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    Home » Recipes

    Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup

    December 10, 2019 *Updated* October 23, 2020 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 346 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
    Jump To Recipe

    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!

    Kitchen Remedy Cough Remedy in a glass ready to use.
    DIY Cough Syrup

    Making your own cough remedy will save you money. Believe me when I say this is the best natural cough syrup around!

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    You will receive a FREE PANTRY STAPLES PRINTABLE and easy recipes to make with them.

    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.

    All the ingredients needed to make the homemade cough syrup.

    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 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 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

    Can cinnamon kill viruses?

    It has been told that cinnamon can kill viruses and fungi.

    Does cinnamon increase immunity?

    It is a rich source of antioxidants that can give a boost to the immune system. Cinnamon is 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 similar to lemon and pineapple just to stop the tickle in the throat. It ALWAYS needs to be diluted with water.

    Is honey safe for toddler?

    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 *(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.

    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.

    Spoonful of DIY cough remedy.

    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.

    Natural DIY cough medicine in a jar.

    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?

    Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU. You will get a FREE PRINTABLE and recipes! FOLLOW ME on social media too.

    DIY COUGH syrup pin image. jpg
    Close up of Kitchen Remedy Cough Remedy in a glass ready to use.

    Homemade Cough Remedy

    Spicy honey-cider syrup. No dyes or synthetic ingredients. Saves money. Natural alternative.
    5 from 139 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Rate Save Saved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Herbs & Spices
    Cuisine: Canadian
    Keyword: DIY cough syrup
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 6kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    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. Diane

      February 10, 2020 at 6:32 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        February 10, 2020 at 8:24 am

        That is AMAZING…so glad it worked for you. Hope he feels better soon, and you both got much needed rest.

    2. Lourdes K.

      February 03, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      Hi. How do you store? Room temp? Refrigerate amd heat before using?

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        February 07, 2020 at 8:34 am

        I store this at room temperature and to not heat before using.

      • Kate

        December 29, 2020 at 8:30 am

        How long does it take to take effect? I gave it to my son.

      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        December 29, 2020 at 9:36 am

        Sorry, I do not know the answer to that. Everyone is different.

    3. Debra

      January 28, 2020 at 1:02 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        January 28, 2020 at 5:26 pm

        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

        February 07, 2020 at 11:49 am

        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

        February 10, 2020 at 8:25 am

        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.

    4. M.Corey

      January 21, 2020 at 4:00 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        January 22, 2020 at 10:49 am

        SO happy this helps. Thanks so much for your reply. I will be sure to share it with my readers.

    5. Christina

      January 12, 2020 at 2:31 am

      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.”

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        January 12, 2020 at 10:05 am

        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.

    6. Terry Borgwardt

      January 04, 2020 at 6:15 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        January 05, 2020 at 9:57 am

        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.

    7. Barbara

      December 19, 2019 at 9:53 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 21, 2019 at 10:30 am

        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.

    8. Jenni LeBaron

      December 17, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:12 pm

        This is the only cough remedy we use. Hope it helps your family too.

    9. Shannon Eaton

      December 17, 2019 at 1:01 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:13 pm

        I would experiment and see how it works for you. They are awesome ingredients…and it certainly will not have ill effects.

    10. Sean@Diversivore

      December 16, 2019 at 2:43 pm

      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…).

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:14 pm

        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.

    11. Annemarie

      December 16, 2019 at 11:09 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:15 pm

        This is super easy to make when you are in need of some relief from the cough and cold season. Stay healthy my friend.

    12. Jamie

      December 14, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      Can I make this without ginger? We are out and I don’t drive. ?☹️

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 14, 2019 at 4:28 pm

        You can switch up the ingredients as you like. Hope you feel better soon.

    13. Sarah

      December 13, 2019 at 5:47 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 14, 2019 at 9:12 am

        Hope it helps you as much as it does for us. The ONLY cough remedy we use in our house.

      • Ayo

        June 18, 2022 at 8:04 am

        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

        June 18, 2022 at 9:17 am

        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.

    14. Lisa

      December 13, 2019 at 5:26 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 14, 2019 at 9:12 am

        Chicken soup is a great cure…and mom made it all the time. This works great for those annoying coughs.

    15. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)

      December 11, 2019 at 9:56 am

      This recipe is absolutely genius. I will be using all winter long.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 12, 2019 at 4:37 pm

        Well I sure hope you don’t have to use it all winter long…stay healthy my friend.

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