Easy DIY Thyme Cough Syrup Recipe

Learn how to easily make this DIY thyme cough syrup with only 2 ingredients! It is perfect for soothing sore throats and coughs and can even last up to a year.

Thyme Cough Syrup is a useful homemade cough remedy to have during the cold and flu season. I made a batch as soon as I heard about all the benefits and keep it stored in my fridge. It’s been a lifesaver during the winter months.

Coughing is so hard, especially when it lasts forever, interrupts daily life, or when you kids can’t stop coughing at night.

Did you know that thyme, a common kitchen herb, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for respiratory issues? Packed with powerful antibacterial and soothing properties, thyme cough syrup is a simple yet effective way to calm that persistent cough.

While over-the-counter syrups can offer a quick fix, they often come with artificial additives you might want to avoid. Plus, many doctors even claim that it doesn’t even do anything!

This natural cough remedy is easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with the respiratory benefits of thyme and honey.

So whether you’re battling a seasonal cold or just want to boost your medicine cabinet with something wholesome, this recipe has you covered.

Why Thyme is a Powerful Natural Cough Remedy

Thyme isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a powerhouse in the world of natural medicine. Known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, thyme has been used for centuries to address respiratory ailments.

Its active compounds, thymol and carvacrol, are known to help fight off bacteria, reduce inflammation, and ease mucus buildup [source].

Have you ever felt the immediate relief of sipping thyme tea when your throat was scratchy? That’s because thyme works wonders on respiratory health by relaxing the muscles in your trachea and bronchi, making breathing easier.

Pair it with honey, nature’s ultimate soothing agent, and you’ve got a powerful natural cough remedy to tackle colds, dry coughs, and even lingering respiratory discomfort.

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Thyme Cough Syrup Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your own batch of thyme cough syrup. This makes around 14 ounces if using ½ cup honey. 

• 1/2 cup fresh thyme (or 1/3 cup dried) 
• 1 cup water 
• 1/2 to 2 cups honey

Optional additions (not in this recipe but worth experimenting with):

• Lemon juice for added vitamin C.
• Ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Cinnamon sticks for warmth and flavor.

How To Make Thyme Cough Syrup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by boiling 1 cup of water. Once the water is hot, pour it into a small bowl or heat-safe container.

Add your thyme—either 1/2 cup of fresh thyme or 1/3 cup of dried thyme. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and let it steep for 40 minutes.

After the thyme has steeped, strain out the herbs, leaving only the infused water.

Add honey to the warm (but not hot) thyme water. For a shorter shelf life, use 1/2 cup of honey. For long-term storage, go for up to 2 cups.

Stir well until the honey completely dissolves. If the mixture has cooled, you can gently reheat it, but don’t let it boil—this can reduce honey’s beneficial properties.

Pour your syrup into a sterilized jar or bottle and seal it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator.

How Long Can Thyme Cough Syrup Last?

If you use ½ cup honey, this will last 3 weeks if left in the fridge. If you use 2 cups, it will last for a year in the fridge.

A handy tip: Label your jar with the preparation date to track its freshness easily.

One way I’ve found to preserve this without using 2 cups of honey is by freezing it into smaller ice cubes and taking them out when we need them.

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Thyme Cough Syrup

Yield: This makes around 14 ounces if using ½ cup honey.

Thyme Cough Syrup is a useful homemade cough remedy to have during the cold and flu season. Learn how to make this natural remedy for cough relief.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh thyme (or 1/3 cup dried) 
• 1 cup water 
• 1/2 to 2 cups honey

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Thyme Base

• Start by boiling 1 cup of water. Once the water is hot, pour it into a small bowl or heat-safe container.

• Add your thyme—either 1/2 cup of fresh thyme or 1/3 cup of dried thyme. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and let it steep for 40 minutes.

Step 2: Strain and Sweeten

• After the thyme has steeped, strain out the herbs, leaving only the infused water.

• Add honey to the warm (but not hot) thyme water. For a shorter shelf life, use 1/2 cup of honey. For long-term storage, go for up to 2 cups.
• Stir well until the honey completely dissolves. If the mixture has cooled, you can gently reheat it, but don’t let it boil—this can reduce honey’s beneficial properties.

Step 3: Store and Use

Pour your syrup into a sterilized jar or bottle and seal it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator.

Notes

Notes:

If you use ½ cup honey, this will last 3 weeks if left in the fridge. If you use 2 cups, it will last for a year in the fridge.

A handy tip: Label your jar with the preparation date to track its freshness easily.

How to Use Thyme Cough Syrup

To relieve coughs:

• For kids (1+ years): Take 1 teaspoon as needed.
• For adults: Take 1 tablespoon as needed.

This syrup isn’t just for coughs—try mixing a spoonful into warm tea for a comforting, throat-soothing drink.

This is not for kids under 1 year of age, because of the honey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Thyme Syrup

Even with a simple recipe, mistakes can happen. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using stale thyme: Always opt for fresh thyme or high-quality dried thyme for maximum potency.
  
• Overheating the honey: High heat can destroy honey’s beneficial enzymes, so keep the mixture warm, not boiling.
  
• Improper storage: Always refrigerate your syrup to prevent spoilage, especially if you use less honey.

Benefits of Using Homemade Remedies Over Store-Bought Cough Syrups

• No artificial additives: Homemade syrups contain only natural ingredients.
  
• Cost-effective: A few herbs and honey cost much less than store-bought alternatives.
  
• Customizable: Add ginger, lemon, or cinnamon to tailor the flavor and benefits to your needs.

Learn how to easily switch out your products with more natural solutions with this Natural Living Made Easy Freebie!

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Final Thoughts

With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a syrup that soothes coughs, eases throat irritation, and supports your immune system.

Why settle for artificial additives when nature has already provided everything you need?

So, grab some thyme, honey, and water, and whip up this effective remedy today. Your throat—and wallet—will thank you!

You will love these other great DIY natural recipes:

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