DIY Natural Cough Syrup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best homemade cough medicine? ›

The Mayo Clinic states that honey is just as effective as dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter cough medicine. To use: Mix 2 tablespoons of a high-quality apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of raw honey into a tall glass of water. Drink up to two times per day for cough relief.

Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, children ages 1 to 5 with upper respiratory tract infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime.

Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines. Squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children).

Gargle With Salt Water

A simple way to ease a cough is with salt water. "Salt can kill bacteria," says Keri Peterson, MD, an internal medicine doctor and WH advisor.

Studies show that a tsp of honey may be an effective remedy to limit coughs. Buckwheat, wildflower, and eucalyptus honey are all examples of varieties used in studies. The thick texture of honey may help lower the urge to cough, by coating and soothing the throat.

Bromelain is an enzyme that can only be found in the stem and fruit of pineapples. Evidence shows that it can help stop coughs and loosen mucus in your throat. To get the most out of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple three times a day or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice.

Honey has been used to relieve cough and congestion for ages, with studies proving that it is an effective expectorant. To use honey as an expectorant, dissolve a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Drink the mixture throughout the day.

What can I mix with honey for a cough? ›

Research shows honey can help to relieve sore throats and coughs. Cinnamon may help fight viruses, open airways, thin mucus, and bring down a fever, at least theoretically. These purported benefits are based on laboratory research. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

Herbal Tea or Warm Broth

Hot liquids such as herbal tea or clear broth can help thin mucus, making it easier to clear. For best results, drink teas made from herbal cough remedies like peppermint or ginger and add honey.

Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that's rubbed on the throat and chest to relieve a cough. It's unsafe for any use in children under 2 years old. In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest to ease coughing during a cold.

All you have to do is boil the kettle and pour the hot water into a mug, just like you would when making a cup of tea. Then, squeeze half a lemon into the water and add one or two teaspoons of honey. Stir it well and drink it while it's warm.

For the sneaky and persistent cough that follows a cold, tickles the throat and disturbs sleep, there's nothing better than a glass of water on the bedside table containing 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. A dry nighttime cough can also be alleviated by spraying Apple Cider Vinegar on the pillowcase.

Pineapple may be good for cough because of bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties. Findings show that oral intake of bromelain may minimize congestion, suppress coughing, and improve breathing. Studies have not yet proven pineapple juice to specifically relieve coughs.

Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day. And part of that reasoning is that honey does contain sugar. “If you're concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”

Drinking enough liquids, especially warm ones can help with mucus flow. Water and other liquids can loosen your congestion by helping your mucus move. Try sipping liquids, like juice, clear broths, and soup. Other good liquid choices include decaffeinated tea, warm fruit juice, and lemon water.