An effective homemade syrup for cough that also soothes a sore throat. This simple DIY cough syrup is easy to make at home and contains natural ingredients, making it a gentler alternative to many commercial cough medicines.
This remedy combines honey, onion, garlic, and black radish. Together these ingredients provide antioxidants and soothing properties that can help relieve cold symptoms and suppress coughing naturally.
Making your own cough syrup is inexpensive, free from artificial colors and flavors, and suitable for most ages. Small children older than 12 months can use it in appropriate doses.
This homemade syrup delivers immune-supporting antioxidants, helps reduce persistent coughs, and soothes sore throats during cold and flu season.
The combined healing qualities of honey, black radish, onion, and garlic form a natural remedy with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions that may ease irritation in the upper respiratory tract.
Below are the key ingredients and a straightforward method to prepare this syrup at home.
Homemade Cough Syrup Ingredients
Garlic
Raw garlic has been studied for its potential benefits against various viral infections, including those that affect the respiratory tract. When garlic is crushed, chopped, or chewed, it releases allicin — a sulfur compound associated with antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These properties may help reduce mucus and support immune defenses.
Onion
Onion contains compounds with antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activity. Experimental studies have shown antiviral effects and benefits for infected lungs. Some onion constituents can relax tracheal smooth muscle, suggesting bronchodilator or symptom-relief effects that make onion a useful natural cough suppressant.
The World Health Organization has recommended onion extract for symptoms such as common colds, coughs, asthma, and bronchitis in traditional use.
Black Radish
Black radish is rich in vitamin C, tocopherols, and polyphenols. Experimental work suggests antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, and traditional use includes relief of cough, phlegm, asthma, and bronchitis. Fresh black radish juice has shown antioxidant activity in vitro and is recognized in folk medicine for respiratory support.
Honey
Raw honey offers antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and can enhance the effectiveness of other active ingredients. Honey can improve oral bioavailability and may increase the concentration of beneficial compounds released from garlic, onion, and radish.
Clinical and observational evidence suggests honey can reduce cough frequency and severity and soothe throat irritation, making it a well-regarded natural cough remedy.
How To Make This Natural Homemade Cough Syrup
The preparation is straightforward. Follow these steps to make a batch in a glass container:
- Peel 2–3 heads of garlic to obtain about 20 cloves; thinly slice, mince, or crush them.
- Peel and finely minced one small onion (or half of a large one).
- Peel and grate one small black radish to yield roughly 1/2 cup (you can use up to 1 cup if desired).
- Place the chopped garlic, minced onion, and grated radish in a clean glass jar or bowl. Pour raw honey over the mixture until the ingredients are completely covered.
- Mix briefly, then let the mixture sit for at least 12 hours so juices are released and blend with the honey.
- If not using immediately, store the mixture in the refrigerator for 7–10 days.
- Before use you can either consume the whole mixture (chewing the solids if you wish) or strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth and press the solids to extract the syrup. Strained syrup is convenient and suitable for children.
How To Administer
Take 1 tablespoon of the syrup 3–4 times daily before meals. For more acute symptoms, you can take one tablespoon every 3 hours as needed. Do not eat or drink for 30–60 minutes after taking the syrup to allow it to soothe the throat.
Take the syrup daily for one to two weeks or until symptoms improve.
- Children 12–24 months: 1/2 teaspoon every 3–4 hours.
- Children 2–6 years: 1 teaspoon every 3–4 hours.
- Children 6 years and older: use the adult serving.
Potential Add-Ins
- Lemon juice – fresh-squeezed juice from 1–2 lemons to increase saliva production and help clear the throat.
- Cinnamon – about 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to help loosen mucus and provide mild analgesic effects.
You can also combine external measures such as chest rubs or gentle massage with anti-inflammatory essential oils (eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, frankincense, or sage) if you use them safely and appropriately. Consider a diffuser or topical rub for added comfort, avoiding direct application of essential oils to young children without proper dilution and guidance.
If a cough persists longer than three weeks it may be chronic rather than acute; seek medical advice if symptoms linger or worsen.
More Natural Remedies To Try
When you’re unwell, supporting recovery with anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods can help speed healing and strengthen the immune system.
Give this homemade cough syrup a try and observe how it affects your symptoms. Adjust ingredients slightly if needed and always use caution with young children and people with allergies.
Related:
- Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infection (Without Antibiotics)
- Natural Decongestants: My Journey to Clear Sinuses
Homemade Syrup For Cough And Sore Throat
Ingredients
- 20 cloves garlic – raw (about 2–3 heads)
- 1 small onion – or 1/2 if larger
- ½ cup grated black radish – can increase to 1 cup
- 1–2 cups raw honey – as needed to cover ingredients
Instructions
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Peel and slice or mince the garlic (about 20 cloves). Peel and mince one small onion. Peel and grate one small black radish to yield about 1/2 cup.
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Place the garlic, onion, and radish in a glass jar. Pour honey over them until fully covered. Mix briefly and let sit for at least 12 hours so the juices blend with the honey.
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Store in the refrigerator for 7–10 days if not using right away. Before use, strain and press the solids to extract the syrup, or consume the mixture as-is.
How To Use It
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You can chew the solids if you wish or strain to obtain a syrup-like liquid (you should get approximately 1 cup). Strained syrup is convenient for children.
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Take 1 tablespoon 3–4 times daily before meals. For acute symptoms, take every 3 hours as needed. Avoid eating or drinking for 30–60 minutes afterward.
What You Need
Notes
Do not eat or drink for 30–60 minutes after taking the syrup to allow it to soothe the throat.
Use the syrup daily for one to two weeks or until symptoms improve.
- For small children (12–24 months): 1/2 teaspoon every 3–4 hours.
- Children 2–6 years: 1 teaspoon every 3–4 hours.
- Children 6 years and older: adult serving.
Potential Add-Ins
- Lemon juice – fresh-squeezed from 1–2 lemons.
- Cinnamon – about 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Turmeric powder – about 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric.
Nutrition
The nutrition information is an estimate.
Most coughs are caused by viruses and will resolve on their own, but severe or persistent cases require medical attention. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, consult a healthcare professional.
This article is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider with any medical concerns.
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