This Homemade Cough Remedy is a spicy, honey-cider syrup potent enough to calm a cough and soothe a sore throat. Over the past few years, this handy little remedy has become one of the most popular posts on this website.
As I mixed up a batch for my son last night, I decided to re-share it with all of you, as a testament to just how much we use it!
After making it all the way through the holidays without a cough, a sneeze, or a fever, cold season hit us like a freight train on New Year’s Day. My boys were miserable and I started to feel it as well after a couple of days.
I remembered saving this Homemade Cough Remedy recipe to try, so I shook up a tiny little test batch and tested a spoonful on myself.
Consider yourself warned, this is a natural cough suppressant that is both seriously spicy and potent enough to actually clear your head. Personally, I think it tastes better than any store-bought cough syrup I’ve tried.
With only a handful of pantry ingredients and a few minutes of effort, this Homemade Cough Remedy was sitting on my counter.
I was amazed at how well it worked to completely clear our congestion. My oldest son was willing to try it as well and I couldn’t believe how quickly it worked on his cough.
Homemade Cough Remedy
It cleared his throat and he slept solidly through the night. Over the counter cough medicines don’t even accomplish that for us!
The powerful ingredients in this remedy are common everyday items: ginger, cayenne, cider vinegar and honey. Yet they work together to create a potent remedy for cold symptoms. It’s definitely worth trying before turning to the medicine cabinet once again this winter.
Updated to add: I’ve been making this cough remedy for so long now, all three of my kids request it anytime they start coughing. The serving size (or dosage) will vary depending on the person. My 11 and 13-year-old sons take a tablespoon without a problem, my 7-year-old takes about a teaspoon. A full tablespoon works great for my husband and for me.
Kitchen Tip: I use this jar to store the cough remedy.
Homemade Cough Syrup
- Place the vinegar, honey, water, cayenne, and ginger in a small jar and shake to combine.
- Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Shake well each time, before using. The spices will not dissolve into the liquid. It will not be a thick syrup, it should remain watery.
- Take as needed and have a happy and healthy new year!
Homemade Cough Remedy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar preferably Bragg’s, if available
- 2 tablespoons honey locally produced raw honey is best, if available
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine.
- Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Shake well each time, before using. The spices will not dissolve into the liquid. It will not be a thick syrup, it should remain watery.
- Take as needed and have a happy and healthy new year!
Nutrition
{originally published 1/8/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 1/3/22}
This cough remedy has been gently adapted from and with thanks to Nancy Vienneau’s (no longer active) blog, Good Food Matters.
Julie says
I have to say my son was quite comical when he took the first spoonful but I think it was the reaction of the cayenne and the honey but it definitely worked as he only needed it for one day and was back to school the next.
Mary Younkin says
That is funny, Julie. It does have a way of soothing that irritating cough.
Forsse Joyce says
My Dad use to make the most wonderful fluffy pancakes . They had rye-graham flour and butter milk in them. The batter was a bit thicker than most pancakes recipes. Do you think you could find a similar recipe, as our sons use to love these pancakes when they were little boys,, and now they are in their late 50’s. I would love to surprise them with this recipe on their birthdays this year. Thank you! The cough medicine is going to be made and used at our house!
Mary Younkin says
I have not heard of those, Joyce. I will definitely keep my eye out for that with you in mind.
Tia says
Hi Mary, thank you for this, I will be giving it a try, it looks promising.
How often should it be taken and what amount at any one time?
Mary Younkin says
I usually do about a tablespoon as needed.
Lydia says
Hi Mary ,thanks for the cough syrup ingredients, would you also post the measurements/ portions of each ingredients!. Thanks again.
Mary Younkin says
Lydia – Scroll to the recipe card or use the “Jump to Recipe” tab at the top of the page and it will take you to the measurements. I hope that helps.
Bonnie Caroprese says
My go to recipe when I have a sore throat or cold. Have been using it for years !
Mary Younkin says
Love hearing that, Bonnie.