How to Make Herbal Cough Syrups

Syrups meant for easing sore throats or coughs can be prepared by mixing honey or sugar into an herbal decoction, infusion, or tincture. Adding a sweetener acts as a preservative to the original mixture. These are not like cough syrups from your local pharmacy, as those typically contain strong medicines, such as cough suppressants. These syrups instead work to soothe your throat, calm a cough, and help other respiratory problems.

Popular herbs to use for making syrups include Licorice Root, Ginger Root, Slippery Elm Bark, Echinacea Purpurea Tops, Rosemary, Mullein Leaf, and Sage. For sore throats, combine as many of the above as you prefer.

Ingredients for Herbal Syrups

16 oz. of an herbal infusion or decoction (not made with oil)
16 oz. raw sugar or honey

Preparation Recipe

Mix the ingredients together in a saucepan until the sweetener has dissolved. Let the syrup cool, then store it in glass bottle capped with a cork or other non-airtight lid. As the syrup ferments, it may cause the bottle to explode, which is why a non-tightly sealed lid is imperative. Store the syrup in the refrigerator.