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    Home » Recipes » Healthy

    Home Remedy Cough Syrup

    Published: January 13, 2025 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 358 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
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    Home Remedy Cough Syrup is made with kitchen ingredients! No dyes, chemicals, preservatives, or synthetic ingredients. A natural expectorant that works.

    Honey, spices, and apple cider vinegar combine to make this old-fashioned cough syrup recipe. It tastes good and works to help you stop coughing, and there are no side effects. 

    Natural homemade cough remedy with honey and spices.

    Soothe your sore throat and relieve persistent coughs with this DIY all-natural homemade cough syrup. Made in 5 minutes!

    Making this homemade cough medicine will save you money. Believe me when I say this is the best natural cough syrup around! Over-the-counter cough medicine for coughs and colds taste terrible. Most of the time they don’t work and can be very expensive. There is also the risk of side effects.

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    It is just after the Christmas holidays, and colds and coughs are hitting everyone. This natural expectorant is a staple in our house this time of year. I prefer a more natural approach to help us during cough, cold, and flu season. This honey ginger cough syrup recipe is just what you need.

    There are loads of foods and spices that are jam-packed with healing properties. I would much rather fight a cough and cold with food than medication. I did some searching and reading to find a better way to win the fight and yes it does exist. Natural cough remedies are a great alternative.

    There is nothing better than wrapping your hands around a nice hot bowl or mug of homemade soup to make you feel better. Here are some of our favourites:

    • Slow Cooker Pho
    • Barley and Lentil
    • Creamy Mushroom
    • Tomato and Crab Bisque

    How To Make Homemade Cough Remedy

    This old-fashioned cough syrup requires simple kitchen ingredients.

    Ingredients to make home remedy for cough.
    • honey
    • apple cider vinegar
    • cayenne pepper
    • cinnamon
    • ginger
    • hot water

    Place all the ingredients into a small glass jar. Shake to mix well. Your cough medicine is ready to use.

    Natural cough suppressant with ginger and honey.

    Here are some READERS Comments:

    Christina says:

    I have been suffering from a persistent cough for the last week. Finally, after trying to go to sleep with zero success for the fourth night, I decided to look something – ANYTHING – up to try to relieve this. I came upon this recipe and immediately went to the kitchen to make it. I will be honest, was not expecting the “whoa, my goodness!” moment I had when I took the first tsp. I will, however, admit that just the one teaspoon was certainly enough, for now anyway. Thank you for sharing this, it has turned out to be a very welcome “miracle.”

    Barbara says:

    I’ve had a horrible cough for over 3 weeks, actually had to postpone surgery because of it. I took so many otc cough syrups and nothing worked. Last night I found this…OMG I was skeptical but this stuff works! I actually slept last night without waking up coughing my head off. Thank you so much!

    M. Corey says:

    It works! It did a better job than the px cough medicine given to my husband. It has a bit of a punch, so some may wish to decrease the amount of cayenne pepper added. 

    DIY Cough Syrup Tips

    This simple and effective herbal cough syrup contains no alcohol or chemicals.

    DIY cough syrup.
    • For this recipe, I used raw unfiltered honey. I find the liquid version works best as it dissolves a little easier. Creamed or Manuka honey would also be great alternatives.
    • Be sure to use organic apple cider vinegar for the best health benefits. 
    • If you are going to make it for kids, you might want to cut back on the cayenne, they might find it too spicy.
    • Ceylon cinnamon also called “true” cinnamon is a better choice than the Cassia variety found in grocery stores.
    • DO NOT give honey to children under 1 year old.

    Home Remedies for Coughs, Colds And Sore Throats

    This natural cough suppressant is our go-to remedy hands down. Most colds are caused by viruses. Infections usually require antibiotics, so you would have to contact your health professional.

    You are the only person that can make the decision for you and your family’s health. Honey, cinnamon, and ginger have strong antibacterial properties

    Old fashioned cough syrup made at home with honey and spices.
    Does cinnamon and ginger increase immunity?

    It is a rich source of antioxidants that can give a boost to the immune system. Cinnamon and ginger are also antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal.

    Can apple cider vinegar help a cough?

    As long as it is used correctly, the acid in the vinegar may work similarly to lemon juice to stop the tickle in the throat. It always needs to be diluted with water.

    Is honey safe for toddlers?

    Before giving honey to children, please read this article: FYI the medical profession advises against giving honey to children under 12 months of age.

    How long will this DIY cough syrup last?

    Since this is made with kitchen staples, you can easily make this when needed. I have safely kept this in my kitchen cupboard for several weeks. 
    You can keep it in a small glass jar making it easy to shake before use. 

    What is the proper dosage?

    This will be up to you. I can say we take 2 teaspoons when needed to help stop coughing. We have taken it safely several times a day, with no side effects.

    DIY homemade cough remedy.Pin
    Natural homemade cough remedy with honey and spices.

    Homemade Cough Remedy

    Old-fashioned cough syrup is a natural alternative. Spicy honey-cider syrup that works.
    5 from 194 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Rate Save To Your Recipe Box Saved!
    Course: Herbs & Spices
    Cuisine: Canadian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 6kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons hot water
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    US Customary – Metric

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients in a small glass jar.
    • Secure on the lid, and shake well to combine.
    • Take as often as needed. 

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 6kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

    Notes

    This recipe makes 4 OUNCES. I have applied the 2 teaspoons per serving rule, but you can take up to 1 tablespoon at a time.
    FYI…the medical profession advises against giving honey to children under 12 months of age.
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Roman Konsewicz

      April 26, 2025 at 3:10 pm

      So far So Good! Nasty cough this morning with no relief until I found your recipe! Keeping my fingers crossed!
      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        April 27, 2025 at 9:14 am

        I am so happy this homemade cough syrup is bringing you some relief. Feel better soon.

