A Few Home-Made Cough Syrups

Simple Sweet, Spicy and Sour Cough Syrup

This is a simple cough and cold remedy that can be made with items found readily in the kitchen.

2 tablespoons of honey (local is best)

2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

1/4 tablespoon of powdered cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

1 fresh grated clove of garlic

Mix all ingredients well. Ginger and garlic are optional, but recommended. Take by tablespoons. This mix is surprisingly delicious, and incredibly soothing on a sore throat.

Debra’s Famous Cold Remedy

This recipe is from “Herbal Folk Medicine, An A to Z Guide” by Thomas Broken Bear Squier.

1 cup of raw honey

1 to 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper

1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh horseradish root

Place honey in a glass jar, add pepper and horseradish, mix well. Can be stored in the refrigerator for a period of time. When using this remedy, only a 1/16 teaspoon dose or just a tiny dot will do. The mixture is very potent and you will feel it start to work immediately. The horseradish clears all congestion, the honey will coat the throat and the red pepper will warm it and stop the hurt. This syrup may also be used in a tea.

A Syrup for the Kids

If the above recipes are a little too intense or “weird” for the kids, try this one.

1 large onion, sliced

1 jar of honey

Fit loosely separated onion slices into a glass mason jar and fill with honey until onions are completely covered. Let this mixture sit overnight. The honey will pull out all the oils from the onion, and you can pull out the remaining onion in the morning with a fork. Keeps for a while refrigerated. Mix with a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar when serving.

REMINDER: Children under 2 should not consume honey.

Consult your physician if symptoms persist or worsen.

cough syruped