Homemade Cough Syrup

This homemade cough syrup is a miracle drink that combines the healing benefits of apple cider vinegar, honey and various spices. After suffering from a gross, horrible chesty cough, I made this drink and my cough started to clear up the same day.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and the below should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a doctor before starting any new medical treatment. 

I hate store bought cough medicine. It always makes me feel crappy and lightheaded…you know, that medicine-head feel?

So I decided to concoct my own home cough remedy using ingredients I already had at home, like apple cider vinegar, honey, and some different spices.

You might have heard of some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar (like using apple cider vinegar for weight loss), but apple cider vinegar for cough and phlegm is like a miracle worker.

As I was mixing everything together, I realized how absolutely revolting it was going to taste (just being honest, haha!) But with my knowledge of the healing powers of various herbs and spices, I had a feeling that I was on to something good.

I’ll tell you now, this homemade cough syrup is going to be my go-to anytime I or anyone I know has a cough or cold. This stuff really is a miracle drink.

After sipping on this drink throughout the day, my cough was noticeably better. And that night, I was able to sleep through the entire night without waking up every hour with a coughing fit.

Fair warning – it doesn’t taste good AT ALL. The flavors are incredibly strong, and it’s not something that you should just down in one big swig.

I recommend having about 3 tablespoons full initially, and then taking very small sips of this during the day. I also wouldn’t give it to very young children (I doubt they’d drink it anyway!).

If you have a little one who is suffering from a cough or congestion, check out this baby-safe essential oil blend.

Step By Step Instructions

Ingredients

1. 4 tablespoons of filtered water
2. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3. 2 tablespoons of honey (preferably local, organic honey but if you don’t have that, any honey is fine)
4. 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
5. 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a mason jar with a lid

Step 2: Close the lid tightly and shake until fully combined

Step 3: Drink 3 tablespoons to start with and sip small amounts throughout the day as needed

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

Before you start drinking apple cider vinegar, be cautious of the following possible side effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Damaging of the esophagus
• Lowering of potassium levels
• Bone loss
• Drug interactions

I would highly recommend starting with small amounts and increasing to ensure the side effects are not serious. Also, do not use the cough medicine more often than needed (it’s gross, so I don’t see why you would lol).

Expert Tips

The first thing you’ll probably notice when you take a sip of this is that it taste STRONG. That’s a good thing (and it’s also why you’re not going to want to guzzle it down.) But keep on sipping throughout the day and you should start to notice your cough getting better pretty soon.

If you’re going to keep it overnight or for multiple days, I do recommended storing it in the fridge.

I find that consuming it slightly warmed feels the best. I just pop 3 tablespoon in a small cup and microwave for 5-10 seconds until warm before drinking.

Using Natural Remedies

I mentioned earlier about my knowledge of the healing power of herbs and essential oils. I love using natural remedies in my home. Try some of these other homemade remedies:

• 7 Natural Remedies for Cough
• How to use apple cider vinegar to help lose weight;
• Breathing exercises for anxiety;
• 10 ways to naturally boost your immune system;

I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle for quite some time now. Learning how to do yoga at home, get fit without going to the gym, and following a healthy diet (80% of the time anyway…) has helped me to feel so much better mentally and physically.

The Bottom Line

This Miracle cough syrup might not be the tastiest of them all but sure will calm down your cough. We have used it for years at home.

Will you be using it in your home?