Homemade cough syrup from your kitchen pharmacy? Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup is made out of natural ingredients. No dyes, chemicals, preservatives, or synthetic 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.
You can make this DIY cough syrup in 5 minutes!
Making your own cough remedy 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.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this natural cough remedy can be found at the bottom of this post.
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 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. Natural cough remedies are a great alternative.
How To Make Homemade Cough Remedy
This DIY cough medicine requires simple kitchen ingredients. You will need:
- 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 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.
DIY Cough Syrup 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.
FAQ
It has been told that cinnamon can kill viruses and fungi.
It is a rich source of antioxidants that can give a boost to the immune system. Cinnamon is also antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal.
As long as it is used correctly, the acid in the vinegar may work similar to lemon and pineapple just 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 *(affiliate) 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.
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.
Home Remedies for Coughs, Colds And Sore Throats
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.
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. A great alternative to help stop coughing attacks.
What is your favourite natural remedy?
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Homemade Cough Remedy
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
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a small glass jar.
- Secure on the lid, and shake well to combine.
- Take as often as needed.
Michelle
Interesting. I’ll definitely keep this natural option in mind this winter.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is the only remedy we use in our house. Hope it works for you too.
kim
Such a great recipe! This will definitely come in handy during cold and flu season!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
We only use this. Easy to whip up when you are in need of some cough and cold relief.
Julia
This sounds like a great thing to have in your cupboard to relief cough.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Totally agree. Easy to mi up when you need it. Stay healthy.
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
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.
Amber Payne
Will this help with chest congestion?
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Unfortunately, I CANNOT MAKE CLAIMS for what it can and cannot do. I can say this is what helps us when we have a cold.
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
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
YES…it sure does work. So glad you found it helpful!!
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!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
YES!! I does work…so glad you wrote to let me know how well it worked for you!! I will be sure to let my readers know.
Jennifer
How do we keep this stored while waiting to consume it all (if needed). How long is the shelf life? And, store on countertop or put into the fridge?
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This will keep for MONTHS. Just think….it is made with shelf-stable ingredients. I just keep it in the cupboard. Hope I have answered your questions.
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.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I know right?? Such a great alternative to traditional crap from the pharmacy. So glad you are feeling better.
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!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
AWESOME….sercoiusly this is the ONLY cough remedy we ever use. Feel better soon.
Bonnie Schocket
It really works, thank you for sharing.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
So glad it worked for you. This kitchen cough syrup is all we use in our house.
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.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
YES….love when people come back and tell me it works. It is the only cough remedy we use in our house.
Dee
How many times a day do you take a dose(2tsp)?
Homemade & Yummy
You can take it as often as you need too. It is made with FOOD…so you cannot overdose!
Dee
Oh my gosh! It actually worked! Slept through the night for the first time in Days!! And I didn’t have unfiltered ACV or raw honey so I used generic store-bought stuff and it Worked! Thanks!!!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
AWESOME!! So glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know.
Tanya
I don’t have cayenne pepper. What can I substitute?
Homemade & Yummy
You could try adding a bit of black pepper or just leave it out completely. If I was making this for children, I would leave out the cayenne for sure.
ANGELA PINA
It really works.
Homemade & Yummy
I know….thanks for swinging back to tell me.
karrie / Tasty Ever After
We take all natural cold remedies in my household and I LOVE THIS RECIPE!!! Pinning for later so I can make it next time I’m sick. Thanks for sharing!
Homemade & Yummy
This is the ONLY cough remedy we use…and it works too.
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.
Homemade & Yummy
I never put this in the fridge. It lasts for a least a month or more just in the cupboard.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes…homemade remedies really do work. No side effects and actually taste good too.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Well these are all food items, you are good to go!!
Nicole
This cough medicine looks like he has a bunch of good stuff in it that your body will love! Is this good for toddlers?
Homemade & Yummy
You would have to check the notice about the honey…and also adjust the amount of cayenne, or not put it in. I know my daughter uses cinnamon and honey for her kids.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Stay healthy, but when you need a little help, this does work.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
My husband is on his first batch of the season. Give this a try when you get that winter cough.
Jenlea Dixon
Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar for white distilled vinegar?
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
NO…..you CANNOT!! There is NO nutritional value in white vinegar at all….plus it will not taste good at all.
Charity
This is such a great idea! I’m not a fan of store bought cough syrups either. They taste awful and never work. Next time we catch a cold, I’m trying this!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you find this works so much better than the store bought medicines.
Sharon
I love the idea of making my own cough syrup at home. I can make it as I need it and know exactly what’s in it too.
Homemade & Yummy
YES exactly. It tastes good, works and has NO side effects.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Oh I hope he feels better. My husband is on his first batch of the season, and it is working for him.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Honestly once he tries it…he will take it for sure. It takes great and works too. No side effects either.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Hubby is making his way through the first batch of the season right now.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
OMG we both had that 100 day cough…so terrible. This does work and is so much better than traditional medicine for sure.
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
Homemade & Yummy
Yes for sure. I really do not like medication (and NEVER take it when prescribed). This works with NO side effects.
Toni | Boulder Locavore
I love homemade remedy for cold and cough. This is really helpful.
Homemade & Yummy
Hubby is already on his first batch!!
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Well I do not like medication of ANY kind. This really does work and tastes good too. NO side effects.
Lindsay Cotter
Love this natural remedy! Saving this in case I need it this winter!
Homemade & Yummy
Well we have already started with the colds in our house.
Linda
I know that apple cider vinegar has lots of benefits. Love this recipe and definitely a keeper! Do you know how long it lasts in the pantry or fridge?
Homemade & Yummy
I just keep it on the counter…the fridge will make the honey hard. It lasts several months no problem.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
I can’t stand it either. The side effects of the medication are worse than the symptoms. This works like a charm.
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!!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am SO HAPPY you got some relief. I do not like cough syrup for the pharmacy. It always makes me feel sick. This is the only remedy we use….feel better soon.
Chef Mireille
a great homeopathic remedy – natural healing is always preferable to using man made chemicals So useful to have on hand!
Homemade & Yummy
And so easy to make when you come down with a cough.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes it sure is. We are on our first batch of the season, hubby has come down with a cold.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
That is the beauty of this…most people have everything they need. Your kitchen is a magical place.
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!!
Homemade & Yummy
It is amazing right? Tastes so much better than the medicine from the pharmacy. So glad you gave it a try. Hope you are feeling better.
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!
Homemade & Yummy
This has NO side effects…and tastes good. Alternative methods are the best.
Lane
This is a great idea! So much healthier than over the counter syrups.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes it sure is. No side effects, tastes great and works. Keep it in mind when you need some during the cough/cold season.
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. 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
We are on our first batch of the season….hubby has a cold.