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Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe

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Homemade Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe for natural cough relief Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe

We don’t get sick often, and when we do, I prefer to let the body fight the illness naturally whenever possible. I don’t immediately turn to medicine, (or even to large doses of herbs or vitamins), since I prefer to support the body in fighting the infection rather than take something that bypasses this natural process.

That being said, illnesses that include coughing (like the strain of the flu going around this year) can be exhausting and uncomfortable because they limit the ability to sleep restfully. In those cases, I use this homemade syrup to ease the coughing so the afflicted can get some rest (also very important to illness recovery!).

Honey naturally soothes cough by itself. In fact, I’ve heard of doctors recommending a spoonful of honey to children (over a year) for cough. Ginger is naturally anti-inflammatory and has an expectorant action. Chamomile soothes muscles, making it useful in relieving the “tickle” in the throat, plus it promotes restful sleep. Marshmallow Root has one of the highest mucilaginous contents of all herbs and coats and soothes the throat. Cinnamon helps boost immune system and improve taste.

The combination of herbs helps sooth the throat to ease coughing and promote restful sleep. I only use this remedy on children over 1 year of age due to the honey, though you can substitute maple syrup in place of honey.

Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe
 
Homemade Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe for natural cough relief Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe
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Homemade herbal cough syrup that soothes the throat to ease coughing and promote restful sleep.
Author:
Recipe type: Remedy
Serves: 8+

Ingredients

Instructions
  1. Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the dried herbs.
  2. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Simmer until the volume is reduced by about half. (You will need 1 cup of liquid after herbs are strained off)
  4. Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove herbs (compost the herbs!).
  5. While liquid is still warm (not boiling) mix with lemon juice and honey and stir well.
  6. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Notes
I give 1 teaspoon to children and 1 tablespoon to adults as needed for symptoms.

Have you ever made cough syrup? What herbs did you add? What natural remedies do you use to ease coughing? Share below!

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Filed Under: Natural Living

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alison-Minor/1377578169 Alison Minor

    Do you use the camomile and marshmallow root in powder form?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1231951806 Krystel Watts

    I need this for my kids right now as they have had a persistent cough for going on 3 weeks now! I don’t have marshmellow root or chamomile flowers (am trying to grow it with not much success) – but I do have chamomile oil…. can I substitute the oil and how much would I use please? and can I by pass the marshmellow root as I have found it difficult to source in New Zealand. Cheers.

  • mountain girl

    My little one is just 6 months, and he seems to have a scratchy voice and a little sniffle. Do you recommend any natural remedy, or is just breast milk best at this age? I was wondering if a little oregano oil on his feet, mixed in some coconut oil, might be helpful?

  • disqus_8knXa91UCp

    Can I use marshmallow root extract? Also, can I give this to a 5 month old?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I wouldn’t give it to a 5 month old because of the honey, but small amounts of the other ingredients should be fine…

  • http://www.facebook.com/Mrs.ConJEANNIEality Jeannie Marie Thomas

    What kind of shelf-life does this have? Or is it a “use it right now” kind of recipe?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    It will last at least 2 months in the fridge due to the high sugar content of the honey…

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  • http://www.facebook.com/lindsay.best.7 Lindsay Best

    What about adding horehound to the herb mixture?

  • http://www.facebook.com/kristian.roddy Kristian Roddy

    Do you think that freezing small portions (like in an ice tray) would work to extend its shelf life? I’d hate to make it and then not use it all.

  • Rose M.

    Where can you get chamomile flowers? And, can you use a chamomile tea bag instead?

  • http://www.facebook.com/sharon.vincello Sharon Vincello

    I have been sick with a cold for a few days now: stuffy, tickle in my throat, and then I started to cough. I saw this recipe and decided to give it a shot. However, I did add slippery elm bark to it (as I have heard of it’s great healing powers for colds) so my syrup turned out a little like jelly in the end – but I have to tell you – I drank about a half of a cup before I went to bed, and today I feel much better!

