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Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup

*Updated* / By: 292 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 84 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

  4. Biswajit Saha

    Hello,
    How many servings one should have in a day when there is severity of coughing due to common cold? Also, what kind of honey (i.e. specific brand) do you use in your prep? It is very hard to choose the right honey from the store.
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

      Thanks for stopping buy. For the honey I just used regular honey. I got mine from a farmer, but just plain liquid honey would be fine. For the number of servings, that will have to be YOUR decision. It is made with FOOD products, so use it at your own discretion. Hope this helps.

      Reply

  6. Debra Heit/Walker

    It works great!!! until we can go to see the Dr. this is a good winter time must… plus it using the items we all have I our kitchen.. Thank you. DH from Utah

    Reply

  7. Dixie

    I can’t take drugstore cough medicine, and found your recipe by googling. It works! I finally have relief, after two days of coughing. I used the unpasteurized honey and Bragg’s apple cider vinegar. Thank you!

    Reply

  8. Tina

    I all ready make Elderberry syrup. I was looking for a cough syrup to add for our family. This works amazing. Quieted my cough with in mins. Thank you for sharing. This will be our go to from now on.

    Reply

  9. Robin

    Just took my first dose and am feeling hopeful; thank you for sharing this. I am amazed that I had all the ingredients on hand, that almost never happens for me!

    Reply

  11. jinny will

    Haven’t tried it myself, but I made it for my 16 yr old son, and almost immediately his throat felt better, while his coughing diminished quickly, after his 2nd or 3rd treatment his cough was almost gone; took about 3 days for him to get rid of his cold.

    Reply

  16. Ayesha

    Thank you for the natural recipe.. it looks promising. I have one doubt. How can we store this and for how long? Should it be refrigerated or can we leave it outside? Please note that I live in south India where winters are not freezing cold, the coldest is 13°c.

    Reply

  17. Holly

    I’m all about homemade remedies like this! You’re right – cough syrup from the store is pretty bad. I’m definitely going to give this a try – thanks!

    Reply

  18. Julie

    We’re admittedly not into natural remedies because there are so, so many potentially dangerous ones out there (looking at you, essential oils!), but this one just sounds plain delicious. Honey and cayenne? Sign me up!

    Reply

  20. Michele

    This is such a great idea because I always have trouble getting my son to take cough medicine. Not only does it probably taste better, but I’m sure it’s better for you because it’s made with natural ingredients. Looking forward to trying this!

    Reply

  21. georgie

    yikes, this is a strong concoction but I love the idea of making a natural cough remedy! I know that all those flavour combinations are meant to be awesome for coughs and colds so I would totally make this at home!

    Reply

  24. Sri Mallya

    I can’t thank you enough for this post. My husband is suffering from cough and no drug store syrup works for him. I will try this today and let you know the results. Pinning it too!

    Reply

  25. Lauren

    I think I would take this even if I didn’t have a cough! I love the sweet and spicy combo of honey and cayenne! Now I just need to figure out how to trick my husband into taking this for his cough!

    Reply

  26. stephanie

    This is such a great idea! I’ll definitely have to keep this on hand because we always get sick sometime in the winter without fail!

    Reply

  27. Aleta

    As you stated above, the 100 day cough is awful.. currently myself and my daughters are about 7 days into it and feel like it’s never going to let up. I’m super excited to give this a try! I also hate using cough syrups and you arent supposed to give the to children under the age of six, so this natural solution will be perfect!

    Reply

  28. Michelle

    My friend is a master herbalist and suggested this to me years ago, I make it every year now without fail. It is the only thing that really works, so much better than over the counter syrups that are just all sugar. We’re coming into flu season here now so thanks for the reminder x

    Reply

  30. Shelley

    Oh my goodness – you got my attention right away since I totally agree with you – I don’t like cough syrup either, and it usually doesn’t work very effectively anyway! I’m so excited to try this (ok – but not excited to get sick so that I NEED to try it LOL)! I’m definitely pinning this so I can find it again ASAP the next time one of us is sick. Thank you bunches for the terrific, all-natural idea!

    Reply

  33. Amanda

    I really can’t stand OTC cough syrup either. haha. The flavor is just not anything you want when you already aren’t feeling your best. I love that this has honey and cinnamon in it. Most definitely saving for when cold season really starts hitting in a few weeks!

    Reply

      • Christine

        NOT a girl who can handle spice but I made this because I am a wimp when it comes to coughs AND I am pregnant so I needed help. I feel a TON better within minutes of taking this though I did need a glass of water close by. Thanks for helping a mama out!!

  35. sara

    No one wants to run out to the store when they are sick! A perfect recipe for those days when you start feeling a cold/sore throat coming on!

    Reply

  36. Miranda

    I have to save this recipe! We love finding home remedies so we can avoid taking over-the-counter medicine! I even have all of the ingredients in my pantry!

    Reply

  37. Marisa Franca

    I’ve had a sore throat for about a week. I thought, what the heck I’m going to give this a try. Well, I did and I’m pleased with the results. I still have a slight sore throat but at least I can swallow with having it hurt. Hopefully, I can get rid of the soreness soon. I don’t have time for this!!

    Reply

  38. Tina

    Between allergies and cold season i don’t think I ever escape at least one event where I have a cough that hangs around forever. I hate having to eat cough drops like candy, so I think this healthy alternative will be a great addition homemade alternative to my medicine cabinet this winter!

    Reply

  40. Debra

    Love a homemade remedy like this. Especially one that doesn’t include any refined sugar. Going to bookmark this and hope that we don’t need it this winter. 🙂

    Reply

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