Homemade Cough Syrup – A Natural Remedy for Coughs
When the cold season hits, a sore throat or a bad cough can make life miserable. If you find yourself battling cold symptoms and seeking relief, consider a homemade cough syrup recipe that uses simple ingredients like cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar to boost your immune system and provide relief. This natural cough remedy is perfect for both adults and small children and is a great alternative to counter cough medicines that may not always be effective. Here’s how to make a natural cough syrup that can help alleviate a dry cough, chest congestion, and other symptoms during the flu season.
What Natural Remedies Can I Use for a Cough?
Apart from the homemade cough syrup recipe mentioned above, other natural remedies include using essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint oil for steam inhalation. A hot cup of chicken soup can also provide relief from a hacking cough by soothing the back of your throat and clearing congestion.
Can I Make My Own Cough Syrup at Home?
Absolutely! Making your own cough syrup is a great natural remedy. You can create a thick syrup using organic raw honey, fresh lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. This homemade syrup can be stored in small glass jars and is a fantastic alternative to over the counter cough syrups available at the drug store. You can also check out this old fashioned cough syrup recipe made with onions that is perfect for young children!
I Heard About Whiskey Honey Lemon Cough Syrup. Is It Effective?
Whiskey honey lemon cough syrup is an old-fashioned cough syrup recipe that many people find effective for productive coughs. The whiskey helps to numb the throat, honey acts as a natural cough suppressant, and lemon provides vitamin C. However, it’s essential to use this homemade cough remedy responsibly and consult a healthcare provider, especially for young children.
Can I Use Black Pepper in My Homemade Syrups?
Yes, black pepper can be a potent ingredient in homemade syrups. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help in relieving respiratory tract infections. Combine it with hot water and honey for a soothing drink.
What Are Some Other Ingredients I Can Use in My Own Cough Syrup?
Other ingredients you can use include olive oil, maple syrup, and fresh ginger. These ingredients have various health benefits and can enhance the effectiveness of your homemade cough syrup. For a spicy touch, add hot peppers, which are known for their immune-boosting properties.
Is It Safe to Give Homemade Syrups to Children?
Homemade syrups made with natural ingredients are generally safe for children over one year of age. However, avoid giving honey cough syrup to infants under one year due to the risk of bacterial infection. Always consult a healthcare provider before administering any home remedy to small children.
Can I Store the Homemade Cough Syrup in Small Plastic Containers?
It’s best to store homemade cough syrup in a small glass jar rather than small plastic containers. Glass is non-reactive and will keep your syrup fresh for a longer time. You can also try freezing it in your favourite popsicle moulds to make it easier for children and help soothe the throat.
Where Can I Find the Ingredients for Homemade Cough Syrup?
Most ingredients for homemade cough syrup, like honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper, can be easily found at your local grocery store. For a diverse range of essential oils and other natural cough remedies, you can check online platforms, including Amazon, where numerous sellers offer a variety of products.
How Would You Rate the Effectiveness of Homemade Cough Syrup?
These types of home remedies rank highly for effectiveness, especially when made with quality ingredients like organic raw honey and fresh lemon juice. However, the best way to ensure its efficacy is by preparing it correctly and using it as a complementary treatment alongside professional medical advice.
Let’s get making our cough syrup.
Ingredients:
- Fresh lemons
- Cayenne pepper
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar or buckwheat honey
- Fresh ginger
- Water
Instructions:
Begin by carefully preparing your lemons and ginger. Cut the lemons in half, and roughly chop up an entire ginger root.
In a small saucepan, add in a few cups of water, then squeeze each lemon half into the water, dropping the lemon into the pan afterward.
Add in the ginger root, as well.
This mixture will form the base of your DIY cough syrup. At this point you can add in your cayenne pepper (just shake a bit into the pot) and place it on the stove to gently simmer for 20 minutes.
Cook on low heat, allowing the mixture to simmer. The low heat helps in extracting the health benefits from the ginger and lemon, providing a natural antihistamine effect to relieve a scratchy throat.
Cayenne pepper is known for its immune-boosting properties and can help relieve pain by affecting the nervous system’s pain message pathways.
After simmering for about 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the mixture with a slotted spoon or through a small mesh sieve.
Add in your sweetener of choice. Local honey is always the best option (though be sure not to give honey to anyone under a year old), though regular honey or buckwheat honey are great alternatives. You can also add brown sugar, agave nectar or maple syrup, depending on what you have on hand.
Finally, add in a small amount of apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Apple cider vinegar is packed with vitamin C and other powerful ingredients that can help in fighting bacterial and respiratory infections.
Use a funnel to pour the resulting mixture into a small glass jar or bottle. I use a ladle to make it easier.
Allow the homemade cough syrup to cool to room temperature before sealing the jar. Store the syrup in your medicine cabinet for a shelf life of up to a month.
For persistent cough or difficulty breathing, ensure to seek immediate medical attention.
This homemade cough syrup recipe is not just a remedy for a bad cough or sore throat but also a great way to ensure that your immune system is fortified during the flu season. The best part is that it is made with natural ingredients, making it a more natural approach compared to store-bought cough syrup that may contain artificial sweeteners.
Next time you or your little ones are suffering from a bad cough or cold symptoms, consider this homemade cough syrup with cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy. Remember to consult a health care provider for persistent symptoms or before starting a new treatment, especially for small or young children.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.