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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. Helen

      February 01, 2016 at 1:51 am

      Sounds like a good idea, how long does it take to get rid of the cough.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        February 01, 2016 at 9:25 am

        I guess that depends on your cough….I really can’t say.

    2. Coralie

      January 31, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      I haven’t made a homemade cough syrup before – but this sounds effective. We will have to try it.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 31, 2016 at 11:11 pm

        We find that it works awesome!!

    3. Jenny

      January 31, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      I’m about to try this right now. Am I supposed to drink all of what this recipe makes or just a few sips?

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 31, 2016 at 7:50 pm

        Usually 1 tbsp. at a time.

    4. Loreto Nardelli

      January 29, 2016 at 2:52 pm

      What a great thing to post. I am always looking for natural recipes to cough remedy. I have tried milk ginger and honey, alcohol chili peppers and garlic, that didn’t taste good. But this sounds pretty good and digestible. Although love the milk ginger honey so smooth but sometimes not strong enough.
      Great Job!
      Loreto

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 2:55 pm

        HAHAH…well you have certainly made an effort not to buy stuff….that is great!!

    5. Angela Chu

      January 29, 2016 at 1:07 pm

      Wow, this is so cool. I don’t have a cold, but when I do, I’ll know where to look! Thanks Gloria 🙂

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 1:49 pm

        Thanks for stopping by. It really does work!!

    6. Shauna S.

      January 29, 2016 at 12:58 pm

      What a great remedy. I am obsessed with Apple cider vinegar. I gargle with it if I have a soar throat.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 1:03 pm

        It works wonders….as you know!!

    7. Justine @ JustineCelina.com

      January 29, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      Gloria, I love this idea! I would much rather try an effective, natural remedy than take a store bought or prescription medication. I’m pinning this now, and next time I have a cough I’ll totally report back! Thanks for this innovative idea! 🙂

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 1:05 pm

        Thanks so much Justine….it is awesome. I would love to hear what you have to say…although I don’t want you to get a cough!!

    8. Christine | Vermilion Roots

      January 29, 2016 at 11:30 am

      I love all the ingredients but I worry about the amount of cayenne in my drink! 🙂

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 1:05 pm

        You can adjust the amount of cayenne so suit your needs.

    9. Brittani

      January 29, 2016 at 11:22 am

      This is perfect! I couldn’t agree more about preferring to use food and natural ingredients to feel better over heading to the pharmacy. My other half travels a lot for work and keeps getting sick over and over so I’ll definitely be trying this soon. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 1:06 pm

        You are so welcome….hope it helps.

    10. Tracy | Baking Mischief

      January 29, 2016 at 11:01 am

      I love that this is made with kitchen staples. I hate having to go out and buy cough syrup (that I hate taking anyway) when I’m not feeling well. With this, you can whip up a batch and be back to bed in about 5 minutes.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 11:20 am

        Yes….in ALL accounts.

    11. April

      January 29, 2016 at 9:44 am

      I love home remedies like this. Another one I have to pin! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 10:11 am

        You are welcome…it works!!

      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 10:15 am

        You are very welcome….hope it works for you too.

    12. Ashley Sparks Mullins

      January 29, 2016 at 9:37 am

      I could have used this last week. The sore throat and cough was going around my house. I would much rather use a natural remedy versus OTC meds.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 10:11 am

        Well you have it for the future…it lasts a long time.

    13. KatyRose

      January 29, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Love that you labeled these as remedies that really work. I feel like I’ve tried so many natural remedies that claim to be amazing but seem to do nothing for me. I need to really try this. – Katy

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 10:12 am

        It REALLY does work!!

    14. Amanda Love

      January 29, 2016 at 7:36 am

      I usually just plop down money on the over the counter stuff but have never tried a home remedy. I will have to give this a try for sure the next time and the kids start feeling sick, especially since I have all the ingredients on hand.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 10:12 am

        You will have to adjust the amount of cayenne for kids…and also don’t give honey to kids under 12 months of age.

    15. Carol Bryant

      January 28, 2016 at 11:40 pm

      I was about pulling my hair out a few years back. I had bronchitis for 6 months. I will bookmark this.

      Reply
      • Chef G

        January 29, 2016 at 10:16 am

        WOW…this would have been great for you … now you have it for future.

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