When I was little, I was sick a lot – tonsillitis, sinus infections, flu, ear infection. It was treated with a mix of antibiotics and homemade remedies, and seriously I don’t know which one was worse. Those big, bitter pills were so hard to swallow. I was choking on them. And the natural remedies, like onion syrup? Gross, stinky, weird – just yuck!
Now that I’m an adult, I’ve come full circle. I’m back to making onion syrup from my own free will. How ironic is that?
I’ve grown tired of over-the-counter remedies. It’s so easy to grab them like candy without thinking about what they actually do to your body. They often don’t even seem to work, or they are packed with a lot of sugar. And often we have brilliant remedies just sitting in a pantry. They are cheap, easy to make and they work. So now I’m diving into natural remedies for colds and coughs – and yes, I’m making that childhood onion syrup again.
What do you need to make onion syrup?
You only need three simple ingredients: onion, honey, and lemon.
- Onions
Onions are like little natural cleaners for your chest. They help break up the gunk in your throat and lungs, making it easier to cough it out. They also fight germs and relax your muscles, so you can breathe better. Plus, onions are packed with nutrients that boost your immune system to help you recover faster. - Honey
Honey is amazing. It coats your throat and makes it feel less scratchy. This helps stop you from coughing so much. It’s also great at fighting off germs that might be making you sick. On top of that, honey can help you sleep better. When you’re under the weather, it keeps those annoying nighttime coughs away. - Lemon
Lemon is full of vitamin C, which helps your body fight off colds. It also helps clear out mucus, so you’re not as stuffed up. It creates a tough environment for germs to stick around. Plus, it makes the syrup taste fresher and less onion-y!
These three ingredients form a simple, but powerful team. They help you feel better when you’re coughing. They are also effective when dealing with a cold!
How to take it?
Adults: Take 1 teaspoon of syrup 3–6 times a day as needed. Children (over 1 year old): Take half the dose—about ½ teaspoon 3–4 times a day.
Pro tip: If you dislike the smell, try pinching your nose while taking it.
How long can you store honey and onion cough syrup?
You can keep honey and onion syrup in the fridge for up to 1 week if the onions are still in it. If you strain the onions out, it can last 2–6 months. Just make sure to toss it if you notice anything weird, like a bad smell, strange color, or mold. If the ingredients separate, shake the jar.
FAQ
What if I’m missing an ingredient?
I suggest you use all three ingredients for the best homemade cough syrup, but the onion is the key one. You can always:
- Replace lemon juice with water
- Replace the honey with sugar (though honey works best!).
Can I give this syrup to a child?
- Under 1 year old: No! Honey can be dangerous for babies and may cause infant botulism – a rare but serious illness.
- Over 1 year old: Yes! Just give half the regular dose.
Onion Syrup – Homemade Cough Remedy
A simple homemade onion syrup recipe made with onions, honey, and lemon juice to soothe coughs naturally.
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2/3 cup of honey
Directions
- Prepare a clean medium jar.
- Peel and roughly chop onions.
- Add the chopped onions to the jar.
- In a separate bowl, mix the lemon juice with the honey until well combined.
- Pour the honey-lemon mixture over the chopped onions in the jar.
- Close the jar and leave for a day in a warm place.
- Strain the syrup into a clean jar and keep in a fridge
- Drink 1e tablespoon 3-6 times a day as needed. Use it within 6 months to a year.
Disclaimer: I’m not a healthcare professional. The post is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns about your health, consult with a physician. Alternatively, speak with another health-care professional. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.
If you give it a try, let me know how it worked for you! Do you have a secret ingredient or other natural remedies you swear by when you’re feeling under the weather?
Magda's Cauldron 
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