An effective homemade syrup for cough, that can also be used for soothing a sore throat. This homemade cough syrup recipe is simple and easy to make at home and safer than conventional cough syrups.
This powerful diy cough remedy combines natural ingredients like honey, onion, garlic and black radish – can work wonders in relieving the cold symptoms and get rid of cough naturally.
Making homemade cough syrup not only is easy and cheap but also free from any artificial colors or flavors that are often found in store-bought cough syrups. Plus, it’s great for all ages! Small children above 12 months can have it.
Related: 23 Natural Cold Remedies For Toddlers And Older Kids
This homemade cough syrup will deliver immune boosting antioxidants, provide relief from a persistent cough, as well as help soothe and treat sore throats during flu season.
Combining the healing properties of honey, black radish, onion and garlic make an efficient natural cough remedy with antiviral properties that can fight inflammation of the upper respiratory tract during cold season.
Below you’ll find the ingredients of this homemade cough remedy and some referring studies that prove their health benefits and therapeutic effects.
Related: Immune Boosting Tonic (Ginger Lemon Garlic Honey)
Homemade Cough Syrup Ingredients
Garlic
Raw garlic was reported to alleviate a number of viral infections in many studies, including common cold, fever, coughs, asthma and wounds.
Once chopped, minced, crushed or chewed the sulfur compound present in fresh garlic can quickly convert into allicin – which is responsible for antiviral and antibacterial activity, immune-modulatory , anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These effects can help reduce mucus secretions responsible for respiratory infections and help the immune system have a proper barrier.
Related: Make Ginger Water The Right Way: Benefits And Drinking Tips
Onion
In experimental animal models the effect of onion compounds showed antioxidant, immuno-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as antiviral activity.
The effect of onion on the lung infected with P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. pneumonia was also demonstrated.
Constituents of onion showed tracheal smooth muscle relaxant effects, indicating bronchodilator activities or relieving effects on obstructive respiratory diseases. Which makes the onion a great natural cough suppressant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommended using onion extract for the treatment of diseases including common colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and allergic disease.
Black Radish
Black radish extract contains high concentration of vitamin C, tocopherol and polyphenols. Experimental studies demonstrated that, these constituents possess antioxidant properties and ability to reduce the liver toxicity.
Although there are only a few reports available to confirm the anti-inflammatory capacity and it’s mechanisms of action, black radish has been used in folk medicine since antiquity to relieve cough and phlegm, treat asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders.
According to in vitro studies the squeezed juice from black radish root exhibited significant antioxidant properties and immuno-modulatory effects.
Black radish is also recognized for it’s anti-inflammatory properties and for pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
Honey
Raw honey besides having antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, has the ability to increase synergism and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
The addition of honey increases the oral bioavailability, as well as the concentration of active compounds found in garlic, onion and black radish.
Moreover, honey was found to be superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Use of honey can improve symptoms such as cough frequency, cough severity and relieve irritation, making it an excelent cough remedy.
How To Make This Natural Homemade Cough Syrup
Now that you know the potential of this homemade DIY cough syrup, it’s time to prepare it in your kitchen. The procedure is simple and here are the steps:
- Take 2-3 heads of garlic, peel the cloves, you’ll get aproximately 20 cloves.
- Peel and mince one small onion.
- Take 1 small-sized black radish, peel off its skin and grate it finely. You’ll need aproximatelly 1/2 cup of grated black radish.
- Take a glass container (bowl or a jar), add the onion, garlic and black radish and pour over the honey until it covers it.
- Let it soak and release juices for at least 12 hours.
- Store it in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days if not using.
- Now you can use the entire mixture and chew it in your mouth (if you dare) or strain it and add the liquid to a glass jar. Squeeze the liquid with your hand to get as much as possible out. The cough syrup in this form is excelent for children.
How To Administer
Take 1 tablespoon of this homemade cough syrup, 3-4 times a day before meals. For acute symptoms take more often – every 3 hours or so.
Make sure to not drink or eat anything 30 minutes to an hour afterwards to allow it to reduce inflammation and soreness and relieve coughing.
Take this homemade syrup for cough or sore throat every day, for about one to two weeks, until the symptoms slowly subside.
- For small children (12-24 months) – offer 1/2 teaspoon every 3-4 hours.
- Kids (2-6 years) – one teaspoon every 3-4 hours.
