Immune-Boosting Honey Infused Cough Syrup

I deal with what’s called a neurogenic cough – which basically means my cough reflex is a little too sensitive. I cough when my drinks are too cold, when they’re too hot (like my morning coffee), when I eat dry foods (like this rice cake I’m eating right now), and even when I take my daily supplements. It’s frustrating, constant, and not the kind of cough that’s going away any time soon – I’m stuck with it. That’s why I started making homemade honey cough syrup. I wanted something I could take to help soothe the irritation and nagging tickle – something that doesn’t have a long list of ingredients I can’t even pronounce.

This is simple, easy to make, and uses ingredients I already have in my kitchen. It's natural and better than most commercial store bought cough syrups (hello, artificial flavors and dyes), it’s no wonder more people are turning to natural, home remedies that work with your body.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Homemade Honey Cough Syrup

• Honey – I get honey from our local farmers market and I love it but any quality honey (like manuka honey) is ideal (more antioxidants) or whatever you have works just fine.
• Ginger Root – 2 to 3 pieces, peeled and gently smashed to bring out that bold, warming flavor.
• Garlic – About 1/2 cup garlic cloves, peeled and I give each clove a few pokes with a fork to unlock the garlic’s natural goodness. You can also buy garlic that is already peeled and separated.
• Lemon – One large or two small lemons, washed, juice and skins.
• Glass Jar – 16 ounce jar and lid.
• Optional: Cayenne extract (this is something I do have in my kitchen), gives a spicy boost that helps clear mucus, soothe inflammation. Start with one dropper, let it sit a day or two, stir taste, then add more to your liking.
• Optional: 1 cinnamon stick and whole cloves for extra warmth and immune support.

How to Make Your Homemade Honey Cough Syrup

Once you have all the ingredients for the homemade honey cough syrup, it’s time to layer it up and add everything to the jar:

• Add the garlic, ginger, lemon juice and skins and any of the optional ingredients you want to use. Pour in the honey until everything’s covered and give it a good stir.
• Let it sit for at least a week. If I don’t need it right away, I let mine infuse for up to a month - the flavor gets bolder, and the good stuff just keeps getting better.
• Give it a stir every couple of days.

After it’s had time to infuse, get a clean jar and set a funnel with a strainer on top. Pour it all in and press down on the herbs with the back of a spoon - don’t leave any of that goodness behind.

How to Use Your Homemade Honey Cough Syrup

For cough, sore throat or a little relief:

• For adults, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of the syrup whenever you need a little relief. You can take it up to 3 to 6 times a day if needed.
• For kids under 10, use about half that amount.
• Stir one tablespoon into about 1/2 cup of warm water or tea for a comforting drink.
• Take a spoonful and try to let it linger in your throat for a second before swallowing so it coats your throat.
• Stir the cough syrup before each use.

Important note: this should not be given to infants under 1 year of age due to the honey.

Storing Your Homemade Cough Syrup

To store your cough syrup:

• Keep it in a clean, airtight glass jar.
• It should last up to 3 months in the fridge.
• Always use a clean spoon when scooping it out to avoid introducing bacteria.

Why These Ingredients Work

Honey

Thick and soothing, honey coats the throat, calms irritation, and can reduce coughing. It has natural antimicrobial properties and helps to quiet that constant tickle. Studies have even shown that honey can be just as effective as common over-the-counter cough medicines - without all the artificial stuff.

Ginger

Naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, ginger helps reduce throat swelling, fights off infection, and can even help loosen mucus so it’s easier to cough up.

Garlic

Packed with immune-boosting properties, garlic has antiviral and antibacterial powers. It’s been used for centuries to help fight colds, and some studies suggest it may even help prevent them.

Lemon

High in vitamin C, lemons support the immune system and help break up mucus. The citrusy zing also cuts through the thickness of the syrup, making it easier to take.

Cinnamon

Warming and spicy, cinnamon helps improve circulation, which can encourage quicker healing. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it helpful in fighting off infections and easing congestion.

Clove

Clove is a natural pain reliever and has antiseptic properties. It can help numb a sore throat, ease coughing fits, and fight bacteria that might be hanging around in the throat and mouth.

Cayenne Extract

Cayenne contains capsaicin, which can help desensitize the throat’s cough reflex. It also improves blood flow and helps thin out mucus, making it easier to clear. That warm tingle you feel? That’s cayenne helping to kick your immune system into gear.

Once you see how easy this is to make and how good it is, you’ll never go back to the artificial stuff.

Metal Spoons and Honey: Does It Really Ruin the Benefits – Fact or Myth?

No, using a metal spoon briefly with honey won’t ruin its properties. Some people believe that metal reacts with the enzymes and antioxidants in raw honey and can “deactivate” them. This is mostly a myth when it comes to short contact - like stirring or scooping with a spoon.

The concern is more relevant if the honey is stored in metal containers for long periods, especially reactive metals like aluminum or iron, which could potentially affect the honey over time.

But using a regular stainless steel spoon to scoop or stir your honey? Totally fine. It won’t harm the beneficial properties in any meaningful way. If you're more comfortable, you can use a wooden or silicone spoon - but it’s not necessary.

Remember, this cough syrup can offer short-term relief, if your cough persists, a healthcare professional should evaluate your cough to find the root cause and a suitable treatment.

I hope you enjoy your homemade honey cough syrup as much as we do!

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