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    Home » Recipes » Healthy

    Home Remedy Cough Syrup

    Published: Jan 13, 2025 by Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 360 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.

    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 195 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
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    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. Claudia Krusch

      January 28, 2016 at 9:47 pm

      Can’t wait to try it! The recipe sounds sooo good! I love natural remedies!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 9:52 pm

        Well it works awesome….better than the yucky stuff in the drug store.

      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 10:17 am

        It really works….and tastes so much better than the store stuff.

    2. Rosey

      January 28, 2016 at 8:38 pm

      That is such an interesting idea. I absolutely want to try this one.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 9:52 pm

        Sure hope you do.

    3. Mama to 5 BLessings

      January 28, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      I need to make this now. My whole family is sick and the coughs are awful! I like that this is natural.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 9:54 pm

        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

        January 29, 2016 at 10:18 am

        Yes natural is always a better option…I think anyway.

    4. Monica

      January 28, 2016 at 6:58 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 7:02 pm

        Nope I just keep it in a jar. Lasts a long time.

      • Monica

        January 29, 2016 at 2:19 am

        Great, Thanks!

    5. Matt @ Plating Pixels

      January 28, 2016 at 5:26 pm

      I’ve always gone for the store bought ones but obviously this is s much better option!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 7:02 pm

        Totally better…and BETTER for you!!

    6. Choclette

      January 28, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 12:12 pm

        It really works great!!

    7. Jessica

      January 28, 2016 at 11:41 am

      This is a great idea! I really hate taking cough syrup too – it tastes so bad!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 12:12 pm

        I know…this tastes GOOD!

    8. Platter Talk

      January 28, 2016 at 11:00 am

      Fantastic concoction for all! I’m tempted to try it even without a cough; it looks that good!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 12:13 pm

        Well it does taste good.

    9. Rebecca Bryant

      January 28, 2016 at 10:52 am

      what a great way to get relief from a cough without chemicals. I am big on hot tea when sick.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 12:13 pm

        I love natural ingredients too.

    10. Heather lawrence

      January 28, 2016 at 10:13 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 10:18 am

        Yes the cayenne might be too hot for kids. Be sure not to give honey to kids under 12 months of age.

    11. Sophia @Veggies Don't Bite

      January 28, 2016 at 10:06 am

      I make something very similar but as a drink, and I agree it totally helps!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 10:18 am

        Yes it does work….very well.

    12. The Food Hunter

      January 28, 2016 at 10:02 am

      This is always good to have on hand!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 10:19 am

        So easy to make in a pinch too.

    13. Jennifer

      January 28, 2016 at 10:00 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 10:19 am

        You would be surprised at HOW WELL this works!

    14. Mel @ The Refreshanista

      January 28, 2016 at 9:55 am

      Pinning this so I can make it next time I’m sick! Such a great idea 🙂

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 10:20 am

        Thanks….it works so well. So much better than medication from the drug store.

    15. Robin Rue (@massholemommy)

      January 28, 2016 at 9:14 am

      And I am quite certain that this tastes A LOT better than Robitussin! I need to try this 🙂

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 28, 2016 at 9:31 am

        YES it does!

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