- Kis 6 years and older – adult serving.
Related: 10 Natural Home Remedies For Baby Cold And Flu
Now you know how easy it is to make homemade cough syrup using honey, onion, garlic and black radish and you can make it exactly as written or add some extra ingredients.
Potential Add-Ins
- Lemon juice – fresh squeezed lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons. The lemon will increase the saliva production and promote a faster throat clearing.
- Cinnamon – ground cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon). Cinnamon helps loosen up the mucus and make the secretions in your airway thinner, plus it has a slight analgesic effect.
Additionally you can use a chest rub and add some extra essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect such as eucalyptus, pepermint, lavender, frankincence or sage. Massage your throat and your chest. Or use an essential oil diffuser for the oils.
If your cough lasts more than 3 weeks it is no longer considered acute and it becomes chronic. So make sure to act fast, don’t let it linger.
More Natural Remedies To Try
When the body is weak it’s also important to have anti-inflammatory foods, it will help speed up the healing process!
Now that you know about this homemade cough syrup, why not give it a try and let me know how it worked for you?
Related:
- Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infection (Without Antibiotics)
- Natural Decongestants: My Journey to Clear Sinuses
Homemade Syrup For Cough And Sore Throat
Ingredients
- 20 cloves garlic - raw (about 2-3 heads)
- 1 small onion - or 1/2 if larger
- ½ cup grated black radish - you can increase up to 1 cup
- 1-2 cups raw honey - as much as to cover all ingredients
Instructions
- Take 2-3 heads of garlic, peel the cloves, you’ll get aproximately 20 cloves. Thinly slice or chop them.
- Peel and mince one small onion.
- Take 1 small-sized black radish, peel off its skin and grate it finely. You’ll need aproximatelly 1/2 cup of grated black radish. But you can increase the amount to up to 1 cup.
- Take a glass container (bowl or a jar), add the onion, garlic and black radish and pour over the honey until it covers it.
- Mix and let it soak and release juices for at least 12 hours.Store it in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days if not using right away.
How To Use It
- You can consume the entire mixture and chew it in your mouth (if you can) or strain it and add the liquid to a glass jar so you end up with a syrup like consistency.Squeeze the liquid with your hand to get as much as possible out. You'll get aproximately 1 cup. The cough syrup in this form is excelent for children.
- Take 1 tablespoon of this homemade cough syrup, 3-4 times a day before meals. For acute symptoms take more often – every 3 hours or so.
What You Need
Notes
- For small children (12-24 months) – offer 1/2 teaspoon every 3-4 hours.
- Kids (2-6 years) – one teaspoon every 3-4 hours.
- Kis 6 years and older – adult serving.
Potential Add-Ins
- Lemon juice – fresh squeezed lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons.
- Cinnamon – ground cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon).
- Turmeric powder – ground turmeric (about 1/2 teaspoon).
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
Coughs are often caused by viruses and can go away on their own, but severe cases need more medical attention. If you experience severe symptoms make sure to consult with your doctor about your options.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Shiv
Thursday 5th of December 2024
Amazing! I needed a natural remedy safe for breastfeeding and this recipe worked magic. I didn't have black radish on hand but will definitely try it next time.
Ann
Sunday 8th of October 2023
Wonderful recipe.I plan on making this asap, but was wondering if the slow juicing the radish,garlic and onion would make it just as beneficial as grating them and wait. I would love to hear your opinion, and thank you for this recipe.
Brian Sparks
Monday 20th of March 2023
Im just teying this for the first time.
When it is soaking for 12 hours should it be sealed or keep the lid off? Also where should it be stored for the 12 hour soak time?
Thank you!
HealthyTasteOfLife
Tuesday 21st of March 2023
You could cover with lid just to prevent any dust accumulation, and keep it at room temperature (no higher than 72 degrees F). Then you can store in the fridge.
Jona
Wednesday 8th of March 2023
How long does it last?? Where can I find black radish??
HealthyTasteOfLife
Tuesday 14th of March 2023
It can last for at least 1 week in the fridge, probably longer, never held it for more than a week. I bought black radish from Whole Foods store.
Georgia
Tuesday 28th of February 2023
This was very helpful, my kids liked the taste too! Thank you.
HealthyTasteOfLife
Tuesday 28th of February 2023
Thank YOU! I'm glad it helped.