Homemade Cough Syrup

Homemade Cough Syrup

This is the cough syrup of good intentions.

I like making homemade things. Since I’ve been fighting some kind of super-illness for the past few weeks, I researched a few recipes for homemade cough syrup.

There are two main varieties: one based on apple cider vinegar, and another based on honey. It should be no surprise that I tried the latter option.

This cough syrup is simple: 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup olive oil, plus about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The first two certain soothe the throat, while the ubiquity of citrus in cold remedies gives it a vote in my book.

I combined the honey and olive oil in a small pot on the stove over medium-low heat (about 25%), and cooked until it started to simmer. I then stirred in the lemon juice, waited for it to cool, and poured it into a mason jar.

The result? It’s moderately effective. When I take about a tablespoon, I can feel it coat my throat, and my symptoms ease. However, I still cough a bit, and it doesn’t last long.

I’m a bit disappointed, though perhaps I’m expecting too much. I want to try a vinegar-based syrup next, but for now, I have cough syrup with no weird chemicals or side effects. Success!