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.
Diane
Thank you for this recipe! I’m an RN and believe in naturopathic remedies when healing the body. My boyfriend has a horrible chest cold and coughed all night. I thought I had cough syrup but didn’t have any on hand. We need sleep so I turned to your recipe, gave him 2 tsps and so far so good! Thank you so much!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
That is AMAZING…so glad it worked for you. Hope he feels better soon, and you both got much needed rest.
Lourdes K.
Hi. How do you store? Room temp? Refrigerate amd heat before using?
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I store this at room temperature and to not heat before using.
Kate
How long does it take to take effect? I gave it to my son.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Sorry, I do not know the answer to that. Everyone is different.
Debra
Love a homemade, wholesome DIY remedy that actually works. I gave this to hubby last night before bed and it’s the first time in 2 weeks his hacking didn’t wake me up. YES to sleeping through the night!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am so glad he got some relief. It really is amazing the power of ingredients/spices that actually work better than medication. Thanks for your comment.
Mary Genthner
I had to use fresh ginger but combined it all in my ninja to break the ginger down … made a double batch… works amazing! We are in the middle of or nor’Easter and couldn’t run out to get more cough medicine, this was a life saver!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I love hearing the comments of how well this works. So glad it helped you. It is the only cough remedy we take in our house.
M.Corey
It works! Did a better job than the px cough medicine given to my husband. Has a bit of a punch; so some may wish to decrease the amount of cayenne pepper added. Definitely serve warm. Try using organic ingredients such as unfiltered apple cidar vinegar. Safe for those older than one year.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
SO happy this helps. Thanks so much for your reply. I will be sure to share it with my readers.
Christina
I have been suffering with 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.”
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am sooooo glad you decided to give this a try. Hopefully, you will get more rest now! Feel better soon. I will share your comment with my readers.
Terry Borgwardt
This recipe is very similar to the one I’ve been using for years, the cinnamon is an added bonus. Doesn’t the hot water compromise the benefits of the raw, unfiltered honey?
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
The hot water is to “thin” the honey down to make this a liquid. If you prefer to use a paste sort of texture, you do not have to add the water. I will think it will be VERY strong so you may want to adjust the vinegar. We have used this recipe for YEARS. I have never felt the water was an issue at all.
Barbara
I’ve had a horrible cough for over 3 weeks, actually had to postpone a 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 thank you so much!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am so glad this helped you. It is the only remedy we use. Hope your surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery. I will share your comments with my readers.
Jenni LeBaron
Apple Cider is a stape in my house for upset stomachs, but I’ve never done a cayenne infusion before. I bet this would certainly be a great shot to your immune system and I love how natural and easy the ingredients are to put together. Will keep this one on hand for the next bout of sickness.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is the only cough remedy we use. Hope it helps your family too.
Shannon Eaton
Has anyone tried adding thyme and turmeric also? I would like to and I’m trying to figure out how much to add. Thank you for sharing.
Thank You
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I would experiment and see how it works for you. They are awesome ingredients…and it certainly will not have ill effects.
Sean@Diversivore
We were sick in my household or basically all of November (three kids reallllly know how to pass colds around), so I’m tuned into anything to get us healthy, keep us healthy, or just soothe our virus-addled bodies. This is a lovely recipe, with a nice blend of sweet, sour, and spice. Thanks very much for sharing it (and fingers crossed that I don’t need to make it too often…).
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Yes this really does work for kids and adults….sometimes you have to adjust the ingredients at a bit (kids don’t like it too spicy). Hope you have a healthy winter.
Annemarie
I don’t even bother buying cough syrup since none of it does anything (unless you are getting the prescription kind). I do take a little honey so I know that helps me but I wouldn’t mind something a bit stronger. Next cough I’ll need to try your version with apple cider and cinnamon!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is super easy to make when you are in need of some relief from the cough and cold season. Stay healthy my friend.
Jamie
Can I make this without ginger? We are out and I don’t drive. ?☹️
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You can switch up the ingredients as you like. Hope you feel better soon.
Sarah
I’ve had an awful cough for a week but I never thought of making my own syrup! I love this idea, and you’re right- store bought syrups taste gross. Trying this!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Hope it helps you as much as it does for us. The ONLY cough remedy we use in our house.
Ayo
I tested positive for covid-19 two days ago. Of all the symptoms, this cough has been the ABSOLUTE worst!
I don’t know the science behind these ingredients, but what I do know that at night time, I’ve been having coughing fits. The same has further irritated my already sore throat.
Didn’t have Abby cough medicine and I was desperate for any kind of relief. We were out of cinnamon but I whipped all the other ingredients together anyway.
And guess what? I slept, straight through. I didn’t have any coughing fit following the initial 1tbs of this mixture. I didn’t wake up coughing through the night nor at morning time.
I’m so grateful. Anyone who has any kind of cough, especially during covid KNOWS the importance of having something that works.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS! O AM SO GRATEFUL. LITERALLY IN TEARS! THANK YOU!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I am so glad you found some relief with this DIY cough remedy. Sure hope you are symptom-free and feeling better soon. Sometimes it’s the simple ingredients that really pack a punch.
Lisa
Dr. Mom to the rescue! I love the idea of natural, homemade, cough remedies and this one has a powerhouse of good for you ingredients. I’m a firm believer that chicken soup is the catch all cure, but I’m definitely giving this a try the next time someone starts to sniffle/hack.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Chicken soup is a great cure…and mom made it all the time. This works great for those annoying coughs.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
This recipe is absolutely genius. I will be using all winter long.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Well I sure hope you don’t have to use it all winter long…stay healthy my friend.