2 Ingredient Natural Cough Syrup
Soothe coughs the natural way with this simple two-ingredient homemade cough syrup.
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Medical Disclaimer: This is a home remedy tutorial based strictly on personal experience and is not meant to be taken as medical advice — consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.
You’ve heard it said before, It tastes awful. And it works. Well, you’ll be happy to hear that is not the case with this simple natural remedy for sore throat and cough. I’d like to say It tastes awesome. And it works. That sounds better to me, and my family.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to calm a stubborn cough, this homemade honey and onion cough syrup is one of the easiest natural remedies you can make.
Using just two ingredients, this traditional recipe shows you how to make honey and onion cough syrup at home in minutes — no artificial ingredients or complicated steps required. Honey helps soothe sore throats, while onions draw out powerful compounds that support the immune system and help loosen congestion.
If you’re searching for the best natural cough remedy for adults and kids, especially during cold and flu season, this gentle syrup is a time-tested option that actually works. Perfect for anyone wanting a simple natural remedy for sore throat and cough using everyday ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
You can use any type of onion. Some say that red onion works better, but traditionally a yellow onion was used. So I’ll just use whatever I have on hand. The last time I made it, I did a mix of red and yellow onions, and I also threw some extra powder in there with sliced garlic in each layer. Chopped fresh ginger would be another great addition.
However you decide to make this easy homemade cough syrup, it’s going to be simple, affordable, and free from artificial ingredients.
This old fashioned cough syrup is a gentle alternative to over-the-counter options, and a reminder that sometimes the most effective remedies are the ones passed down through history.
How to Make Old Fashioned Cough Syrup
This is a very basic and simple process. No cooking is required, and the process takes only a few minutes of hands-on time.
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
Start by peeling one medium onion and chopping it into small, even pieces. You can dice or roughly chop the onion. Smaller pieces help release more natural juices, which blend with the honey to create the syrup.
Step 2: Begin the First Layer
Using a clean, dry glass jar with a lid, place a small layer of chopped onion in the bottom of the jar. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of raw honey over the onions, making sure they are lightly coated.
Step 3: Continue Layering
Add another layer of chopped onion on top of the honey, followed by another teaspoon of honey. Continue alternating layers of onion and honey until the jar is full or you run out of ingredients.
End with a final layer of honey on top to fully cover the onions. Add around 1-2 tablespoons of honey on the top, instead of the teaspoon.
Step 4: Seal and Rest
Once the jar is filled, secure the lid tightly, and gently shake the mixture until all the onion pieces are fully coated. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 6 to 12 hours, or overnight. During this time, the honey draws out the natural juices from the onion, creating a liquid syrup at the bottom of the jar.
Step 5: Strain
No, you will not be asking your kids to eat chunks of raw onion. Don’t worry! After the syrup has formed, you can strain out the onion pieces to create a smooth sweet syrup.
Step 6: Store and Use
Store the finished onion and honey cough syrup in the refrigerator. Don’t forget to label the jar! Here are the links for the Niimbot B1 label printer I use to do this, buy in CAN or USA.
Use as needed by the spoonful during coughs or cold symptoms. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.
I LOVE my Niimbot B1 label maker and printer for labeling all my homemade products. It is what I used for the label in the above picture. Its comes with a free and easy to use app where you can design your labels just the way you want. It quickly and seamlessly prints high quality, and waterproof labels.
I haven’t found any easier way to keep my DIY products organized and identified. You will love it for everything in your home! Here are the links for the exact model I use, buy in CAN or USA.
Gentle Dosage Guide
This traditional onion and honey cough syrup is meant to be used as a soothing, supportive remedy during coughs or seasonal discomfort. Because it’s made with simple kitchen ingredients, amounts can be kept gentle and flexible.
For Adults:
Take 1 tablespoon as needed, up to 3 times per day. Many people find it especially comforting in the evening or before bedtime when coughs tend to feel more persistent.
For Children (Over 1 Year Old):
Give 1 teaspoon as needed, up to 2 to 3 times per day. Honey should never be given to children under 1 year of age.
This remedy is not intended to replace medical treatment. If symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by fever or breathing difficulty, consult a healthcare professional.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your onion and honey cough syrup in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Keeping it chilled helps maintain freshness and slows fermentation.
Shelf Life:
When stored properly, onions strayed out and handled with clean utensils, this syrup will keep for up to 1-3 months in the refrigerator.
Helpful Storage Tips:
• Always use a clean spoon when scooping syrup
• Remove onions pieces from the syrup
• Discard if you notice an off smell, bubbling, or mold
For best flavor and potency, many people prefer making smaller batches and using them fresh during cold and cough season.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with a friend and save it to Pinterest so you’ll always have it handy. And if you want more simple, natural recipes, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter – I’ve got plenty more tips and recipes coming out on a weekly basis.
