Onion and honey can be prepared as a syrup to relieve coughs naturally. Onion and honey for cough syrups contain expectorant properties that help to decongest the airways, and can reduce persistent coughing and phlegm production.
Onions contain quercetin, which can help combat flu, colds, tonsillitis, coughs, asthma and allergies naturally. Honey contains antiseptic, antioxidant and expectorant properties, which can help to strengthen the immune system and combat viruses and bacteria. Check out the other benefits of honey and how to consume it.
This onion syrup can be prepared at home, and can be useful to treat mild cases of the cold and flu in adults and children. However, it is not recommended for babies and children under 1 year old, as honey is not advised for this age group due to the risk of botulism.
How to make
Some homemade syrup options to relieve coughs are:
1. Onion and honey syrup
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 glass of water
How to prepare
Cut the onion into 4 parts and put the onion to boil together with the water over low heat. Once cooked, remove the onion and cover it for 1 hour. Then strain the water from the onion, add the honey and mix very well. Store in a tightly closed glass container.
2. Onion syrup with honey and lemon
Ingredients
- 3 onions
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- Juice of 3 lemons
How to prepare
Grate the onion or place the onion in a food processor to remove only the water that releases from the onion. The amount of honey that should be used must be exactly equal to the amount of water that came out of the onion. Then add the lemon, stir and store the mixture it in a closed glass container to rest for about 2 hours.
How to take
Children should take 2 teaspoons of syrup during the day, while adults should take 4 dessert spoons. You can take it every day for 7 to 10 days.
However, despite having expectorant and antiseptic properties, homemade syrup should not replace the treatment recommended by the doctor, and should just be taken as a complement. Check out other homemade cough syrups you can take for both wet and dry cough.
Storing homemade syrup
Onion cough syrup should be stored in a clean, dry glass container with a lid, in the refrigerator, for a maximum of 1 week. After this period, any unused amount of syrup must be discarded.
It is important to always evaluate the syrup's appearance before using it, and to look for changes in color or to check for mold. If you note any changes, discard the syrup immediately.
Check out other home remedies for a cough that you can use to relieve symptoms.