Homemade Honey Ginger Cough Drops
- Brianne Thomas
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
This recipe combines the soothing properties of honey with the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger to help ease your cough and sore throat.
As the chill of winter settles in, it’s that familiar time of year again - cold and flu season. Coincidentally, this is also when my work requires me to hit the road. Such is the nature of my job, I suppose. Fortunately, I’m well-prepared with a collection of DIY herbal remedies to help me stay healthy and energized during my travels. One essential item I’ll be sure to include in my travel medicine kit is a batch of Homemade Honey Ginger Cough Drops. These little gems not only soothe a scratchy throat but also provide a comforting burst of flavor, making them a perfect companion for those long days on the go.
Quick Mom Note: I tend to make these as drops, but if you have young kiddos, you can add a lollipop stick to make it easier and safer for them. Still, keep an eye on them, though, to ensure no possible choking issues. It's recommended that children under the age of 1 should not be given honey or honey products.
Benefits of Homemade Honey Ginger Cough Drops
Honey: known for its soothing properties, it can help coat the throat.
Ginger: has anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce irritation.
Lemon: adds a refreshing flavor and provides vitamin C.
Cinnamon: adds additional flavor and its potential antioxidant benefits.
Helpful Tips for Making Homemade Honey Ginger Cough Drops
Safety First. Be cautious when working with hot sugar mixtures, as they can cause burns.
Saucepan Size. The mixture will foam and expand during the boiling process. Choose a pan that is deeper than you may think necessary. As the foam builds up, remove the pan from the burner for a few seconds to allow the foam to settle down.
Stir Constantly. The mixture can scorch quickly, so keep stirring to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Work Fast. The mixture will harden as it cools, so it’s important to work quickly.
Advertisement
Want to Learn More About Medicinal Herbs?
Ingredients
1 cup organic raw honey
1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar or cornstarch (optional)
Recommended Equipment
Small saucepan
Candy thermometer
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Spoon or silicone molds
Directions
Grate 1 Tablespoon of fresh ginger and set aside. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the ginger pieces out before proceeding.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of honey, 1 Tablespoon grated ginger, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest, ¼ cup of water, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture continuously. If you have a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to a temperature of 300°F (hard crack stage). If you don't have a thermometer, cook until the mixture is bubbling and thickens enough to form a ball when dropped into cold water.
Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Using a spoon or dropper, carefully drop small amounts of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet or into a silicone mold. Work quickly, as the mixture will harden as it cools.
Allow the drops to cool completely on the parchment paper or silicone mold. If you want to make these into lollipops for the kiddos, add a lollipop stick to each drop before they harden.
Once the cough drops are cool, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. If you’re taking these on the go, I recommend storing the cough drops individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then storing them in an airtight container.
How to Store Homemade Honey Ginger Cough Drops
Store the cough drops in an airtight container, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. If stored correctly in a cool, dry place, these homemade cough drops can last several weeks.
DISCLAIMER: This Homemade Honey Ginger Cough Drop recipe contains information about traditional herbal remedies for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbs, especially if pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have medical conditions. By making and using this Homemade Honey Ginger Cough Drop recipe, you acknowledge you are solely responsible for your health decisions.
Do not provide honey or honey products to children under the age of 1 year.
Want to help a small family business in a big way? Share our website with a friend who enjoys delicious from-scratch food, gardening projects, herbal medicine, food preservation, and easy-to-download printables!
Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank-you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!
Advertisement
Comments