Homemade Cough Syrup - Dr. Axe
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Homemade Cough Syrup

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Homemade cough syrup - Dr. Axe

Conventional cough syrups can be high in sugar and often don’t remedy a cough. Instead, try this homemade cough syrup recipe, which features raw honey, lemon juice and herbs that can help soothe the throat, boost the immune system and settle a cough.

Easy to mix together, this is a recipe for one day: three servings, taken morning, afternoon and before bed. It loaded with natural cough remedy ingredients and should knock out that cough by the time your heads hits the pillow!

Key Ingredients

Apple cider vinegar: Containing beneficial bacteria, ACV can help give your immune system a quick boost and also soothe your sore throat.

Garlic: If you can, use actual raw garlic in this recipe. Why? Allicin, a compound found in garlic, is known for its ability to kill the microorganisms that are responsible respiratory infections that can lead to coughing.

Lemon juice: High in vitamin C, lemons are also loaded with antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and promote improved immunity.

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Raw honey: Working to relieve irritation, reduce inflammation and increase cytokine release, honey also provides immune-boosting antioxidants. In fact, studies show that a single dose of honey can reduce mucus secretion and coughs … and can be just as effective as diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, common ingredients found in over-the-counter cough medicines.

Ginger: It carries powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which makes it a go-to when dealing with respiratory tract infections.

Cinnamon: Containing natural antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties, cinnamon is a welcome and tasty addition to a homemade cough syrup recipe!

Cayenne: With its anti-irritant properties, cayenne pepper can help ease coughs. In addition, it’s full of immune system–supporting beta carotene and antioxidants.

Also, give my Homemade Honey Herbal Cough Drops a try. (You can also adding a drop or two of essential oils like lemon, frankincense, peppermint and lavender, but you should consult your physician or health care provider before any internal consumption.)

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Homemade cough syrup - Dr. Axe

Homemade Cough Syrup


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  • Author: Dr. Josh Axe
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Try this homemade cough syrup recipe, which features raw honey, lemon juice and herbs that can help soothe the throat, boost the immune system and settle a cough.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1½ tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey
  • ¼ teaspoon ground garlic (or 3 cloves, finely chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • small glass jar

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to the jar.
  2. Put cap on jar and shake contents thoroughly. (And do so before each time you consume.)
  3. Consume one-third of mixture (just over 1 tablespoon) for each serving.
  4. Place in refrigerator. (Let it sit out for around 10 minutes for each future use.)

Notes

Still have a cough on day 2? Make another batch!

  • Prep Time: 5 min

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30 Comments

  1. Drmom on

    Explore Dr.Mom’s Ayurvedic Cough Syrup for dry cough relief. Natural, effective ayurvedic medicine for cough and cold.
    https://drmom.in

    Reply
  2. Ilene on

    Thanks for the recipe! I’ve used a similar one but like the taste of this one better….just checking though, is that correct: 1 and 1/4 tsp ginger? That seems like a lot of ginger. Just wanted to be sure it wasn’t a typo. Thanks!!

    Reply
  3. Joanne on

    I had a bad cough that wouldn’t go away after covid (which had turned into a sinus infection with post nasal drip). I can’t believe how quickly it resolved with this syrup! I took one teaspoon at a time, and I felt differently from when I first took it. Took it twice yesterday evening, and I am barely coughing at all now! When I do, it is just to clear my throat, and not that compulsive type cough which makes you feel like you can’t breathe. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  4. Nicole S on

    This is second time I made this cough syrup and it worked the first by then time I was the batch. And I made it again this morning and looking forward to its healing benefits. The only question is how often should this be taken?

    Reply
  5. Linda Wolf on

    :D We had “hot toddies” with water, lemon, honey, and bourbon! (Just a tiny bit though) :D Mom also rubbed mentholatum or vicks on our chest and wrapoed a warm towel around our neck. Sounds silly, but it worked!
    We didn’t have all of the wonderful information about essential oils that we do now…

    Reply
  6. Dr. Josh Axe on

    I made the recipe small because I like to make up just enough to be used over 1-3 days. The jar is there to mix the ingredients in, not as much for long term storage. I think the recipe would be fine for longer periods of time, but it’s so easy and fast to make that I like to keep it fresh.

    Reply
  7. Dr. Josh Axe on

    Most therapists recommend not swallowing oils because most oils are not certified pure therapeutic grade. You definitely don’t want to be consuming oils that are not at that standard. The oils that I recommend not only have this grade but also do 3rd party testing to assure the quality. For any more questions about the oils, please email me at [email protected]

    Reply

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