Whether it’s flu season and you want to support your kids’ immune systems, or you’re fighting off a sore throat or cough, this Get Healthy Cough Syrup is for you! It’s simple to make, has flexible ingredients, and tastes delicious (according to my kids!).

If you want something simple, low-cost, healthy, and safe for kids during cold season, this syrup is for you! Made from ingredients you probably already have on hand, it comes together in just a few minutes. My kids always ask for more when I make it for them!

What is our Get Healthy Cough Syrup?

Natural, healthy ingredients to boost your body. These ingredients can help reduce a cough, clear your respiratory system, support your gut, and are just an all-around healthy tonic. I am not a health professional, so this is just my personal experience. It may work differently for you, so know your family, know your health, and use what works for you.

Originally, I called this our Cough Syrup. It’s got so much good stuff in it that I started giving it to my kids even when they weren’t coughing, so now I call it our Get Healthy Syrup! And in case you’re picky about titles, this recipe comes out very thin and watery. If you want a syrup consistency, use less water or add more honey 🙂

This is what I call a “Handful of Flour” recipe. Quantities are approximate, and you can modify based on what you have on hand, what flavors you like, and what your symptoms/needs are. If the final syrup is too vinegary or acidic, add more honey or water. if it’s too sweet, add more water or vinegar. Adjust to your liking.

Ingredients

Quality of ingredients truly matters. If you buy the cheapest salt, vinegar, essential oils, etcetera, your health can be impacted, and the quality of the final syrup will definitely be different. I’ve given a few suggestions on the ingredients I use.

Water: distilled or filtered is best

Tea (optional): I usually brew elderberry tea (find at an herbal store or Amazon). I’ve made decaffeinated black tea. Any herbal tea you like for your health or flavor can be used.

Raw Honey: definitely go for raw. If the bottle doesn’t say raw, the honey has probably been heated, which kills off the good bacteria and health benefits. Bonus points for local honey, as it can help with seasonal allergies. Do not serve honey to infants under 1 year old unless directed by a health professional.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): You want unfiltered and organic if possible to maximize the health benefits. I make my own now (so much easier than I expected!).

Lemon Essential Oil* or Juice: If you use essential oils internally, be sure to use excellent essential oils marked for internal use. I only use Young Living vitality essential oils internally. Click here for more info. Lemon juice can also be used, though it has slightly different benefits than the essential oil. It adds more acidity to your syrup.

Salt: I recommend Redmond’s Real Salt, as it is packed full of natural minerals your body needs. Sea salt and Himalayan Pink salt are other options. Iodized table salt has minimal benefits for your body.

Clove Essential Oil*, Powder, or Whole Cloves: See Lemon for notes on essential oils. All forms of cloves will be beneficial, so use what you have on hand or the method you prefer. Organic is preferred. Brew the whole cloves with tea and remove before adding other ingredients. 

Cinnamon Powder or Cinnamon Sticks: Organic is preferred. If you use sticks, brew it with the tea.

Optional Add-ins: Elderberry Syrup, Copaiba Vitality Essential Oil*, Colloidal Silver, Thieves Vitality Essential Oil*, Herbs (brew with tea), etc. Add-ins can be chosen for flavor or health benefits. 

*Essential Oils: I ONLY use pure, therapeutic grade vitality essential oils from Young Living. Click here to order. PLEASE do your own research before ingesting essential oils and using them for your family. 

Q & A

• Can I change the ingredients?
  • Yes, absolutely! I have given various suggestions of what to add/change.
• Can I make this more of a syrup and less watery?
  • Yes, reduce the amount of water. As long as the honey dissolves, you have enough water. 
• What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
  • This syrup is totally customizable, so use what you have and you’ll still get amazing benefits! Water, Honey, and Apple Cider Vinegar are the base ingredients, then add what you have from there.
• Can I give this to young children?
  • I do! My 2 and 4 year old love it! It is not recommended to give honey to babies under 1 year old unless directed by a health professional. Use your judgment on the other ingredients for their little bodies. Some people choose to avoid essential oils for young children, so use other forms of those ingredients and/or do your own essential oil research.
• What’s your dosage?
  • Honestly, it’s totally up to you because of the flexibility of this recipe. I give my children 1-3 syringes per serving (5-15ml), 1-4 times per day. You could pour some in a shot glass, add some to hot water or tea, or whatever works best for you! Use your judgment and know your body and kids. I’ve taken each ingredient in large doses and safely could drink the whole jar. My kids love it and remind me throughout the day!

Blessings!

Kaci