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.

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.
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:
How To Make Homemade Cough Remedy
This old-fashioned cough syrup requires simple kitchen ingredients.

- 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.

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.

- 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

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


Homemade Cough Remedy
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a small glass jar.
- Secure on the lid, and shake well to combine.
- Take as often as needed.






Claudia Krusch
Can’t wait to try it! The recipe sounds sooo good! I love natural remedies!
Chef G
Well it works awesome….better than the yucky stuff in the drug store.
Chef G
It really works….and tastes so much better than the store stuff.
Rosey
That is such an interesting idea. I absolutely want to try this one.
Chef G
Sure hope you do.
Mama to 5 BLessings
I need to make this now. My whole family is sick and the coughs are awful! I like that this is natural.
Chef G
It’s great. You might want to adjust the cayenne for kids…AND be advised the medical profession advises against giving honey to children under 12 months of age.
Chef G
Yes natural is always a better option…I think anyway.
Monica
I agree, the over the counter medicine hangover is not for me. I look forward to trying this over the winter. How do you store it, in the fridge?
Chef G
Nope I just keep it in a jar. Lasts a long time.
Monica
Great, Thanks!
Matt @ Plating Pixels
I’ve always gone for the store bought ones but obviously this is s much better option!
Chef G
Totally better…and BETTER for you!!
Choclette
I’m all for using natural remedies. I tend to just feel sorry for myself when I have a cough but don’t take anything. I’ve bookmarked this, so next time I’m ill I’ll give it a go.
Chef G
It really works great!!
Jessica
This is a great idea! I really hate taking cough syrup too – it tastes so bad!
Chef G
I know…this tastes GOOD!
Platter Talk
Fantastic concoction for all! I’m tempted to try it even without a cough; it looks that good!
Chef G
Well it does taste good.
Rebecca Bryant
what a great way to get relief from a cough without chemicals. I am big on hot tea when sick.
Chef G
I love natural ingredients too.
Heather lawrence
I am convinced that the cayenne pepper in this recipe will scare the cough away! LOL!
Going to have to try this..my youngest woke up with a wicked cough this morning.
I may have to omit the cayenne though or I won’t be able to get her to take it.
Chef G
Yes the cayenne might be too hot for kids. Be sure not to give honey to kids under 12 months of age.
Sophia @Veggies Don't Bite
I make something very similar but as a drink, and I agree it totally helps!
Chef G
Yes it does work….very well.
The Food Hunter
This is always good to have on hand!
Chef G
So easy to make in a pinch too.
Jennifer
I never knew you could make your own cough syrup. I am in the process of revamping my spice cabinet, so that is definitely something I will add. Thanks!
Chef G
You would be surprised at HOW WELL this works!
Mel @ The Refreshanista
Pinning this so I can make it next time I’m sick! Such a great idea 🙂
Chef G
Thanks….it works so well. So much better than medication from the drug store.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
And I am quite certain that this tastes A LOT better than Robitussin! I need to try this 🙂
Chef G
YES it does!