Mrs. Money: Homemade Cough Syrup

The weather where I live has quickly turned to fall, and I've realized cold and flu season is quickly approaching.  If Amy's tips for cold and flu prevention don't work, then you're going to need ways to soothe your symptoms.  I try to take a more natural approach when it comes to medicine, and some of the commercial cough syrups just don't jibe with that mentality. 

I've found out that it's actually quite easy to make your own homemade cough syrup using just a few safe ingredients, and it works very well!  I love the fact that I am more self-sufficient and don't have to rely on pharmaceuticals for cold treatment. 

Here's how you can make your own homemade cough syrup too:

• 3 cloves of chopped garlic (natural antibiotic and immune booster)
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 cup honey (natural antibiotic and great for sore throats)
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves (natural pain relief)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Combine all ingredients in a pot and heat on low for about 30 minutes.  Be sure not to let the mixture get too hot, as it may not be as effective.  Strain out the onion and store the syrup in your refrigerator.  Use one teaspoon for a child, and two teaspoons for an adult dosage. 

The homemade cough syrup doesn't contain dyes, preservatives, or funny ingredients, so make sure you throw it away after about one month.  Honey does have antibacterial qualities, so it probably wouldn't kill you if you used it after one month, but I would err on the side of caution when it comes to this. 

This cough syrup works really well in combination with slippery elm lozenges.  Slippery elm bark has been used for many years as a natural cough and cold remedy. 

Mrs. Money writes at the Ultimate Money Blog, where she shares tips on frugal living, how to live green, and living a simpler life.