When cold season hits, instead of over-the-counter cough medicines, there’s a simpler, more natural solution right in your kitchen. These homemade cough drops combine the proven therapeutic properties of honey, ginger, and lemon at a fraction of the cost.
The best part? These drops can be customized to your taste preferences and stored for up to six months, making them a practical alternative to commercial options that often contain artificial dyes, preservatives, and questionable active ingredients.
The Power of Natural Ingredients
The key ingredients in these homemade cough drops offer significant health benefits:
Honey serves as more than just a sweetener – studies show it’s as effective as conventional cough medicine for soothing sore throats and suppressing coughs. (ref) It coats irritated throat tissues while providing antimicrobial properties.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that help relieve throat pain and fight infection. Research indicates it can help reduce inflammation and provide respiratory support. (ref)
Lemon is packed with vitamin C and compounds that help break up mucus and boost immunity. Its natural antibacterial properties make it effective against common respiratory infections.
Cinnamon brings more than just warmth – it contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support immune function. Studies show it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. (ref)
Why Make Your Own Cough Drops
Store-bought cough drops are convenient, but homemade ones are so much better. They’re natural, customizable, and free from artificial junk. Plus, there’s something satisfying about crafting your own remedy.
They’re not just for you, either. Pack them in a cute jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful gift for a friend feeling under the weather. Simple, effective, and made with love—what’s not to like?
Making cough drops at home allows you to:
- Control exactly what goes into them
- Avoid artificial ingredients and dyes
- Create a more effective natural remedy
- Save money compared to store-bought options
- Have a ready supply when you need them
Safety Considerations
When making homemade cough drops, several important safety measures should be followed:
Temperature Control
- Use extreme caution when handling the hot syrup mixture as it reaches 300°F
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
- Use heat-resistant tools and proper protective equipment
- Never leave the cooking mixture unattended
Storage Safety
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent moisture absorption
- Keep drops individually wrapped to prevent sticking
- Discard after 6 months of storage
Usage Guidelines
- Not recommended for children under 12 months due to honey content
- Consult healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or nursing
- Avoid if allergic to any ingredients
Variations & Adaptations
Herbal Additions:
- Marshmallow root for additional throat coating
- Slippery elm bark for inflammation
- Licorice root for expectorant properties
- Mullein for respiratory support
Flavor Variations:
- Orange essential oil instead of lemon
- Black cherry juice concentrate
- Additional fresh ginger
- Cinnamon and clove combination
Alternative Sweeteners:
- Pure maple syrup (partial substitute)
- Brown rice syrup
- Natural stevia (requires different cooking method)
Coating Options:
- Powdered sugar
- Cornstarch
- Arrowroot powder
- Ground cinnamon
Homemade Cough Drops
Equipment
- 1 Candy thermometer
- 1 Small saucepan
- Parchment paper
- silicone candy molds
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 inch piece fresh ginger peeled and finely grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon or 2-3 drops food-grade lemon essential oil optional
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by laying parchment paper under candy molds.
- Combine honey, sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Heat mixture while stirring frequently until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and let bubbles subside for a few minutes.
- If using lemon essential oil, stir it in now.
- Carefully spoon hot mixture into candy molds.
- Allow to completely harden for 30-60 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Some images in this content were created/edited with the help of AI.
Read Next:
While acute cases often come and go with a viral trigger, chronic bronchitis is more insidious, often rooted in years of exposure to pollutants or underlying conditions.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.