  • http://www.facebook.com/sharon.vincello Sharon Vincello

    I got whole chamomile flowers at my local herb store. They sell whole chamomile flowers that have not been processed. You probably have a natural health store in your area. Call them and see if they have it, if not, ask them where you can find it. If all else fails – you can always buy some online.

  • http://www.facebook.com/sharon.vincello Sharon Vincello

    I used them in the whole form, and then strained the mixture through a sieve after it was done cooking.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    You can definitely use a chamomile tea bag. You can grow the flowers or order from a place like Mountain Rose Herbs…

  • ML

    I add a good splash of brandy to mine as it is a cough suppressant and a good preservative too. Mine lasts quite well And I use licorice root and red clover tops, might try some marshmallow root next time!

  • http://www.facebook.com/kristiegalligan Kristie Marie Galligan

    What can I use in place of honey so that I can give to my little one?

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  • Nicole Bliss

    How much brandy and is it safe for kids? Seems like it would help them fall asleep too!

  • ML

    I really don’t do exact measurements, but it’s probably about 1/8c to 1/4c of brandy per 2cups of cough syrup. I have given it to my 5yr old (since she was about 3yrs old) and so far she hasn’t become a raging alcoholic! As a European I’m probably a bit more relaxed about things like that though!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Maple syrup also works…

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Yep… even with the ginger and cinnamon it will still be pretty effective, and you can sub chamomile oil just add once it has cooled…

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Either powdered or just flowers for the chamomile and chopped for the marshmallow… either works as long as it is strained well…

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    You definitely can!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I just stick to nursing and warm epsom salt baths at that age unless it gets really rough…

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    It should freeze no problem…

  • Alison

    My daughter is 19 months old and I made a “simple” version of this syrup yesterday for her developing wet cough…I had to leave out the herbs due to limited resources in the small town. I used raw honey, lemon and cinnamon only – it seemed to work well. She couldn’t nap prior to her first dose due to the coughing…after the dose, she napped 2 hrs with no coughing. I was so pleased! HOWEVER, now I am wondering what type of honey you recommend – especially for toddlers. Should I have used something other than raw honey – do you use recommend a pasteurized honey?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I’ve always read that honey is fine after 12 months…

  • Brianna Wolterman

    I must not have cooked it down enough. I’m sure it’ll be ok though! I just got in my MRH order with elderberries so I threw in a handful as well! Smells great!

  • http://rpsmiles.com/category/latest-news Del Mar Dentist

    How long does this homemade herbal cough syrup last when refrigerated? If it spoils fast, can I make it using half of the quantities indicated on the recipe?

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  • http://www.facebook.com/Jeffludmila Jeff Wayne Pennington

    Don’t use syrups, the case with the honey is for medicinal properties, but if you need to substitute due to Allergies, try to find Agave Nectar…

  • Kelly Killeen

    I’ve always tried to stay away from artificial ingredients and medications. I was the weird teen who (despite my parent’s eye rolls) would not even take aspirin for my frequent migranes. My favorite cough remedy was simple, half honey and half lemon juice. I would just put it in a cup and microwave for a few seconds until warm. Works best when sipped slowly over a few minutes. Lasts for an hour or two. My recipe works great for me, but my husband and daughter are not too fond of the taste. Next time a cold works through the house, I’ll give this recipe a try. Thanks!

  • Steph

    Posted this comment in the wrong post before so reposting here, sorry. I’m going to give this a try! Quick question, what do you think of anise
    seed? I read it is an expectorant herb and since I have some at home I
    was wondering if I could add it to this recipe, if so, is it [anise
    seed] okay for toddlers.Thanks!

  • emilyboesenaturopath

    Marshmallow root in dried form can often be found in health food shops around NZ, or you may be able to order it directly from companies that distribute dried herbs such as Clairidge’s out of Christchurch or Phytomed in Auckland. I would be really cautious about using Chamomile oil internally (I’m assuming you mean essential oil?) unless you have an aromatherapist that you trust…

  • Dhampir Raven

    Is there anything I can use in place of the Chamomile? I cannot use die to allergies and would like to use it as well being as it is mostly for my daughter.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    You can just omit