This homemade cough syrup uses two simple, natural ingredients to soothe colds, coughs, and sore throats. It’s a gentle, time-tested remedy that can help both children and adults feel better faster.
When my oldest daughter was a toddler she started with a new nanny and suddenly was exposed to many more children. As a former elementary school teacher, I knew frequent exposure to other kids often means more germs. That season she was sick almost every month from October through April — ear infections, colds, and persistent coughs.
After a couple of antibiotic courses for ear infections, we began to worry about relying on medicine too often. We started looking for natural alternatives and learned this simple onion-and-honey cough syrup, a remedy my parents shared with me that has been used for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cough Medicine
- Traditional and time-tested: This remedy comes from a homeopathic tradition handed down through generations.
- Safe for most of the family: It has helped my children, my husband, and me with colds, coughs, and sore throats.
- Only two common ingredients: Red onion and honey — items you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Quick and easy: Prep takes less than five minutes; then let it rest so the syrup forms.
Note: Always check with your doctor before trying any remedy, especially for young children.
The Ingredients
- Honey: Pediatricians often recommend a spoonful of honey to soothe coughs and coat sore throats. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and a pleasant taste. Do not give honey to children under one year of age because of the risk of botulism spores.
- Red onion: Onions have natural antimicrobial properties and provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Red onions are particularly rich in nutrients. When combined with honey, the onion releases juices that mix with the honey to create a sweet, soothing syrup.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Homemade Cough Medicine
1. Prep the onion
- Slice a red onion into thin layers.
- Place the slices in a deep, wide bowl so the honey can cover as much surface as possible.
2. Add the honey
- Pour one cup of honey over the sliced red onion.
- Make sure the honey covers the onion as much as possible.
3. Allow to rest
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Let it sit for about two hours.
- After resting, you’ll notice a watery syrup collecting at the bottom of the bowl — that is your cough syrup.
How to Serve
For children over one year, give one teaspoon of the syrup every 2–4 hours as needed. For adults, take one tablespoon every 2–4 hours. The syrup can be taken more frequently if needed to soothe coughing.
Continue use until symptoms subside.
How to Store
Transfer the mixture, onions and all, to a glass jar or other airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The syrup is more soothing at room temperature but lasts longer when chilled. Discard immediately if you notice mold, off odors, or other signs of spoilage.
Tips and Variations
- The sliced onion will continue to release syrup over time, so a single batch can last through an illness. If you run out, it’s quick to make more.
- The taste is mild and sweet; the onion flavor is subtle and most children accept it easily.
FAQ
This remedy has been passed down because many find it effective at relieving and speeding recovery from coughs, colds, and sore throats in both adults and children.
This syrup is suitable for children over one year of age. Do not use honey for children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Discard if it shows signs of spoilage.
I hope you find this remedy helpful.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW IF YOU MAKE THIS OR TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM @EVERYDAYLATINA.
More Recipes
Try another way to use red onions.
- Tangy and Sweet Pickled Red Onions
Recipe
Homemade Cough Syrup
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Equipment
- Knife
- Air-tight container
Ingredients
- 1 red onion
- 1 cup honey
Instructions
- Slice a whole red onion into thin layers.
- Place the onion in a deep, wide bowl so the honey can contact as much of the onion as possible.
- Pour the honey over the red onion.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it sit for about 2 hours.
- After two hours, a watery syrup will collect at the bottom of the bowl.
- Give children (over one year) one teaspoon every 2–4 hours. For adults, take one tablespoon every 2–4 hours.
- Continue until symptoms subside.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a tight lid. Discard if you notice spoilage.
Notes
- Do not give honey to children under one year of age.
- Consult your doctor before trying new remedies, especially for young children.
- The sliced onion will continue to produce syrup while it sits.
- Store at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Discard on signs of spoilage.
Originally published November 29, 2018. Updated post and photos February 2023.