Cough and cold are common health problems that affect millions of people worldwide.
Although they are not usually severe, they can still be annoying, and the worst part is that they can greatly affect your day-to-day activities, making you feel tired and lethargic all the time. But fret not, you don’t have to suffer much longer. Instead of relying on over-the-counter meds, you can try a natural solution that is equally effective and even healthier – homemade cough syrup!.
Why Choose Homemade Cough Syrup?
Although cough syrups are available at drug stores everywhere, they often contain artificial ingredients that could do more harm than good to your body.
Excessive intake of cough syrup can create side effects like dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, and even intoxication. Not only that, but it can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance over time.
Making your own cough syrup is an excellent alternative to these synthetic drugs because they are less harmful, contain natural ingredients, and equally effective.
In this post, we’ll give you an easy-to-follow recipe for making your own DIY cough syrup using ingredients that you can find in your kitchen or pantry.
DIY Cough Syrup Recipe
Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to make your own DIY cough syrup:.
: Ingredients
- 2 cups of honey
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh turmeric (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Once you have all these ingredients ready, you can start making your cough syrup using the following steps:.
: Instructions
- Wash and scrub the lemon then slice it and put it in a large bowl
- Add the grated ginger, turmeric, and honey to the bowl
- Add the cayenne pepper and cinnamon then stir all of the ingredients together
- Cover the mixture and let it sit for at least 24 hours at room temperature for the flavors to meld together.
- After that, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
- Transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to three months.
How to Use the Homemade Cough Syrup?
When using the homemade cough syrup, adults can take 1-2 tablespoons every 4-6 hours, while children can take 1-2 teaspoons every 4-6 hours.
You can take the syrup directly or add it to your favorite herbal tea or hot water to soothe sore throats and coughs. Also, it is important to note that this syrup is only intended for use in soothing coughs and is not meant to replace any prescribed medication by your healthcare provider.
Benefits of Homemade Cough Syrup
Homemade cough syrup is one of the best natural remedies for coughs and colds due to the following benefits:.
- The honey in the recipe is a natural cough suppressant and soothes the throat
- Lemon is a rich vitamin C source that helps boost immune function
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation in the body
- Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory spice that may help treat upper respiratory infections
- Cayenne pepper is believed to help relieve congestion and improve circulation
- Cinnamon helps clear the sinuses, and may help reduce mucus production
Cautions and Warnings
While homemade cough syrup is a natural alternative to commercial cough medication, it’s essential to note that natural doesn’t always mean safe.
Always speak with your doctor first before trying any new home remedies, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions. Also, be mindful that natural ingredients may interact with prescribed medications you’re taking, so always check with your doctor before starting any new remedies.
Lastly, this cough syrup recipe contains honey, which children under one year old are not supposed to consume as it may lead to botulism poisoning.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade cough syrup is a simple and effective way to control your cough and cold problems naturally.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an all-natural, safe, and effective remedy that may even outperform commercial cough products. So the next time you’re feeling down with a cough or cold, reach out to your kitchen instead of running to the drug store – it’s better for you and the environment.