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Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup

*Updated* / By: 290 Comments

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Did you know your kitchen is a pharmacy?  Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup is made out of natural ingredients. 

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. NO side effects either. 

Close up of Kitchen Remedy Cough Remedy in a glass ready to use.

Over the counter cough medicine tastes terrible. Most of the time they don’t work, and can be very expensive. There is also the risk of side effects.

I prefer a more natural approach to help us during cough and flu season.

RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for making this DIY cough syrup are at the bottom of this post.

There are loads of foods and spices that are jammed packed with healing properties. I would much rather fight a cough and cold with food than medication. We all know soup makes us feel better when we are sick. Nothing better than wrapping your hands around a nice hot bowl of pho, or mushroom soup to warm you up.

I did some searching and reading to find a better way to win the fight and yes it actually does exist. A natural cough suppressant is a great alternative.

All the ingredients needed to make the homemade cough syrup.

Making Homemade Cough Syrup

This recipe requires simple kitchen ingredients. You will need:

  • honey
  • apple cider vinegar
  • cayenne pepper
  • cinnamon
  • ginger
  • hot water

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 tsp 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. 

Cough Remedy Recipe Tips

  • For this recipe, I used *(affiliate) raw unfiltered honey. I find the liquid version works best as it dissolves a little easier. Creamed or *(affiliate) Manuka honey would also be great alternatives.
  • Be sure to use *(affiliate) 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.
  • *(affiliate) Ceylon cinnamon also called “true” cinnamon is a better choice than the Cassia variety found in grocery stores.

Questions People Ask

Does honey and cinnamon stop coughing?

This natural cough suppressant is our go-to remedy hands down. It has proven to be the best medicine to cure our coughs.

You are the only person that can make the decision for you and your family’s health. Honey and cinnamon have strong antibacterial properties that have been known to help with coughs and as a sore throat soother.

Most colds are caused by viruses. Infections usually require antibiotics, so you would have to contact your health professional.

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.

Spoonful of Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup.

How long will homemade 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 *(affiliate) 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.

Natural Remedies for Coughs and Colds

I am all about fighting the cough and cold season with food and spices. I remember my dad swore a hot toddy got rid of his cold. 

Elderberry syrup is my first defense when my family starts to feel under the weather.

Honey and lemon drinks always seem to help when you need some cold and flu relief.

Overhead shot of homemade cough syrup in a glass.

Next time you have a cough don’t head to the drug store. Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup can be found in your kitchen pharmacy!! Homemade cough medicine works like a charm in our house. Give it a try at your house too.

What is your favourite natural remedy?

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Homemade Cough Remedy Pin Image 2

Close up of Kitchen Remedy Cough Remedy in a glass ready to use.

Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup

Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup is made from ingredients in your kitchen cupboard.  This homemade made all natural cough remedy tastes good, has no side effects and WORKS!!
5 from 83 votes
Print Rate
Course: Herbs & Spices
Cuisine: Canadian
Keyword: Natural Healing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 5kcal
Author: Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp hot water
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp 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. 
  • Feel better soon!!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Calcium: 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.

Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup Pin Image

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paula

    Thank you Thank you Thank you very, very, very, very much!!!!!!!! I cannot say it enough. I did so enjoy the flavor and the added benefit of not coughing my head off. I have to admit, I took more than a teaspoon at a time, but hey there is nothing in it that will cause me to overdose or anything weird like that. So I thank you again.

    Reply

  2. Erin

    YES! I am such a huge fan of homeopathic and natural remedies. These are all of my favorite ingredients to fight illness in the house. I love that you have made a recipe for a natural cough syrup – I usually just do honey and ginger in hot tea, but I will try this. I have been trying to use a lot of these ingredients preventatively, as well, and it seems to be working!

    Reply

  3. Diane

    Thank you for this recipe! I’m an RN and believe in naturopathic remedies when healing the body. My boyfriend has a horrible chest cold and coughed all night. I thought I had cough syrup but didn’t have any on hand. We need sleep so I turned to your recipe, gave him 2 tsps and so far so good! Thank you so much!

    Reply

  5. Debra

    Love a homemade, wholesome DIY remedy that actually works. I gave this to hubby last night before bed and it’s the first time in 2 weeks his hacking didn’t wake me up. YES to sleeping through the night!

    Reply

  6. M.Corey

    It works! Did a better job than the px cough medicine given to my husband. Has a bit of a punch; so some may wish to decrease the amount of cayenne pepper added. Definitely serve warm. Try using organic ingredients such as unfiltered apple cidar vinegar. Safe for those older than one year.

    Reply

  7. Christina

    I have been suffering with 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 tsp was certainly enough, for now anyway. Thank you for sharing this, it has turned out to be a very welcome “miracle.”

    Reply

  8. Terry Borgwardt

    This recipe is very similar to the one I’ve been using for years, the cinnamon is an added bonus. Doesn’t the hot water compromise the benefits of the raw, unfiltered honey?

    Reply

    • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

      The hot water is to “thin” the honey down to make this a liquid. If you prefer to use a paste sort of texture, you do not have to add the water. I will think it will be VERY strong so you may want to adjust the vinegar. We have used this recipe for YEARS. I have never felt the water was an issue at all.

      Reply

  9. Barbara

    I’ve had a horrible cough for over 3 weeks, actually had to postpone a 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 thank you so much!

    Reply

  10. Jenni LeBaron

    Apple Cider is a stape in my house for upset stomachs, but I’ve never done a cayenne infusion before. I bet this would certainly be a great shot to your immune system and I love how natural and easy the ingredients are to put together. Will keep this one on hand for the next bout of sickness.

    Reply

  11. Shannon Eaton

    Has anyone tried adding thyme and turmeric also? I would like to and I’m trying to figure out how much to add. Thank you for sharing.
    Thank You

    Reply

  12. Sean@Diversivore

    We were sick in my household or basically all of November (three kids reallllly know how to pass colds around), so I’m tuned into anything to get us healthy, keep us healthy, or just soothe our virus-addled bodies. This is a lovely recipe, with a nice blend of sweet, sour, and spice. Thanks very much for sharing it (and fingers crossed that I don’t need to make it too often…).

    Reply

  13. Annemarie

    I don’t even bother buying cough syrup since none of it does anything (unless you are getting the prescription kind). I do take a little honey so I know that helps me but I wouldn’t mind something a bit stronger. Next cough I’ll need to try your version with apple cider and cinnamon!

    Reply

  15. Sarah

    I’ve had an awful cough for a week but I never thought of making my own syrup! I love this idea, and you’re right- store bought syrups taste gross. Trying this!

    Reply

  16. Lisa

    Dr. Mom to the rescue! I love the idea of natural, homemade, cough remedies and this one has a powerhouse of good for you ingredients. I’m a firm believer that chicken soup is the catch all cure, but I’m definitely giving this a try the next time someone starts to sniffle/hack.

    Reply

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