Thyme cough syrup, prepared with honey and lemon, is an excellent homemade remedy to keep handy during cold and flu season. This herbal syrup is effective for soothing dry coughs and also serves as a natural expectorant for chesty coughs.
ABOUT THYME FOR COUGHS
I love the fragrant aroma and earthy, savory flavor of fresh thyme, which I frequently incorporate into my cooking. I’ve even used it in desserts like lemon thyme bars and wild berry galettes!
I always say there’s never a wrong time for thyme! This recipe for thyme cough syrup showcases one of the herb’s remarkable medicinal properties, demonstrating its benefits beyond the kitchen.
Using a handful of fresh thyme sprigs, you’ll find that thyme is an incredible herb packed with medicinal benefits. It’s rich in vitamins A and C and promotes healthy digestion. Additionally, thyme possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties; historically, it was even used to medicate bandages before the advent of antibiotics.
This particular recipe leverages thyme’s antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties, making it soothing for persistent coughs. While it’s known for alleviating dry coughs, this herbal syrup with thyme is also effective in clearing up a wet or chesty cough.
HOW TO MAKE THYME COUGH SYRUP
EQUIPMENT
- Pint Mason Jar
- Small Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Sieve
INGREDIENTS
- US Customary / Metric
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 handful of fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup raw honey
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the fresh thyme sprigs into a pint mason jar or another heat-proof container.
- Bring the water to a boil, then pour it over the thyme in the jar.
- Allow the infusion to steep until the water cools to room temperature. Afterward, strain out the thyme and stir in the honey.
- Add lemon juice to taste. I find that the juice of half a lemon works well, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Store the syrup in a covered jar in the refrigerator, where it will last for 2-4 weeks. To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the syrup in baggies or ice cube trays and thaw it as needed.
NOTES
- Many kitchen herbs have medicinal properties and can be substituted for thyme, such as sage, rosemary, or oregano. However, thyme is particularly effective as a cough remedy.
- Take one tablespoon as needed to alleviate coughs or soothe a dry, scratchy throat.
- This syrup is safe for children ages one and older, but it should not be given to children under one year due to the use of raw honey.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 32 kcal
HOW TO USE AND STORE
To enjoy the benefits of thyme cough syrup, take one tablespoon as needed to relieve a cough. This syrup is particularly effective for soothing dry coughs and also acts as an expectorant for other types of coughs.
You can also use thyme herbal cough syrup to alleviate a dry, scratchy throat caused by a virus or seasonal allergies. Its delicious flavor makes it a pleasant way to ease your symptoms.
Important Note: This cough syrup is safe for children ages one and older. However, it should not be given to children under one year due to the use of raw honey.
Store the thyme cough syrup in a covered jar in the refrigerator and use it within 2-4 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze the syrup in baggies or ice cube trays. This allows you to thaw only what you need whenever a cough or other symptoms arise!
