DIY Natural Cough Syrup Recipe (2024)

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Make a powerful, immune-boosting natural cough syrup recipe for a fraction of the cost of the natural ones you buy in the store with not a singlegibberish-sounding ingredient in sight. And, if you're not happy taking over-the-counter medicines that do little to relieve your cold and leave you wondering what the heck you just put into your system instead, this recipe is for you!

DIY Natural Cough Syrup Recipe (1)

OTC Medicines Only Cover Symptoms

Battling the sniffles, a cough, colds and the flu is never fun – those viruses aren't easily knocked out by over-the-counter medicines (that are full of all kinds of wacky junk) but I have had success over the years with herbal remedies like zinc and Vitamin C. Of course, rest, fluids and a healthy diet are not to be minimized as powerful natural remedies.

So I've been anxious all winter long to make my own herbal natural cough syrup to also help with a cough. For some reason, I picked the end of winter to start trying but am now glad I did. I actually couldn't have picked better timing – it's like someone knew I was whipping it up in my kitchen and then sprinkled cold virus dust all over my family just to prove to us it would work. And that it did – it worked to greatly reduce cold symptoms for me and my kids.

This Natural Cough Syrup Actually Works!

I started the weekend feeling yucky – drained, stopped up, coughing and knew a nasty cold was coming. My oldest son felt the same. We've both been taking the syrup 2 to 3 times a day (2 tablespoons at a time) for several days and our symptoms are much improved. I did miss a dose yesterday and noticed I wasn't feeling as well, so I took it again this morning and voila! My nose started clearing up and my energy started to return.

With this recipe, you'll get the immune-boosting power ofechinacea combined with the mucus-expectorant power of licorice.

DIY Natural Cough Syrup Recipe (2)

Learn About the Ingredients in this Natural Cough Syrup

Echinacea Root

Echinacea is a flowering plant with nine different species. It's most popular common names are the purple cone flower and black-eyed Susan. It is the one of the most popular herbal products in the U.S. and has been used for centuries to boost the immune system and heal wounds, including by Native Americans. According to WebMD, “studies have shown that it increases the number of white blood cells and boosts the activity of other immune cells.” (more info)

Licorice Root

Licorice is a potent anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agent, making it perfect to battle the cold and flu. Did you know it is even effective to reduce swelling of cold sores and ulcers? (source) It's also sweeter than sugar, so it adds nice flavor to this cough syrup.

Honey

Honey is antibacterial and packed with antioxidants – if it is raw, unheated and organic. Heating honey turns it into pure sucrose (source). The darker the honey, the better as it contains more of those healing properties. Honey is added in this recipe as a coughsuppressant, as it soothes and moisturizes the throat, and to aid in fighting off bacteria. And get this – honey has actually been proven in medical studies to be a BETTER coughsuppressantthan over-the-counter drugs:

In a study that involved 139 children, honey beat outdextromethorphan(acough suppressant) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) in easing nighttime cough in children and improving theirsleep. (source)

Pretty cool, eh? So, let's make this stuff!

DIY Natural Cough Syrup Recipe (3)

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Echinacea, Licorice and Honey All Natural Cough Syrup

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5 from 3 reviews

A tasty and effective recipe for an all natural cough syrup that actually works to boost the immune system and suppress a cough.

  • Author: Sara – My Merry Messy Life

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/2 cup echinacea root
  • 1/2 cup licorice root
  • 3/4 to 1 cup honey (raw, organic, local honey is best)
  • 4 cups distilled water
  • 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp. fresh ginger root, minced or finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Place the echinacea, licorice, cinnamon and ginger into a pot of 4 cups of distilled water.
  2. Heat water until boiling, then reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes (the longer it simmers the more goodness you'll get out of the herbs). Reduce the water by half.
  3. Sift out the herbs from the water by using a French press or cheese cloth.
  4. Pour into a jar and let it cool until warm.
  5. Add the honey and stir.
  6. Take 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day at the first sign of a cold or flu and continue taking as needed.

