Homemade Cough Remedy

After making it all the way through the holidays without a cough, a sneeze or a fever, cold season hit us like a freight train on New Year's Day. My boys were miserable and I started to feel it as well after a couple of days. I remembered saving this recipe to try last year, so I shook up a tiny little test batch and tested a spoonful on myself. Consider yourself warned, this is seriously spicy and potent enough to actually clear your head. Personally, I think it tastes better than any store bought syrup I've tried.

With only a handful of pantry ingredients and a few minutes effort, this jar of spicy honey-cider syrup was sitting on my counter. I was amazed at how well it worked to completely clear our congestion. My oldest son was willing to try it as well and I couldn't believe how quickly it worked on his cough. It cleared his throat and he slept solidly through the night. Over the counter cough medicines don't even accomplish that for us! (I didn't even consider giving this to my younger boys, because their reaction to anything at all spicy would outweigh any possible benefits.)

The powerful ingredients in this remedy are common everyday items: ginger, cayenne, cider vinegar and honey. Yet they work together to create a potent remedy for cold symptoms. It's definitely worth trying before turning to the medicine cabinet once again this winter.

The serving size (or dosage) will vary depending on the person. My 9 year old son was able to drink 1-2 teaspoons without a problem. A full tablespoon worked great for me.

Homemade Cough Remedy
recipe adapted from Good Food Matters

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (preferably Bragg's, if available)
2 tablespoons honey (locally produced raw honey is best, if available)
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Place all the ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine. Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage. Shake well each time, before using. The spices will not dissolve into the liquid. It will not be a thick syrup, it should remain watery. Take as needed and have a happy and healthy new year!

Click here for printable recipe

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