Homemade Cough Syrup (How to Make Natural Cough Medicine)

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

The Best Homemade Remedy for a Cough

A few years ago, I had the worst cold—nothing, and I mean nothing, could calm my relentless cough. The second I lay down, I’d start hacking up a lung. My voice? Completely wrecked.

To make matters worse, it hit me at the worst possible time—when I had a million things to do. And worst of all? It put an end to my nonstop Christmas carol singing, which, in my house, is a big deal.

Then my friend Becca came to the rescue. After hearing me struggle for a week, she showed up with a jar of her homemade cough syrup and a warning: “It tastes awful, but it works.”

At that point, I didn’t care—I just wanted to breathe without feeling like my lungs were staging a rebellion. So, I took a dose. It was strong, spicy, and intense—but wow, did it work.

By the next day, my voice was back, and so was my Christmas caroling. Crisis averted.

Tools Needed to Make Homemade Cough Syrup

Before you start, gather a few simple tools to make prep quick and mess-free. You probably have all of these in your kitchen already!

• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
• Clean Jar – A glass jar with a lid works best for storage and keeps the syrup fresh.
• Funnel – Helps transfer liquids without spilling, especially if using a narrow jar.

Homemade Cough Syrup Ingredients

This homemade cough syrup comes together with just a few pantry staples—you probably have most of them in your kitchen already! The only thing I had to buy was fresh lemon juice.

Take a quick look through your pantry before you start. For exact measurements, scroll to the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy for cough relief. I recommend Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar for the best quality.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed works best, but bottled lemon juice will do in a pinch.
• Ground Ginger – Adds a warming effect and helps ease throat irritation.
• Cayenne Pepper – Yes, it’s spicy, but it helps clear congestion and relieve throat pain.
• Raw Honey – Naturally soothes the throat and has antibacterial properties. (Do not use for children under 1 year old.)
• Water – Helps balance the mixture and mellow out the intensity of the other ingredients.

Recipe Tips for the Best Results

Homemade Cough Syrup FAQs

Got questions about making this homemade cough syrup? Here are answers to some of the most common ones. If you don’t see your question here, leave a comment below—I’d love to help!

Making & Using Homemade Cough Syrup

How should I take homemade cough syrup?

Take 1 teaspoon at a time. Swallow quickly, aiming for the back of your throat to minimize the strong taste.

Then, chase with a glass of water and brush your teeth afterward since the mixture is acidic.

Can I make homemade cough syrup without cayenne pepper?

Yes! Cayenne helps with throat pain and congestion, but if you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.

Keep in mind that removing it may slightly reduce effectiveness—so if you want some of the benefits without the heat, try a smaller amount rather than cutting it completely.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes! Fresh ginger works well in this recipe. Use ½ teaspoon fresh ginger per teaspoon of ground. Want more spice? Add a little extra!

How long should I take homemade cough syrup?

Use as needed to relieve coughing and throat irritation. However, if your cough persists for more than 10 days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor.

Storage & Shelf Life

How long does homemade cough syrup last?

When stored properly, this homemade cough syrup lasts up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.

Thanks to the natural antibacterial properties of honey and vinegar, it may last longer—but use your best judgment. If the color, texture, or smell changes, it’s best to discard and make a fresh batch.

How should I store homemade cough syrup?

For best results, store this syrup in a glass jar, like one of these cute Weck Jars, with a lid and keep it refrigerated. Avoid plastic or metal containers, as the acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice can cause reactions over time.

Before each use, give it a good shake—the ingredients naturally settle, so mixing it ensures you get all the benefits in every dose.

Safety & Suitability

Who should NOT use homemade cough syrup?

Always consult your doctor before using home remedies. This syrup is strong and spicy due to cayenne pepper and ginger, which may not be suitable for:

• Children, pregnant individuals, or those with acid reflux or digestive sensitivities.
• Babies under 1 year old—honey carries a risk of botulism and should never be given to infants.

Need a milder version? If you’re sensitive to spice, try reducing the cayenne or adding more honey to balance the heat.

What Are Other Ways to Stop Coughing?

