Best Homemade Cough Medicine with Pantry Staples
Soothe sore throats and coughs naturally with this homemade cough syrup made from lime, ginger, thyme, and raw honey—gentle, effective, and easy to make.
There’s nothing quite as miserable as a stubborn cough—especially one that lingers long after the worst of a cold has passed. And while store-bought syrups might offer a quick fix, they often come loaded with artificial dyes, sweeteners, and ingredients I can’t pronounce. That’s why I’ve been turning to this homemade cough syrup for years.
Made with just five natural ingredients you probably already have on hand, this syrup is simple, soothing, and surprisingly powerful. It’s been a go-to in my home for scratchy throats, persistent coughs, and those nagging tickles that show up right before bed.
Let me show you exactly how to make the best homemade cough medicine—and why it works so well.
Why This Homemade Cough Syrup Works
This isn’t just some folk remedy passed down from Grandma (though she’d definitely approve). Each ingredient in this cough syrup has science—and generations of use—behind it:
- Raw Buckwheat Honey: Not only does honey soothe a sore throat and calm coughing, but buckwheat honey in particular has been shown to be just as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants. Its antimicrobial properties can even help your body fight infection. Just remember: never give honey to children under 1 year old.
- Fresh Ginger: Ginger is a powerhouse for colds. It contains compounds that help relax the airways, ease inflammation, and boost your immune response—all helpful when you’re hacking up a lung.
- Fresh Thyme: This humble herb is a respiratory hero. Thyme is packed with thymol, a compound known for its antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. That means it helps relax your bronchial muscles and ease coughing fits.
- Lime: A great source of vitamin C, lime supports your immune system and adds a bright, tart note that balances the honey’s sweetness. It also helps break down mucus.
How to Make the Best Homemade Cough Syrup
This natural cough syrup is as soothing as it is simple—and it starts with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s exactly how to make it, step by step.
Prep the Honey and Lime
Start by thinly slicing one small lime. If it’s organic, great—if not, give it a good scrub since we’ll be using the peel. Layer the lime slices in a small bowl or half-pint mason jar, then pour the honey over the top. Raw buckwheat honey is my go-to for this recipe because it’s dark, rich, and packed with antioxidants, but any local raw honey will do the job. Let the honey and lime sit together while you make the herbal infusion. The honey will soften the lime slices and begin to draw out the juices.
Make the Herbal Base
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup loosely packed fresh thyme sprigs, a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced), and 2 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer and allow it to bubble uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half (you should end up with roughly 1 cup of infused liquid). This slow simmer pulls out the medicinal properties from the thyme and ginger—both of which are known for their ability to ease coughs and support respiratory health.
Let It Cool (But Not Too Much)
Once your herbal mixture has reduced, take it off the heat and allow it to cool until it’s warm, but not hot—think bathwater temperature. This is important! Adding raw honey to hot liquid will destroy some of its natural enzymes and health benefits, so be patient and let it cool a bit before combining.
Combine and Strain
When the thyme and ginger infusion has cooled, pour it over your honey-lime mixture and stir well to combine. You’ll notice the syrup thickening slightly as the honey dissolves into the herbal tea. Now it’s time to strain: use a fine mesh strainer to remove the lime slices, ginger, and thyme sprigs, then pour your finished syrup into a clean glass jar. I like using half-pint mason jars for easy storage and portioning.
How to Use Homemade Cough Syrup
- Adults and children 10+: 1 tablespoon as needed
- Children 1–10: 1 teaspoon as needed
- Not for children under 1 (due to the honey)
Troubleshooting & Tips
Looking for more natural remedies?
Once you’ve got a homemade cough syrup in the fridge, why stop there? Here are some other simple, effective herbal remedies you can make right at home:
- Boost your immune system naturally with this sweet and powerful elderberry syrup recipe that’s easy to make and tastes amazing.
- Soothe sinus pressure and congestion by learning how to make your own vapor rub using essential oils.
- Get ahead of seasonal sniffles with a batch of fire cider, a bold herbal tonic for cold and flu season.
- Sip your way to comfort and wellness with this lemon-infused herbal tea that eases pain and keeps you going.
- Ready to build a natural home apothecary? Start here with the top reasons to start crafting your own herbal remedies.
Pin this recipe now so you’ve got it ready when cold season hits!
This easy DIY cough syrup has become a cold season staple in my home. It’s frugal, fast, and full of natural healing power. And honestly, it tastes a whole lot better than most of the stuff on the pharmacy shelf.
Whether you’re dealing with a lingering cough or just want something gentle to soothe an irritated throat, this homemade option is one I think every homesteader should keep on hand.
What’s your go-to natural remedy when a cough just won’t quit? I’d love to hear what works in your home!
Ginger, Lime & Thyme Homemade Cough Medicine
This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase using the links in this recipe, I may earn a commission.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the sliced lime in a bowl and pour the honey over the top. Let this sit while you prep the herb base—it gives the honey time to draw out the lime’s flavor and juice.1 small Lime, 3/4 c. Honey
- In a small saucepan, combine the thyme, ginger, and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered until the liquid is reduced by half (about 1 cup of strong herbal infusion).1/2 c. Thyme, 1 inch Ginger, 2 c. Water
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool until it’s just warm—think bathwater temperature.
- Remove saucepan from the heat and let cool to bathwater temperature.
- Add the honey-lime mixture to the cooled herbal infusion and stir well to combine.
- Strain your finished syrup into a clean jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 weeks.
Notes
- Adults and children 10+: 1 tablespoon as needed
- Children 1–10: 1 teaspoon as needed
- Not for children under 1 (due to the honey)
