Homemade Cough Remedy

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 seriously spicy and potent enough to actually clear your head. Personally, I think it tastes better than any store-bought syrup I’ve tried.

With only a handful of pantry ingredients and a few minutes 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.

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 Homemade 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

1. Place the vinegar, honey, water, cayenne, and ginger in a small jar and shake to combine.
2. Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage.
3. 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.
4. Take as needed and have a happy and healthy new year!

Homemade Cough Remedy

4.75 from 64 votes

This remedy is a spicy honey-cider syrup potent enough to calm a cough and soothe a sore throat. Recipe gently adapted from and with thanks to Good Food Matters.

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Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Servings: 6

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

Calories: 3kcal · Vitamin A: 5IU

Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!

{originally published 1/8/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 9/19/17}