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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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{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.
I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooo gonna make a shopping list and make this because my cough makes me feel like I am ready to vomit a lung or something (well, just vomit)
I have a drink in the morning with honey, apple cider vinegar and sometimes ginger – will def try making this!
I've had a cold for almost 3 weeks that includes a cough. Made this last nite and tried it today. Was anticipating a strong vinegar taste, but it actually wasn't bad and thought, I could do this as a salad dressing and would like it. SUCCESS!! And I think my coughing is less too!! THANKS!!
I am not sure that I could handle the cayenne pepper.. I have ulcers and spicy stuff kills me.. any less evil sub?
Thanks for asking this question. I too have a ulcerative tummy. Any pepper or any thing with a sauce or spicey is very painful for me. Hope someone answers this ? I am sick in bed with a horrible cough, and inner ear infection. Sounds like I am going to cough up a lung. Throat is beyond raw right now. Can't sleep for coughing non stop. Nose is just pouring. Ugh !
I've heard that cinnamon worked really well for some people. Maybe try that or just leave out the cayenne. The vinegar and the honey should help! I hope you feel better soon.
I made this, it takes your breath away for a second or two but works to stop the coughing
You aren't coughing because it took your breath away!! LOL All joking aside, I just made a batch and tried some. I have had a dry wracking cough since last weekend. Nothing has helped. I really need some sleep!! Ok..breathing again…..
Can this be given to children? Does the cayenne make it to hot?
The cayenne is definitely hot. Depending on their ages and heat tolerance, you might try making it with just a teeny amount of cayenne and adjust it accordingly.
Where did you get that jar? It's perfect!
I pick up jars all over the place, Greg. I think that jar was part of a space jar set from Ikea.
I have that spice jar set, they are the Rajtan spice jar's from Ikea 🙂 They're awesome
That sounds to be great. Since I am pregnant I cant take medicine. So i have to try that
I've done this and it works!
Yes it works. I've got a 5 1/2 yr old she hates the taste but drank 1tsp before bed=no coughing!!!! Followed recipe exactly as above in pic.
Works like a CHARM!
Making this again today. works so good.
disgusting, spicy, but it reduces my cough went from "feeling like i am going to puke" coughing to minor coughing
Is it really necessary to add spices?
It's up to you. We always add the spices and it works for us that way.
I also have been told that dissolving Black ball lollies in cider vinegar helps a cough too 😉
I have always used 2 tablespoons raw honey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons brandy in a cup of hot green tea. Sip it.
My hubby-a family practice dr-prescribes this, minus the pepper but add 2 tbsp of bourbon-for his patients OVER Rx cough syrups! We have used it at home for years! I grew up on 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup bourbon plus juice of one lemon. Heated. Store in fridge but heat in microwave before using.
I will never use anything else!!!!…..gave this to my daughter before bed (hoping it would help us all get a few hours of sleep)….no coughing all night….gave her some before school …teacher asked for the recipe ,my daughter hardly coughed all day.
I made this for my mom but used lemon juice instead of water. It worked even when the script didn't. I will always have this on hand from now on. My mom also suggested using orange juice concentrate instead of water. Both have vit c and will improve the flavor.
My hubby and I took it last night and it worked great! Love this stuff…thanks for the sleep we got last night