Homemade Cough Drops: A Natural Remedy for Cold Season

When the sniffles hit, there’s nothing worse than seeing your little one uncomfortable. I know I am not the only one who tries to keep OTC medicines out of the house and now that Olive is over one year old (important because honey is a no-go for younger babies), I was able to turn to my kitchen for a natural solution: homemade cough drops. They're simple, effective, and dare I say… delicious? Plus, they come with the added bonus of being free from any questionable ingredients.

Let me walk you through how I made these little drops of relief using honey, ginger, orange, and lemon—all ingredients that pack a punch against colds while being gentle on little tummies.

Why These Ingredients Work

1. Honey: Known for its soothing and antibacterial properties, honey coats the throat and can help reduce coughing.

2. Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory, ginger also helps with congestion and sore throats.

3. Orange: Adds a sweet citrusy flavor and a boost of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system.

4. Lemon: Rich in vitamin C and known for its antiviral properties, lemon also helps break up mucus.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these soothing cough drops:

• 1 cup of honey

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• Zest and juice of one orange

• Juice of one lemon

• A pinch of cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

The Method

1. Prep Your Workspace

   Grab a small baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will be your surface for forming the cough drops.

2. Cook the Mixture

   In a saucepan, combine the honey, ginger, orange juice, lemon juice, and zest. Heat the mixture on medium-low, stirring often. You want to bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer (or the "hard crack" stage if you’re old-school like me).

   Pro tip: Keep an eye on it. Honey can go from perfect to burnt faster than a toddler finding mischief.

3. Form the Drops

   Carefully spoon small dollops of the mixture onto your prepared surface. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to harden as it cools.

4. Cool and StoreOnce the drops are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Tips for Successful Cough Drops

• Use caution with the temperature: This is a hot syrup, so keep tiny hands at a distance while you work.

• Experiment with flavors: You can swap orange for lime or add a pinch of turmeric for added health benefits.

• Portion sizes: Keep the drops small enough for little mouths to safely suck on.

Why I Love These

Making these cough drops feels like a tiny act of love. Not only are they effective, but they’re also a natural alternative to store-bought remedies. Olive actually asks for them, and as a mom, that’s a win in itself. It feels good knowing exactly what’s going into her body, especially during cold season when every sniffle feels like the start of something bigger.

So, if you’re looking for a way to naturally soothe your child’s cough (or yours—because let’s face it, moms catch colds too), give these homemade cough drops a try. I promise they’ll make the season feel a little sweeter.

What’s your go-to natural remedy for colds? I’d love to hear your ideas! Let’s tackle this chilly season together. 🌟

LB