Ready to learn to make onion honey cough syrup for minor coughs and upper respiratory tract infections? This simple recipe combines the soothing properties of onion (Allium cepa) and honey. We’ll also explore additional ingredients like ginger, thyme, and turmeric to enhance the health benefits.

Does honey really work to soothe a cough?

Honey has been used for a variety of ailments since ancient times. The use of honey for sore throats and coughs can be traced back to Ancient Greece and the Vedic Period in India.

_{Preparation of medicine from honey, from an Iraqi manuscript of Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica, 1224. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956.}

There are a number of scientific studies that examine the effectiveness of honey alone in treating coughs, especially in children. A recent meta-analysis “found that honey was effective in treating children above 12 months of age when used in the first three days of cough symptoms”.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at honey’s effectiveness for relieving symptoms in upper respiratory tract infections, researchers concluded that honey is likely effective in improving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), especially for reducing cough frequency and severity. They said moderate evidence supports its use for other URTI symptoms, particularly in children.

The researchers go on to say that honey is a commonly used and well-known home remedy that is easily accessible, affordable, and generally safe. “Honey is more effective than usual care alternatives for improving URTI symptoms, particularly cough frequency and cough severity.”

What type of honey can you use?

When making onion honey cough syrup, it is generally recommended to use locally sourced raw and unprocessed honey for its potential health benefits.

1. Raw Honey: Raw honey is unfiltered and unheated, which helps preserve its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and potential antimicrobial properties. These beneficial components may offer additional health benefits compared to processed honey.
2. Local Honey: Locally sourced honey is often preferred due to its potential to contain trace amounts of pollen from local plants. Some believe that consuming local honey may help build immunity to local allergens, which could benefit coughs related to allergies. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
3. Medicinal–Grade Honey such as Jellybush or Manuka is a more expensive option but possesses proven high levels of antibacterial activity attributed to compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO).

When selecting honey, ensure that you purchase it from a reputable source to ensure quality and authenticity.

Remember that while honey is a natural ingredient, it is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially if you live with diabetes or metabolic disease. If you have any specific dietary concerns or health conditions, discuss them with a qualified healthcare professional.

Why add an onion to the honey?

Research backs the traditional use of onion to ease symptoms of respiratory tract infections. Onion has demonstrated antimocrobial activity as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-regulating effects. There is increasing scientific intrest in the medicinal effects of onion on our respiratory system.

Onion has been used for thousands of years across all cultures as a herbal medicine. Onions have certain properties that can help relieve a cough:

1. Expectorant: Onions contain sulphur compounds and quercetin, which act as natural expectorants. Expectorants help thin and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways.
2. Antimicrobial: due to the presence of compounds like allicin and flavonoids. These properties can help combat bacteria and viruses that may be causing respiratory infections and contributing to coughing.
3. Anti-inflammatory: onions contain anti-inflammatory compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways. By reducing inflammation, onions can help alleviate coughing associated with irritated or swollen airways.
4. Soothing: volatile compounds released by onions can have a soothing effect on the throat. Inhaling these compounds may help relieve irritation and suppress the cough reflex.
5. Immune system support: a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which can support the immune system.

©The Kitchen Apothecary

Healing additions to boost your syrup

You can also tailor your syrup for your own needs with these optional extra ingredients to enhance the health benefits and add flavour. Here are some additional ingredients you can consider. Add them before you pour honey into the jar.

Antimicrobials for when there is a minor infection present:

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – a handful, roughly chopped

Sage (Salvia officinalis) – a handful, roughly chopped

Garlic (Allium sativum) – four to 6 cloves, finely grated

Soothing demulcents and anti-inflammatories for sore, dry throats:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – finely chopped piece (about the size of your thumb)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) & black pepper (Piper nigrum) – one tablespoon of turmeric powder with half a teaspoon of finely ground black pepper (the piperine in the pepper makes the curcumin in turmeric more easily absorbed by your body). Read more here.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root: one teaspoon of powdered root or two tablespoons of chopped root.

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) root: one teaspoon of powdered root or two tablespoons of chopped root.

Pain-relieving anaesthetic plants:

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) – add 10 bruised cloves (avoid clove oil for children)

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Soothing Onion Honey Cough Syrup

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A simple soothing onion honey cough syrup for minor coughs and upper respiratory tract infections. A recipe combining the soothing properties of onions and honey plus additional ingredients like ginger, thyme, and turmeric.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-to-large onion
• Raw local honey, enough to cover the onion
• 1 clean jar with lid tot fit one medium-to-large chopped onion and be no more than 3/4 full

Instructions

1. Peel the onion and roughly chop it into small pieces.
2. Place onion in the clean jar (also add optional extra ingredients now) then top with enough honey to cover. If your honey is too solid, very gently warm it until it starts to become liquid before adding it to the jar.
3. Leave to infuse in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, for twenty-four hours to up to four days. If the syrup becomes a little fizzy; it is just fermenting. As long as it does not smell unpleasant or "off" it is fine to consume. If you need to use it sooner, you can start skimming teaspoons from the top of the jar after thirty minutes of making it.
4. When infused, place a funnel on top of a clean jar with a sieve atop that. Strain the syrup into the jar, squashing the plant matter with the back of a spoon to make sure you get every last drop! Alternatively, you can leave the plant matter in the jar and consume it as well.
5. Label and store your cough syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Dose: Adults take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed to soothe a cough. You can take it three to six times a day, half this amount for children under ten years. Sip the syrup gently from the spoon, allowing it to coat your throat, and try to swish some up and back where your nasal passages drain into the back of your throat. Remember to stir or shake the syrup before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Notes

** Do not give this remedy to infants under one year of age (see below).

** To ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients in the syrup, pop a dot of syrup on your finger and apply a tiny amount to just inside your lip. If after 5 minutes there is no reaction, you can proceed to taking the recommended amount.

Can I give my baby onion honey syrup for coughs?

No. Due to the risk of botulism, honey shouldn’t be given to babies under one year of age. Botulism is a rare but dangerous illness caused by the spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can be found in honey.

The digestive systems of babies aren’t fully developed yet, so they are more likely to get sick from the bacteria’s spores, which can make toxins that cause botulism. You should wait until after their first birthday to give them honey to ensure their safety.

What if your cough persists?

Although honey onion syrup can offer short-term relief, a healthcare professional must evaluate a persistent or severe cough. This will help identify the root cause of the cough and determine the most suitable treatment.

Have you tried it?

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