DIY Natural Cough Syrup Recipe (2024)

February 21, 2013October 13, 2020

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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!

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.

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!

Echinacea, Licorice and Honey All Natural Cough Syrup

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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

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Instructions

Place the echinacea, licorice, cinnamon and ginger into a pot of 4 cups of distilled water.
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.
Sift out the herbs from the water by using a French press or cheese cloth.
Pour into a jar and let it cool until warm.
Add the honey and stir.
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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FAQs

How do you make herbal 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.

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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.

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What is the instant relief for cough? ›

Ginger: Ginger can relax smooth muscles in the airways. Try chewing on a piece of ginger or drinking it as tea to ease your cough. Peppermint Tea: Peppermint has menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant, helping to break down mucus. It's a soothing herbal remedy that can bring immediate cough relief.

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.

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Is there a homemade 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.

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Is apple cider 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.

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What is the most powerful 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.

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What dissolves mucus in lungs? ›

What dissolves mucus in the lungs? Expectorants such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) can loosen mucus so that it comes out of the throat and chest.

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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).

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.

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Can vinegar cure cough? ›

Some doctors may recommend apple cider vinegar as a successful home remedy for coughs, so long as it's used correctly. 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.