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DIY Natural Cough Syrup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best homemade cough medicine? ›

Natural Cough Remedies
  • Honey. 1/12. A teaspoon or two of honey may cut mucus production. ...
  • Hot Drinks. 2/12. Hot drinks won't ease a stuffy head, but they can soothe a cough much better than room temperature drinks. ...
  • Ginger. 3/12. ...
  • Water. 4/12. ...
  • Steam. 5/12. ...
  • Neti Pot. 6/12. ...
  • Elderberry. 7/12. ...
  • Menthol. 8/12.
Aug 28, 2023

What is the fastest way to cure a cough without medicine? ›

Here are 10 ways to stop coughing naturally:
  1. Drink plenty of water. ...
  2. Eat a spoonful of honey. ...
  3. Have some herbal tea. ...
  4. Gargle some salt water. ...
  5. Eat a slice of pineapple. ...
  6. Reduce inflammation with ginger. ...
  7. Have a warm turmeric drink. ...
  8. Add probiotics to your diet.
Jul 18, 2023

How do you make a cough suppressant? ›

The researchers found that both honey and dextromethorphan worked to suppress coughs. They noted that honey scored slightly higher in one trial and on par with dextromethorphan in another. A person can use this remedy by swallowing a spoonful of honey or adding it to a hot drink, such as an herbal tea.

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.

How can I stop a severe cough fast at home? ›

Some treatments are also inappropriate for babies or children.
  1. Honey. For adults and children ages 1 and up, honey can be used to treat day and nighttime dry coughing. ...
  2. Turmeric. ...
  3. Ginger. ...
  4. Marshmallow root. ...
  5. Peppermint. ...
  6. Masala chai tea. ...
  7. Capsaicin.

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 get rid of a cough in 5 minutes without honey? ›

Gargle With Salt Water

A simple way to ease a cough is with salt water. "Salt can kill bacteria," says Keri Peterson, MD, an internal medicine doctor and WH advisor.

Does honey suppress a cough? ›

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 Pineapple good for a cough? ›

Drinking pineapple juice can reduce cough

According to research, the nutrients in pineapple juice have the ability to soothe the symptoms of a cough or cold. Another analysis also showed that pineapple juice soothes the throat and dissolves mucus, so it could be used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

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.

How do you make honey water for a cough? ›

Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat. You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.

How many times should I take oregano for a cough? ›

Oregano oil can be taken orally for any cold or cough symptoms. If you have a dropper, you can take two droppers full if you feel any cold symptoms coming on, including a cough. Another way to use oregano oil for coughs is to take three to five drops daily when you have a cough.

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 naturally kills mucus? ›

Natural ways to get rid of phlegm
  • Lemon juice and honey. ...
  • Orange, pineapple and watercress juice. ...
  • Ginger syrup with cinnamon. ...
  • Peppermint tea. ...
  • Thyme and honey infusion. ...
  • Onion and garlic syrup. ...
  • Eucalyptus vapor inhalation. ...
  • Licorice tea.

What herb clears mucus from lungs? ›

Thyme and ivy

A tincture combining ivy and thyme can help thin phlegm to facilitate expectoration and help reduce bronchial spasms. These plants work fast to dislodge secretions.

How do you make a cough mixture at home? ›

Instructions
  1. Add honey, olive oil and lemon juice to a small pot.
  2. Stir.
  3. Heat over medium heat until barely warm, stirring. ( See note)
  4. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Place into a jar with a lid.
  6. Store in the refrigerator.
  7. Take 1 tablespoon warmed as needed.
Oct 15, 2012

Is pineapple juice really good for a cough? ›

Drinking pineapple juice can reduce cough

According to research, the nutrients in pineapple juice have the ability to soothe the symptoms of a cough or cold. Another analysis also showed that pineapple juice soothes the throat and dissolves mucus, so it could be used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Does honey and lemon stop coughing? ›

1. Honey and lemon. Drinking hot water with lemon and honey is a well-known remedy, with the NHS stating that the drink "has a similar effect to cough medicines". Scientific studies have shown that honey can have a therapeutic effect on cough symptoms.

Is vinegar good for a 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.

References

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