Everyone seems to get sick during the winter months. Maybe it is because of the weather or your friend, who caught a virus from a coworker; either way, you want to get rid of the virus as soon as possible. It’s always good to have a few herbal remedies up your sleeve, and this all-natural, homemade cough syrup will help you kick that cold to the curb.
There are always remedies that provide temporary relief, but rarely are there things that quickly get the job done. Coughs can be stubborn, so you need a remedy with the same stubbornness. Luckily, there are herbs and spices that have some pretty amazing antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Herbs & Spices To Use In This Remedy
Fresh Sage
Sage is a classic herb to use because it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It has a signature aroma and flavor that makes this cough syrup aromatic and herbaceous. Sage has been an herbal remedy in many cultures for years.
Fresh Ginger
If you were to only use ginger to help fight off a cold, you would be successful. Ginger can help you loosen a cough and break up mucus in your lungs. Additionally, ginger helps to boost your immune system, which is important for combating viruses.
Fresh Thyme
If you have a cough and a sinus cold, thyme is your friend. It is a natural disinfectant, which helps to naturally clean out your entire system.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body. Additionally, it gives your immune system a boost, helps clear your sinuses, and helps to soothe a sore throat.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne contains capsaicin, which is a compound that basically suppresses pain messages from the affected area to your brain. Be careful with the amount of cayenne you use because it can be quite powerful.
Now that you know what the ingredients do, let’s make this all-natural cough syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¼ cup fresh ginger, finely diced
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Pour the water, thyme, and ginger into a saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil and then simmer the liquid until it reduces by 50%.
- Once it is reduced, remove it from the heat and strain the liquid. Stir in the raw honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
- Store the syrup in a glass jar. It will keep in a dark, cool cupboard for up to 1 week; then it should be stored in the fridge.
- Take 1 tablespoon at a time as many times as you wish to help soothe your cough or cold.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
