Onion, Ginger & Honey Cough Syrup
A Natural Home Remedy for Dry Coughs During Cold & Flu Season
Pick one.
When your kid (or you) has a dry cough during cold season and you just want to give some comfort, what do you reach for?
For a long time, I defaulted to over-the-counter options without thinking twice. Lately, I’ve been more intentional about slowing down and leaning into what we already have at home. Not as a replacement for medicine, but as a way to offer comfort when that’s what’s really needed.
This onion, ginger, and honey cough syrup is one of those remedies I come back to every fall and winter. This is how I make it. #LetsVibe
Why We Reach for This During Cold & Cough Season
Cold and cough season brings a very specific kind of stress. Dry indoor air. Nighttime coughing. Kids who can’t quite get comfortable enough to rest. When that happens, sometimes the goal isn’t fixing everything. It’s soothing.
This syrup is part of how I respond in those moments. It’s gentle. It’s familiar. And it uses ingredients that are already in the kitchen, which means no late-night store runs or second guessing ingredient safety.
Why Onion, Ginger, and Honey Work Well Together
This remedy works because of how the ingredients come together.
Onion releases natural juices as it sits, creating the base of the syrup
Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth that feels comforting on the throat
Raw honey coats and soothes irritation while pulling moisture from the onion and ginger
When layered and left to rest, the result is a syrup that’s smooth, aromatic, and easy to take.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 medium onion, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or white all work)
2 inches fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
Raw honey, enough to fully cover the onion and ginger
1 medium glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
How We Use It at Home
Take one tablespoon as needed to soothe a dry, irritated throat
Use once daily for comfort during cough season
This is meant to soothe and support comfort, not serve as a medical treatment
Storage & Shelf Life
Store the strained syrup in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks when sealed in a clean glass jar.
Don’t Toss the Onion & Ginger
Those strained onions and ginger still have plenty of life left.
I like to:
Roast them with vegetables
Add them to beans or greens
Drop them into soup or stock for extra flavor
Real-life cooking means using what you’ve already got and wasting as little as possible.
Important Safety Note
Honey is not safe for children under 1 year old. This remedy should never be given to infants.
FAQ: Onion, Ginger & Honey Cough Syrup
Is this safe for kids?
For children over 1 year old, this can be used for comfort. Always use your judgment and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Does this cure a cough?
This remedy is meant to soothe irritation and provide comfort, not to treat or cure illness.
Can I use any type of onion?
Yes. Red, yellow, or white onions all work well.
How long should it sit before straining?
At least 12 hours. Up to 24 hours for full extraction.
Can adults use this too?
Absolutely. This isn’t just for kids.
Myths Busted
“You need a specific onion for this to work”
Any onion works. Use what you have.
“This replaces medicine”
It doesn’t. It’s about comfort, not treatment.
“The syrup lasts indefinitely”
Stick to a 2-week refrigerated window to experience the full benefits.
“You should throw out the onion and ginger”
They’re still useful and flavorful in beans, greens, or stews.
“More honey makes it more effective”
Enough raw honey to fully cover the ingredients is all you need.
And Just Like That…
Cold season doesn’t always call for more. Sometimes it just calls for intention. This is one of those recipes that lives in the background all winter long. Quiet, simple, and ready when comfort is the priority.
What Next?
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Onion, Ginger & Honey Cough Syrup
This onion, ginger, and honey cough syrup is a comforting natural home remedy for dry coughs during cold season. Made with simple kitchen staples and no cooking required.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (any variety), thinly sliced
- 2 inches fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
- Raw honey, enough to fully cover the onion and ginger
- 1 medium glass jar with lid
Instructions
Notes
How We Use It:
- Use as needed to soothe a dry, irritated throat.
- Take one tablespoon daily, even if no symptoms present, to support continued comfort.
- This is meant for comfort, not as a medical treatment.
Notes:
- Any onion works. Use what you have.
- The strained onions and ginger don’t have to be discarded. They can be added to beans, greens, or stock.
- Important: Honey is not safe for children under 1 year old.