    2. Pamela Hull

      January 19, 2025 at 6:10 am

      can i subtitute any other type of vinegar for apple

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        January 19, 2025 at 9:10 am

        I would only use apple cider vinegar in this recipe. Regular vinegar would be very hard to swallow, and has no healing properties.

    3. Megan Elyse McEnroe

      January 07, 2025 at 2:18 pm

      I’m notbseing the actual recipe. I see ingredients, but no measurements.
      Di i need new glasses?

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        January 07, 2025 at 2:44 pm

        There is a recipe card at the bottom of the post that lists the ingredients and amounts. If you cannot see it, I am not sure what the problem would be on YOUR end. All the information is clear.

    4. Leslie

      June 16, 2024 at 1:05 pm

      Do you warm this cough remedy up?

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        June 17, 2024 at 8:55 am

        I use it a room temperature. No need to heat it before use.

    5. Christine

      January 28, 2024 at 9:55 pm

      Christine. January 28,2024
      Made this recipe today. I was coughing every 5 minutes so I searched on Pinterest for a home remedy for coughing and came upon this one. So far i do not cough every 5 minutes. It has settle down a bit. Hopefully it really works so i can stop coughing.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        January 29, 2024 at 8:56 am

        I sure hope you can find some relief with this homemade cough remedy. Feel better soon.

    6. Terri

      September 22, 2023 at 9:13 am

      I made this last night and it is Amazing. I only used 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper and it still had a bite to it so I can’t imagine using a 1/2 teaspoon but anyway this is the greatest recipe for cough syrup.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        September 22, 2023 at 9:28 am

        There is no problem adjusting the amount of cayenne in the recipe. Hope you feel better.

    7. Courtney Bratincevic

      March 26, 2023 at 5:51 pm

      I am NOT a fan of ACV, but this was surprisingly tasty as well as effective. I’m here again to make another batch for this current sickness. Highly reccomend! (My husband also does, the five year old does not.)

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 27, 2023 at 9:15 am

        So glad you found this homemade cough remedy helpful. My grandkids will even take this WITH the cayenne.

    8. Julie

      January 02, 2023 at 5:04 am

      This genuinely does the job. Compared to shop bought cough medicines it is so much better. My husband calls it the magic potion and takes two desert spoons.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        January 02, 2023 at 9:05 am

        I am glad you find it helpful….feel better soon.

    9. RJ

      December 29, 2022 at 12:43 am

      I’ve used this before and it really does wonders ! Always have a batch made and ready to go.
      Is there a compatible substitute for cinnamon ? I have a family member who is allergic to cinnamon and could really benefit from this when it comes to coughing spells due to allergies.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        December 29, 2022 at 10:24 am

        You can always leave out the cinnamon, or any ingredient that people cannot tolerate. Glad you find this DIY cough remedy helpful, we do too.

    10. Steph

      November 09, 2022 at 10:13 pm

      I’d had a horrible cough for over 2 weeks. Violent bouts of coughing that left me on the verge of vomiting. Even worse at night; couldn’t sleep at all. A member of my small group from church sent me a link to this recipe and went to my kitchen to make it immediately. Although skeptical, I was willing to try anything for relief. It literally stopped my cough in its tracks. I went several hours without a single cough. Not sure how, but it absolutely works! I’ve just taken another dose so praying for a restful nights sleep.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        November 10, 2022 at 9:31 am

        I am so happy you found some relief from your coughing. Thanks so much for popping by and writing this wonderful comment. I really appreciate it.

    11. teresa

      October 19, 2022 at 9:55 am

      does this need refrigerated?

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 19, 2022 at 9:58 am

        No it does not need to be refrigerted.

    12. Debra Parkinson

      September 13, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      I also have a covid cough for 3 months now. I’m definitely going to try this, but may I ask, Is there a substitute for the cayenne pepper?

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        September 14, 2022 at 9:02 am

        I have sent you an email, so let me know how this works for you. YES you can leave out the cayenne, and I suggest this especially if you are making this for children.

    13. Sharon

      September 12, 2022 at 10:54 pm

      Chronic cough going into week 6 after Covid. Going to give this a go. Nothing else has worked. Hopeful😅😷

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        September 13, 2022 at 9:10 am

        Oh no, well I sure hope this DIY cough remedy brings you some relief.

    14. Krystal

      August 11, 2022 at 8:31 am

      What is the proper measurements of each ingredient?

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        August 11, 2022 at 9:10 am

        If you scroll down to the recipe card everything you need to know is there.

      • Emma

        October 16, 2022 at 12:40 am

        I’ve been coughing for almost a week. A quick search I found your recipe, I had all the ingredients. It was so simple and tastes great. It works really fast too. Thank you.

      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 16, 2022 at 9:34 am

        I am so glad this cough remedy has helped you feel better.

    15. Sharon

      July 09, 2022 at 1:17 am

      I don’t know who you are or when you posted this, but I love you!! Recovering from covid and the cough is brutal! Sent hubby to buy cough syrup, and he came home with dog & cat food, sausages and popsicles but no cough syrup! After coughing nonstop for a couple of hours, I googled homemade cough syrup, and I found you. This stuff is amazing! Silenced my cough immediately. I will sleep well tonight. You are my hero right now!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        July 09, 2022 at 8:51 am

        I am so glad you found some relief with this DIY cough remedy. I hope you are feeling better soon.

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