Along with this homemade cough syrup, here are simple ways to help calm a stubborn cough:

• Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water is important when you have a cold or the flu (source). (Need help? Check out my tips to drink more water!)
• Use a humidifier – Adds moisture to the air to ease irritation and congestion (source).
• Take a steamy shower – Steam helps loosen mucus, especially before bed (source).
• Elevate your head while sleeping – A wedge pillow can reduce postnasal drip and nighttime coughing.
• Diffuse essential oils – Eucalyptus can open airways—use it in a diffuser while you sleep.
• Tackle allergens – Wash bedding in hot water, vacuum with a HEPA filter, and dust regularly (source).
• Use an air purifier – Helps reduce airborne irritants that trigger coughing (source).
• Gargle with salt water – Soothes throat irritation, especially before bed (source).
• Use a saline spray or nasal rinse – Clears sinus congestion, making breathing easier (source).
• Try menthol lozenges – Cools and soothes nasal passages and the throat (source).
• Sip hot water with honey – Naturally coats the throat and reduces irritation (source). (Is your honey crystallized? Check out this post about decrystalizing honey.)

If home remedies aren’t helping, check with your doctor for additional guidance.

How Does Natural Cough Syrup Work?

Each ingredient in this homemade cough syrup plays a role in soothing sore throats, thinning mucus, and supporting your immune system.

These natural ingredients have been used for generations to help calm a cough—here’s how they work:

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help a Cough?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce throat irritation and fight infections that contribute to coughing (source, source).

Many people use apple cider vinegar for cough relief, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for clearing mucus.

Does Lemon Juice Help a Cough?

Yes! Lemon juice may help soothe a cough, especially when combined with honey. Studies suggest this natural remedy can reduce cough frequency, ease throat irritation, and improve sleep quality (source).

How Lemon Juice May Help:

• Supports immune function – High in vitamin C, which helps the body fight infections (source).
• Has antimicrobial properties – May help combat bacteria and viruses that cause coughs (source).
• Loosens mucus – Its acidity may help break down mucus and clear congestion (source).
• Soothes the throat – Warm lemon water with honey is a classic home remedy for calming irritation (source).

Studies have found that children who took a honey-lemon mixture had fewer cough symptoms and slept better than those given cough medicine (source).

A squeeze of lemon adds both flavor and benefits to this syrup! Lemon juice is acidic, so it’s best diluted with water or tea to avoid throat irritation.

Does Ginger Help a Cough?

Yes! Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the throat, relax airway muscles, and reduce congestion, making it easier to breathe.

Studies show ginger can lower inflammation in the airways, which may help reduce cough discomfort (source).

While more research is needed, ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for respiratory issues and may be helpful for easing cough symptoms.

Does Cayenne Pepper Help a Cough?

Yes, it’s spicy—but that warmth is part of why it works! Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which:

• Reduces Cough Sensitivity – Regular intake of capsaicin may desensitize the cough reflex, making coughing less frequent and less intense (source).
• Eases Throat Irritation – Capsaicin has natural pain-blocking properties, which may help soothe throat discomfort and irritation from persistent coughing (source).
• Supports Airway Relaxation – Research suggests capsaicin may help relax airway muscles and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe (source).

How Does Honey Help a Cough?

Honey is a natural cough remedy that helps soothe the throat, reduce irritation, and ease congestion (source).

How Honey Helps:

• Coats and soothes the throat – Reduces the urge to cough (source).
• May help thin mucus – Making it easier to clear congestion (source).
• Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – Supports immune function and may fight infections that cause coughs (source).

Studies show that children who took a small dose of honey before bed had reduced cough severity and slept better than those given no treatment or common cough suppressants (source).

This is why honey is a key ingredient in so many natural cough remedies!

Note: Never give honey to babies under 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism (Mayo Clinic).

Medical Disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While some ingredients in this homemade cough syrup have scientifically studied properties, its effectiveness is based on traditional home remedies, general research, and anecdotal evidence.

Homemade remedies can be helpful, but they should never replace professional medical guidance. This syrup is strong and spicy, which may not be suitable for:

• Infants under 1 year old—honey carries a risk of infant botulism and should never be given to babies.
• Children, pregnant individuals, or those with digestive sensitivities.

As always, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding home remedies.

When to Seek Medical Attention

This homemade cough remedy is not a substitute for medical treatment, and individual results may vary. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or include fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

When in doubt, consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before using homemade remedies.