Honey Lemon Cough Syrup
Honey, lemon, rosemary and cinnamon work together in this natural honey lemon cough syrup to soothe sore throats and ease coughing. Optionally, you can also add a couple tablespoons of bourbon, which has decongestant and analgesic properties.
This is not medical advice and I am not a doctor, so please consider that this is just a remedy that I have chosen to use for my family on our natural wellness journey.
Benefits of honey lemon cough syrup
This honey lemon cough syrup is a powerful addition to your natural medicine cabinet. Each of the ingredients plays a role in making this old fashioned remedy an effective counter measure. They help fight off illness, offer immune support, soothe scratchy, sore throats, and break up congestion.
Lemons are naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and a great source of vitamin C. Honey, likewise, has anti-microbial properties and has been shown to reduce the severity of or even shorten respiratory illnesses. Not only that, but it also contains powerful antioxidants and has been used historically to lower inflammation and aid healing. Rosemary works similarly and is thought to improve circulation, helping your body to heal faster and break up congestion. Cinnamon is also antimicrobial and is thought to work as an analgesic, lessoning pain and easing discomfort. It has also been traditionally used as an expectorant, breaking up mucous and reducing congestion. Bourbon helps to break up congestion and also works as a numbing agent, relaxing muscles irritated by a persistent cough.
Ingredients for honey lemon cough syrup
This recipe is made from mostly household staples that are easy to throw together in just a few minutes. I like to mix this up in a mason jar that has a fitted lid so that I can easily store it for when we might need it.
To make this you’ll need:
1 1/2 Cup Raw Organic Honey (local is best!)
3-4 lemons, juiced + 1 zested
2 cinnamon sticks
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
1/2 Cup warm water
Optional: 1/4 -1/2 Cup Bourbon
How to make natural honey lemon cough syrup
Step 1
Begin by heating your water so that it is warm but not hot. Add the warm water and honey and to your mason jar and stir it so that it begins to thin out.
Step 2
Grate one of the lemons and squeeze the juice from all four. You should have roughly 1 Tbsp of zest and 1/2 Cup of juice. Add the lemon juice and zest to the honey- water mixture and stir to combine.
Step 3
Next, add in the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprig. If you would like to add bourbon, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup. Place the top on your jar and tighten before giving the mixture a few gentle shakes.
Step 5
Use immediately or store at room temperature for future use.
How to use natural cough syrup
For Cough:
At the slightest sign of a cough, take 2 Tablespoons. Then, take 1-2 Tbsp per hour until symptoms resolve. Take just before bed for a to relieve night time coughing and get a good night’s sleep.
For sore throat:
Dissolve two Tablespoons of syrup into your favorite warm tea or water. Sip slowly to relieve symptoms. Just be careful that your tea or water is not too hot or it could decrease the natural benefits of syrup! Repeat as often as needed.
FAQ for honey lemon cough syrup
Is this safe for babies and small children?
It is recommended that children under one not consume raw honey due to a low risk of botulism.
Is this safe for pregnancy?
If you are making this without the bourbon, it is absolutely safe for you and baby. If you add the bourbon, it has a very low alcoholic content by volume, but it is always best to consult with your midwife or healthcare professional before taking anything when expecting.
Can I substitute bottled lemon juice for fresh lemons?
High quality fresh lemons work best and contain the most vitamins and antioxidants. Also, bottled juices often contain added preservatives and sugars that can increase inflammation and raise your blood sugar. If you do use bottled lemon juice, I would suggest an organic lemon juice that contains juice only.
Can I reheat this syrup?
The best way to reheat this syrup is to set the jar of syrup into a bowl of warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Just be sure that it isn’t hot water or it could reduce the anti-microbial benefits of the syrup.
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Honey Lemon Cough Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cup Raw Organic Honey local is best!
- 3-4 lemons juiced
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1/2 Cup warm water
- Optional: 1/4 -1/2 Cup Bourbon
Instructions
- Begin by heating your water so that it is warm but not hot. Add the warm water and honey and to your mason jar and stir it so that it begins to thin out.1/2 Cup warm water, 1 1/2 Cup Raw Organic Honey
- Grate one of the lemons and squeeze the juice from all four. You should have roughly 1 Tbsp of zest and 1/2 Cup of juice. Add the lemon juice and zest to the honey- water mixture and stir to combine.3-4 lemons, 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- Next, add in the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprig. If you would like to add bourbon, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup. Place the top on your jar and tighten before giving the mixture a few gentle shakes.2 cinnamon sticks, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, Optional: 1/4 -1/2 Cup Bourbon
- Use immediately or store at room temperature for future use.
To Use
- Take 2 Tbsp at first sign of illness. Take 1 Tbsp every hour until symptoms resolve.
