Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear the throat and lungs of irritants. However, a persistent cough can be quite bothersome, especially when it disrupts your sleep and daily activities.

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to ease your cough symptoms, DIY cough syrup recipes can be a great alternative to commercial cough medicines. Here are some easy and effective DIY cough syrup recipes you can try at home.

Honey and Lemon Cough Syrup

This is a classic recipe that uses the soothing properties of honey and lemon to relieve cough symptoms.

Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with the juice of 1 lemon.
Warm the mixture slightly but do not boil.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Ginger and Honey Cough Syrup

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe an irritated throat. Combined with honey, it can make a delicious and effective cough syrup.

Peel and grate a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root.
Mix the grated ginger with 1/4 cup of honey.
Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the ginger to infuse the honey.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Garlic and Honey Cough Syrup

Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help fight respiratory infections that cause coughing. Combined with honey, it can make a potent natural cough syrup.

Peel and crush 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic.
Mix the crushed garlic with 1/4 cup of honey.
Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour to allow the garlic to infuse the honey.
Strain the mixture to remove the garlic pieces.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Onion and Honey Cough Syrup

Onions contain compounds that can help loosen mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Combined with honey, it can make a sweet and savory cough syrup.

Peel and chop 1 onion.
Place the chopped onion in a bowl and cover it with 1/4 cup of honey.
Let the mixture sit for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Strain the mixture to remove the onion pieces.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Thyme and Honey Cough Syrup

Thyme has expectorant and antitussive properties that can help clear the airways and relieve coughing. Combined with honey, it can make a delicious and healing cough syrup.

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Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried thyme.
Reduce the heat and let the thyme simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the thyme infusion cool for a few minutes.
Strain the thyme infusion and mix it with 1/4 cup of honey.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Cinnamon and Honey Cough Syrup

Cinnamon has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and warming properties that can help ease cough symptoms. Combined with honey, it can make a sweet and spicy cough syrup.

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with 1 tablespoon of honey.
Warm the mixture slightly but do not boil.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Marshmallow Root and Honey Cough Syrup

Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Combined with honey, it can make a thick and soothing cough syrup.

Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
Add 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root.
Reduce the heat and let the marshmallow root simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the marshmallow root infusion cool for a few minutes.
Strain the marshmallow root infusion and mix it with 1/4 cup of honey.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Peppermint and Honey Cough Syrup

Peppermint has analgesic and decongestant properties that can help relieve coughing and congestion. Combined with honey, it can make a minty and refreshing cough syrup.

Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh peppermint leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint.
Reduce the heat and let the peppermint infusion simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the peppermint infusion cool for a few minutes.
Strain the peppermint infusion and mix it with 1/4 cup of honey.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Licorice Root and Honey Cough Syrup

Licorice root has demulcent and expectorant properties that can help loosen mucus and soothe an irritated throat. Combined with honey, it can make a sweet and sticky cough syrup.

Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
Add 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root.
Reduce the heat and let the licorice root simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the licorice root infusion cool for a few minutes.
Strain the licorice root infusion and mix it with 1/4 cup of honey.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Sage and Honey Cough Syrup

Sage has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that can help fight respiratory infections that cause coughing. Combined with honey, it can make a savory and healing cough syrup.

Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried sage.
Reduce the heat and let the sage infusion simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sage infusion cool for a few minutes.
Strain the sage infusion and mix it with 1/4 cup of honey.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed.

Conclusion

DIY cough syrup recipes can be a safe and effective way to ease your cough symptoms without relying on commercial cough medicines that may contain harsh chemicals and have side effects.

However, it’s important to note that these natural remedies may not work for everyone and should not replace medical advice or treatment. If your cough persists for more than a week, or if you experience other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, consult your healthcare provider.