Budget-friendly DIY herbal cough syrups
Creating your own herbal cough syrup is an economical and personalized way to soothe coughs. With basic ingredients and common kitchen tools, you can whip up comforting syrups that rival store-bought options in effectiveness but not in price. This article shares recipes and tips for natural cough relief you can craft in your kitchen.
Selecting the right herbs
The key to a great DIY cough syrup is choosing the right herbs. Thyme is a popular choice for its antispasmodic properties, while ginger offers anti-inflammatory benefits. And, of course, honey is a natural cough suppressant and sweetener. Purchasing these ingredients in bulk costs under $10, making the cost per batch far less than store-bought options.
Simple syrup base
Every herbal cough syrup starts with a basic simple syrup base, made with equal parts water and sugar. For a healthier option, substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup. Boil one cup of water and stir in one cup of your selected sweetener until it's completely dissolved. This base can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, and you can mix herbal extracts whenever required.
Preparing herbal extracts
To draw out the beneficial compounds from your selected herbs, combine them with water in a pot and bring to a boil. Then, reduce to a simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. Strain the herbs, leaving a strong extract behind. This is what you will add to your simple syrup base, using a ratio of one part extract to two parts syrup.
Customization and storage
You can further customize your cough syrup by adding lemon juice for a vitamin C boost or cayenne pepper for extra warmth and circulation support. Once prepared, transfer your cough syrup to clean glass jars or bottles for storage in the refrigerator. Most homemade syrups will keep for up to three months with proper storage.
Cost comparison
By making your own herbal cough syrups at home, you will be able to save a lot of money in the long run. A regular batch costs as low as $3 to make depending on the ingredients used but yields a whole 16 ounces of syrup. This is way more affordable compared to most over-the-counter options, which can range from $5-$15 per bottle depending on the brand and size.
