Homemade Cough Syrup
Try this homemade cough syrup recipe the next time you’re struggling with a cough. With just a few simple and natural ingredients, you can make your own homemade cough remedy.
When cold and flu season comes around, I like to stock my natural medicine cabinet with natural remedies like herbal tea (several varieties), vitamin c, slippery elm, a variety of herbs, essential oils, and local raw honey.
Many of the things I keep on hand are common pantry ingredients like honey. With cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar, I can make fire water, which I often make during cold season. I also like to make a huge batch of bone broth for the freezer, so I can pull it out to make nourishing chicken soup. I also make homemade elderberry syrup and elderberry gummies to help strengthen the immune system.
This old fashioned cough syrup recipe is just another tool to keep on hand to make when you’re dealing with a cough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this natural cough remedy. First, it’s made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. When someone comes down with a sore throat with other common cold symptoms, I know it’s time to turn to my tried-and-true home remedies. We do things like gargle with salt water first. But it’s easy to mix up this homemade cough syrup to have on hand.
As a mom of five kids, we’ve had our share of persistent coughs that made my kids feel miserable. I started using home remedies many years ago when all my kids were little, and I still think they’re the best way to deal with minor illnesses.
Secondly, I love that the ingredients are natural. Over the counter cough medicines usually contain ingredients that I’d rather avoid, so I appreciate that this recipe uses natural ingredients. I keep organic raw honey on hand all the time (I get ours from Azure Standard), and all by itself it’s great for soothing a sore throat or a cough. But combining it with the other ingredients in the recipe really makes an effective homemade cough medicine without all the undesirable ingredients. The healing properties of honey make it a great natural way to soothe a cough.
And finally, making your own DIY cough syrup is super convenient when you or other family members start coming down with something. Keeping these ingredients on hand will make sure that you don’t need to run to the drug store or grocery store to pick up a store-bought cough syrup. With this simple home remedy, you’ll be armed with an effective and easy solution.
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Supplies
- Small saucepan
- Small bowl
- Pint jar
- Mesh sieve
Homemade Cough Syrup Ingredients
Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Thyme: You’ll need a handful (about 1/2 cup) of fresh thyme, or 1/3 cup dried thyme. You can also use freeze-dried or dehydrated thyme.
- Water: Use clean water.
- Honey: I use raw, unpasteurized honey for this recipe.
How to Make Homemade Cough Syrup
This homemade cough syrup recipe is not intended for children under one year of age, as it contains honey.
1. Add thyme to a small bowl or pint jar, and cover with boiling hot water. Cover bowl with a lid (a small plate works well), and allow to steep for 35 minutes.
2. Strain the warm thyme-infused water into a small jar.
3. Add honey to the thyme water and stir until mixed well.
4. Add a lid to your jar with a label with the date. Store in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks.
How to Use Homemade Cough Syrup
To use this homemade cough syrup: Take 1 teaspoon (dosage for children over one year old) to 1 tablespoon (adults) as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does honey really stop coughing?
According to this article, honey has been shown to be an effective natural cough suppressant. In several studies, honey lessened coughing and helped participants sleep better.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
If you grow thyme in your herb garden, this is a great way to use some of it! You can also sometimes buy fresh thyme from the grocery store. If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, you can use dried thyme, or you can also just try taking some honey and lemon juice to help with your cough.
Disclaimer: This information is not professional medical advice. I’m just a mom sharing simple recipes that work for our family. Please consult with a medical professional when needed or if you have any health concerns. A severe or persistent cough may indicate a serious medical condition.
More Natural Remedies
- How to Make Fire Water: Natural Cold and Flu Remedy
- How to Make Elderberry Syrup
- Elderberry Syrup Gummies
- Natural Remedies for Illness
- How to Stock a Natural Medicine Cabinet
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you!
Homemade Cough Syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh thyme or 1/3 cup dried
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 to 2 cups honey
Instructions
- Add thyme to a small bowl or pint jar, and cover with boiling hot water. Cover bowl with a lid (a small plate works well), and allow to steep for 35 minutes.
- Strain the warm thyme-infused water into a small jar.
- Add honey to the thyme water and stir until mixed well.
- Add a lid to your jar with a label with the date. Store in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks.
- To Use: Take 1 teaspoon (dosage for children over one year old) to 1 tablespoon (adults) as needed.
