Get relief from cough with a popular homemade cough syrup
Homemade Cough Syrups - Nature Heals with Heart and Flavor
Cough is one of the most common cold symptoms that can trouble both children and adults. While pharmacies offer a wide range of syrups to alleviate coughs, more and more people are returning to what our grandmothers used – homemade cough syrups made from commonly available natural ingredients. Not only are they often cheaper and free of unnecessary chemicals, but they can also be more effective and gentler on a child's body. Plus, their preparation is often so simple that you can manage it in just a few minutes.
Why Opt for Homemade Cough Syrup?
When the first throat tickle or dry, irritating cough appears, it's easy to reach for a ready-made pharmacy product. However, these products often contain preservatives, colorants, and other additives that may not suit more sensitive individuals – especially children. This is why interest in homemade cough syrups, which utilize the power of natural substances like onion, honey, plantain, or ginger, is growing. These ingredients have a long tradition in folk medicine, and some modern studies confirm their effects.
People often ask: "Does homemade cough syrup really work?" The answer isn't black and white. While natural cough treatment can significantly relieve common colds, for more severe conditions or long-term coughs, it's always necessary to consult a doctor. Homemade syrups should thus be seen as complementary care that supports the body's natural healing processes.
Onion Syrup
One of the most well-known recipes is homemade onion cough syrup, which has gained popularity not only for its availability but also for its surprising effectiveness. Onions contain substances with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and when combined with honey or sugar, they release juice that helps soothe irritated airways.
Preparation is simple: slice one large onion into rings, place it in a clean jar, and sprinkle with cane sugar or honey. Let it sit for a few hours – ideally overnight – and then strain the resulting syrup. Store it in the refrigerator and administer by spoon several times a day. However, for children under one year old, due to the risk of botulism, avoid using honey; you can use glucose syrup or boiled sugar solution instead.
This homemade onion syrup not only alleviates the cough itself but can also support overall immunity. Unlike synthetic syrups, it tastes surprisingly sweet, which is especially appreciated by children. As one mother stated in an online discussion: "My little one refused all pharmacy syrups, but she comes to scoop onion with honey by herself."
Plantain Syrup
If you're looking for a homemade plantain syrup for cough, be aware that plantain is not only a common herb on Czech meadows but also a very strong helper in treating coughs, phlegm, and throat irritation. It contains mucilaginous substances that create a protective film on irritated mucous membranes, relieve pain, and promote expectoration.
For its preparation, you'll need fresh plantain leaves – ideally collected away from roads and agriculturally treated areas. Layer the chopped leaves in a jar and sprinkle with sugar or pour honey over them. Let it stand in the dark and cool for two to three weeks, during which a thick syrup will form. Then strain it and store it in the refrigerator.
The advantage of plantain syrup from homemade production is its mild taste, which even smaller children can tolerate. For persistent coughs, it's recommended to administer one teaspoon three times a day. This syrup can be prepared in advance and stored for several months, so it's ready whenever the cold season arrives.
Syrups Suitable for Children
When preparing homemade cough syrups for children, it's important to adhere to a few principles. Above all, avoid using alcohol, strongly aromatic oils, and overly spicy ingredients such as garlic or larger amounts of ginger. Instead, opt for milder ingredients like honey, plantain, banana, or carrot.
One popular recipe is banana syrup, cooked with water and honey into a smooth mushy consistency. It not only has a pleasant taste but also a subtle effect on calming coughs and supporting digestion. For the youngest children, you can prepare a so-called carrot syrup – blend cooked carrots and mix with a bit of honey and lemon juice.
Parents often rely on natural syrups available in organic quality, but the homemade version still has its charm. Not only do you know exactly what's in the syrup, but its preparation can also become part of spending quality time with children. Kids love helping with slicing onions (even with a tissue in hand), layering herbs in a jar, and watching them transform into a sweet liquid over days.
Combining Herbs and Ingredients for Greater Effect
The effectiveness of homemade cough syrups can be enhanced by combining more herbs and ingredients. For example, plantain can be combined with thyme, which acts antiseptically and supports expectoration. Honey can be flavored with lemon rich in vitamin C, or a small piece of grated ginger can be added for a warming effect.
Try our natural products
Here is a simple recipe for a multi-ingredient homemade cough syrup:
- 1 handful of fresh plantain
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Juice of half a lemon
- 150 ml of water
Pour hot water over the herbs, let it steep for about 15 minutes, strain, and mix in honey with lemon. This warm beverage can be sipped several times a day. If you want to preserve it longer, bring the mixture to a boil and pour it into a clean jar – you'll get a light herbal syrup suitable for both adults and children.
When Homemade Syrups Aren't Enough
Although natural cough syrups have their place in the home medicine cabinet, it's necessary to recognize their limits. If the cough lasts longer than a week, is accompanied by fever, wheezing, or chest pain, a doctor's visit is essential. For infants and toddlers, it's wise to consult any change in health status with a pediatrician, even if it's just an ordinary cough.
On the other hand, common seasonal viral infections can often be managed with supportive measures, rest, and traditional recipes. It's in these moments that it becomes evident that nature still has much to offer us. And homemade syrups are not just a remedy, but also a return to a tradition that deserves to be passed on.
As an old saying goes: "For every illness, there's a herb." So let's use what the earth gives us – with respect, wisdom, and openness to the proven wisdom of previous generations.
