and realized that this wasn’t the recipe you used and felt like an idiot for asking (but it was too late to undo the ‘bonehead’ comment-lol ). I will definitely be keeping this one in mind to use the our family encounters strep…antibiotics are not something we want to use again.

        Thanks for such a helpful blog! 😉

        to Christi" aria-label='reply to this comment to Christi'>reply to this comment

        • Beth

          Oh gosh, don’t even worry about it… we’ve all done the same, I’m sure! I hope it ends up being helpful if you do need it one day (but not needing it at all would be better :))

          Thanks for reading, and commenting 🙂

          to Beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Beth'>reply to this comment

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Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make cough syrup at home? ›

To make this classic cough syrup at home, take a pan and brew 1 cup water and 2 tbsp ginger, lemon slices grated. Allow the mixture to reduce to half. Once done, crush 7-8 fresh peppercorns and add it to the blend. Lastly, add in 4 tulsi leaves and honey, turn off the flame and let it cool down.

What is the best natural cough mixture? ›

The bottom line. Honey and saltwater gargles are popular home remedies for coughing. You can also drink herbal teas made of peppermint, ginger, slippery elm, thyme, turmeric, or marshmallow root. There's some evidence that bromelain supplements and probiotics can help ease a cough, but more evidence is needed.

What is the best cough mixture to stop coughing? ›

Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines. Squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children).

How do you make a cough suppressant? ›

Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, children ages 1 to 5 with upper respiratory tract infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime.

Is apple cider vinegar good for a cold and cough? ›

For the sneaky and persistent cough that follows a cold, tickles the throat and disturbs sleep, there's nothing better than a glass of water on the bedside table containing 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. A dry nighttime cough can also be alleviated by spraying Apple Cider Vinegar on the pillowcase.

What is the homemade mixture for dry cough? ›

Ginger can be found in many teas as an ingredient. You can also make ginger tea from ginger root by steeping the peeled or cut root in warm water. Adding honey may make it even more beneficial for dry cough. You can also take ginger in capsule form or chew on ginger root to alleviate dry cough.

How do you make homemade expectorant? ›

Honey has been used to relieve cough and congestion for ages, with studies proving that it is an effective expectorant. To use honey as an expectorant, dissolve a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Drink the mixture throughout the day.

What is the strongest natural expectorant? ›

The strongest natural expectorant for a cough is honey. Honey has been shown to reduce the symptoms of even chronic or severe coughs.

What can I mix with honey for a cough? ›

Honey Cough Syrup
  1. zest of 2 lemons (approx. 1 1/2 T)
  2. 1/4 cup - ginger, peeled, sliced, or 1/2 tsp. of ground ginger.
  3. 1 cup - water.
  4. 1 cup - honey.
  5. 1/2 cup - lemon juice.

What do doctors prescribe for severe cough? ›

Medications used to treat chronic cough may include:
  • Antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants. These drugs are standard treatment for allergies and postnasal drip.
  • Inhaled asthma drugs. ...
  • Antibiotics. ...
  • Acid blockers.
Jul 9, 2019

Does Vicks help with cough? ›

Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that's rubbed on the throat and chest to relieve a cough. It's unsafe for any use in children under 2 years old. In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest to ease coughing during a cold.

How do you make yourself stop coughing without medicine? ›

Sip a Warm Beverage. The warmth of a drink like tea or lemon water can soothe a throat that feels raw or sore from coughing. Warm fluids also help to loosen mucus, making it easier to cough it up. If you add a few drops of honey, you have a natural cough suppressant (and for more on that, see below).

How to make onion and sugar cough syrup? ›

To do: Chop two onions into small pieces and add layer the onion with about a ½ cup (more or less) of sugar, making sure the onion bits are well coated with sugar. Place in mason jar and give it a shake. Leave it on the kitchen counter. The mixture will reduce and be ready in about 12 hours.

How much honey and lemon should I drink for a cough? ›

All you have to do is boil the kettle and pour the hot water into a mug, just like you would when making a cup of tea. Then, squeeze half a lemon into the water and add one or two teaspoons of honey. Stir it well and drink it while it's warm.

What are the ingredients in cough syrup? ›

The active ingredient listed is usually dextromethorphan (DM). Other cough suppressants include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Combination cough products have more than one active ingredient. They have both guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.

What are the best ingredients in cough syrup? ›

When it comes to relieving your cough, dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are two key ingredients in cough medicine that often work together to ease your cough symptoms. However, while dextromethorphan and guaifenesin typically work together in one medication, each ingredient targets a specific aspect of your cough.

Does vinegar stop coughing? ›

Its acids may work similarly to lemon or pineapple juice to stop the tickly sensation that leads to coughing. To use: Mix 2 tablespoons of a high-quality apple cider vinegar into a tall glass of water. Drink up to two times per day for cough relief. Avoid taking plain apple cider vinegar without diluting it.

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