Food & Drink
The Homemade Cough Syrup That Works Better Than Store-Bought Ones
2 days ago
Kateable
Kateable
user • @kateable_bb301 • 8.9K followers
Writer
Follow
Every fall I make a batch of this ginger lemon honey syrup and keep it in the fridge. It’s cozy, it takes 30 minutes, and honey is one of the few home remedies with real research behind it for cough. 😊
https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4BqNRY_1GaB2RYx00
Photo byKate Tekurio
Why This Works
A Cochrane review found honey probably reduces cough symptoms more than placebo, and may work about as well as dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in store-bought cough medicine. A 2021 meta-analysis also found honey improved cough frequency and severity compared with usual care, though the evidence quality was low. The ginger, lemon, and cinnamon make it warm and soothing.
Ginger Lemon Honey Cough Syrup
Ingredients:
1½ cups water
3 tablespoons sliced fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
¾ cup honey
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Combine the water, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a small pot.
Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until reduced to about ¾ cup.
Strain and let it cool until lukewarm.
Stir in the honey and lemon juice until blended.
Pour into a clean jar and refrigerate.
Use within 2 weeks, since it has no preservative. To keep it longer, freeze it in an ice cube tray.
How to Use It
Adults and teens can take 1 tablespoon as needed, especially before bed. For children over 1, skip the syrup and use plain honey instead: ½ teaspoon for ages 1 to 5, 1 teaspoon for ages 6 to 11. Never give honey to babies under 1.
Safety
Ginger can interact with blood thinners. See a doctor if a cough lasts more than 10 days, or comes with fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
