How do you feel about homemade cough drops? Here’s why I’m asking ….
I love spring, with the blooming flowers, warmer weather, and beautiful skies. But I don’t love the springtime allergies that come along with it for so many. And with those allergies typically comes a pesky post-nasal drip-induced cough.
They produce that tickle in your throat that is so irritating it likely sends you running for store-bought cough drops. But did you know that many filled with some ingredients you may want to steer clear of?
As a result, I created these All-Natural Homemade Cough Drops. Not only are they delicious, but they’re so easy and simple. The best part though? There are no hidden ingredients!
So, what’s in my recipe for homemade cough drops?
First, they contain ginger, which is known to help fight inflammation, specifically in the throat. According to a 2017 study, ginger helped to manage painful inflammation in the throat due to streptococcal pharyngitis. [1]
But there’s one more major ingredient in these homemade cough drops that we need to discuss: honey.
Honey has long been known to help suppress coughs and soothe the throat. In fact, one study on 105 children with upper respiratory infections revealed that taking honey was as effective as honey-flavored dextromethorphan. As a result, it was the preferred treatment by parents. [2]
Additionally, according to a 2021 meta-analysis of 14 studies, honey was found to be more effective at reducing both cough frequency and severity in comparison to all other methods. [3]
Finally, the last ingredient I want to highlight is the pineapple juice. Not only does it add nice flavor, but did you know that pineapple has been shown to help soothe throat irritation?
A 2010 study confirmed that pineapple juice helped to soothe the throat and even aid in dissolving mucus. [4]
Meanwhile, pineapples are known to contain bromelain, which contains both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. [5]
If you’ve ever had a bad cough, you know how sore your throat can become, making this ingredient a must-have in these All-Natural Homemade Cough Drops.
All-Natural Homemade Cough Drops
Time: 1 hour
Makes: about 15-20 drops
Ingredients
2 tablespoon fresh ginger, roughly chopped
1 cup organic coconut sugar
1 tablespoon raw unfiltered honey
1 tablespoon 100% pineapple juice
Directions
1. In a medium heavy-bottomed pot, combine the ginger with ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 10 to 12 minutes. Strain and return the liquid to the pot.
2. Add the sugar to the liquid and stir to combine. Heat for 8 to 9 minutes over high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar begins to dissolve.
3. Add the pineapple juice and honey, then reduce the heat to medium-high and continue to heat another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 300 degrees F. If no thermometer is available, place a few drops of the mixture in a bowl of ice water. They are ready when the drops harden and make a cracking noise.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and immediately pour into silicone molds. Alternatively, drops can be poured free form onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Set the drops aside to cool for 20 to 25 minutes, or until completely hardened.
6. Store in an airtight container and use as needed.
