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

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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

What is best natural cough medicine? ›

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.

Get More Info Here ›

Does vinegar stop coughing? ›

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.

Is honey and vinegar good for a cough? ›

To prepare this apple cider vinegar drink for dry cough, mix a small portion of apple cider vinegar along with honey, warm water. The warm potency and soothing ability of this drink makes it perfect for healing cold, dry cough and congestion.

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.

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Why does chewing gum stop coughing? ›

Sweets and chewing gum stimulate the flow of saliva, which in turn keeps your throat moist. If you feel you need to cough because your throat is tickly, this tip definitely helps.

Learn More Now ›

Is there a natural 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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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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How to 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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How to use lemon for a cough? ›

Another at home remedy you can try is to sip some lemon water. Lemons have been used around the world as an at-home remedy for coughs for a long time. Like honey, lemon water is generally inexpensive to make and easy to do. To take, try mixing a few drops of lemon into some warm water and sip before bedtime.

What is the main ingredient 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.

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How long do onion and honey last? ›

The concoction starts with one layer of chopped onion, topped with one teaspoon of honey. The layering of honey and onion is repeated three times. Once the concoction is made, it's recommended to keep it stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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