6 homemade cough syrups for phlegm

Homemade syrups with honey, watercress or onion are excellent for treating coughs with phlegm, as they have expectorant properties that help eliminate secretions present in the airways, resolving the cough in a few days.

However, if in addition to the cough there are other symptoms, such as fever, malaise, green phlegm or shortness of breath, for example, it may be indicative of acute bronchitis or pneumonia, and it is important to consult a doctor so that the best treatment can be indicated.

These syrups do not replace the treatment recommended by your doctor to combat respiratory infections, and it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Furthermore, syrups containing honey should not be used by people allergic to honey, propolis or pollen, or children under 1 year of age.

6 homemade cough syrups for phlegm

Some options for homemade cough syrups for phlegm are:

1. Watercress syrup with honey

Watercress is a leaf that has expectorant and decongestant properties, as well as being able to stimulate the immune system, making it useful for treating coughs.

Ientering

• Mel;
• 1 bunch of watercress;
• 1 lemon juice.

Preparation mode

Pass 1 bunch of fresh watercress in a blender and then add 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice of 1 lemon. Then, bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens and acquires a pasty consistency. It is recommended to take 1 tablespoon of this syrup 3 to 4 times a day.

Homemade fennel syrup is also very effective for fighting coughs, as this plant has expectorant properties.

Ingredients

• 500 ml of water;
• 1 tablespoon of fennel seed;
• 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root;
• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme;
• 250 ml de mail.

Preparation mode

Place the water, fennel and licorice in a pan and let it boil for 15 minutes. Then, remove this infusion from the heat, add the thyme and leave it to rest covered until it cools. Then strain, add the honey and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is homogeneous.

It can be taken whenever necessary and can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum period of 3 months, in a tightly covered glass bottle.

3. Onion syrup

Onion syrup is an excellent home remedy for relieving coughs because it has dilating and expectorant properties, facilitating the release of accumulated secretions.

Ingredients

• 3 onions;
• 500 mL de mel;
• Juice of 3 lemons.

Preparation mode

Mix all the ingredients in a blender until it acquires a homogeneous consistency. Store the syrup in the refrigerator in a glass container. Check out other onion cough syrup recipes.

It is recommended that children over 1 year of age take 2 teaspoons of the syrup during the day, while for adults, 4 teaspoons are recommended per day. This syrup is not recommended for children under 1 year of age due to the presence of honey, which is contraindicated at this age.

4. Radish, onion and honey syrup

This syrup is another good option for treating coughs with phlegm, as it is rich in vitamin C, in addition to having antioxidant properties, helping to fight respiratory infections.

Ingredients

• 3 radishes;
• 1 head of garlic;
• 1 red onion;
• 500 mL of mail.

Preparation mode

Cut all the ingredients, mix and place in a container large enough to cover it completely. Leave to rest for 1 day. Strain and store in a tightly covered glass container away from the sun, which can be stored for up to 3 months. It is recommended to take 2 tablespoons of this syrup per day.

5. Guaco and mallow syrup

Guaco and mallow syrup also helps to relieve coughing with phlegm, as it makes the phlegm more liquid, making it easier to eliminate.

Furthermore, this syrup has a calming effect on the bronchi, reducing the production of phlegm.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dried mallow flowers or leaves;
• 1 tablespoon of fresh guaco leaves;
• 1 cup of boiling water;
• 1 tablespoon of honey.

Preparation mode

Place the mallow and guaco in the cup with boiling water. Cover for about 10 minutes and add the honey. It is recommended for adults to take 1 cup of syrup, up to 3 times a day. See also other recipes with guaco to relieve coughs.

Guaco and mallow syrup should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes and liver disease, or who take anticoagulant medications.

6. Beetroot syrup with honey

Beetroot syrup with honey helps relieve coughs with phlegm caused by colds or flu, as it has natural anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

Additionally, honey also helps lubricate the throat and reduce inflammation, relieving coughs.

Ingredients

• 1 raw beet;
• 2 tablespoons of honey.

Preparation mode

Wash and cut the beetroot into thin slices and place in a clean, dry glass container. Add honey, mix and let rest for 24 hours. After this time, collect the liquid part that formed, which is the syrup, and transfer it to another sterilized glass container and cover it.

You can take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day until symptoms disappear. Children over 1 year old can take 1 teaspoon of beetroot syrup up to 3 times a day.

Read too: How to Stop Coughing: 13 simple (and infallible!) tips

Tips to combat coughing

Other useful tips to combat coughing are avoiding drafts and keeping your throat hydrated by taking small sips of water several times a day.

Inhaling with 1 liter of boiling water and 1 drop of marjoram, thyme or ginger essential oil also helps to decongest the nose.

​​These last medicinal plants can also be used in the same way for immersion baths, and are also recommended for children and babies.