This easy to make and completely natural herbal remedy for cough is the perfect solution when you want an alternative to store bought cough syrups!
At the time of writing this, the weather is getting colder, the leaves are turning colors and I just know that the first cold of the season is just around the corner! We are generally pretty healthy, but there is at least a few colds that circulate through our house given I have 5 kids and a husband who is a paramedic firefighter. Germs are all around us!
This herbal cough syrup is just the thing to have on hand when you need a natural remedy for that nagging cough.
I’m not a fan of the high sugar, over the counter medicines. While this one is made with either molasses or honey, you can control how much goes into it. AND you can calculate the exact amount of carbs per serving like I have to given my son and I are Type 1 Diabetic! This is a huge bonus!
So let’s get to it and jump right into how to make this wonderful herbal remedy for a cough.
Kitchen Essentials
You may have most of what you need, but in case you need a few odds and ends, here are the tools required along with an Amazon link if you need it!
Where to Buy Reputable Herbs
I buy mine at the Apothecary Shop. I’m sure there are plenty of other reputable places to buy high quality herbs, but this is the one I like.
My only caution would be to make sure you really are buying your herbs from a reputable place and always make sure you are buying the right kind and the correct part of the herb (root vs. bark, etc…).
How to Make a Herbal Remedy for Cough (Herbal Cough Syrup)
Measure out approximately 1/3 ounce of each of your herbs.
Licorice:
Flaxseed:
Slippery Elm:
Add licorice and 1/3 pint of water to a nonreactive pot (like stainless steel or enamel, NOT aluminum).
Heat over medium heat until simmering. Simmer until liquid is reduced by 1/3.
Cool and strain. Carefully discard what is left in the strainer.
Add the remaining 2/3 pint of water to the cooled liquid.
Add slippery elm and flaxseed to a ceramic or glass teapot. Pour liquid over herbs.
Infuse for 30 minutes. Carefully strain (multiple times if needed) to remove all herbs. Discard what is left in the strainer.
Add molasses or honey and stir carefully.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Herbal Safety
Always do your research regarding safety, contraindications, and warnings with the herbs that you choose to use. Never make assumptions on safety. Many herbs in recipes such as this are perfectly safe, but they are not safe for certain conditions. Consult an herbalist with questions, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH, and always handle herbs in a safe manner!
Herbal Remedy for Cough
Ingredients
- 1/3 oz licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root
- 1/3 oz slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) bark
- 1/3 oz flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
- 1/3 pint molasses or 1/6 lb. honey or raw sugar
- 1 pint water, divided
Instructions
- Add licorice and 1/3 pint of water to a nonreactive pot (like stainless steel or enamel, NOT aluminum).
- Heat over medium heat until simmering. Simmer until liquid is reduced by 1/3.
- Cool and strain. Carefully discard what is left in the strainer.
- Add the remaining 2/3 pint of water to the cooled liquid.
- Add slippery elm and flaxseed to a ceramic or glass teapot. Pour liquid over herbs.
- Infuse for 30 minutes.
- Carefully strain (multiple times if needed) to remove all herbs. Discard what is left in the strainer.
- Add molasses or honey and stir carefully.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe Credit
This recipe is actually from a lab from my graduate level class at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. All credit goes to them!
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article, made available via Holistic Fit LLC, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The Content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information provided by Holistic Fit LLC. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk. And, of course, never use an herb or essential oil without first reading the label, doing your research, or checking with a local expert.
