Cough Syrup and Cold-Relief Remedy

Old-school remedy

This is cheaper and healthier (and probably more effective) than over-the-counter cough medicine.

Honey and onion cough syrup

It was a pleasant surprise to find this recipe in Jasmine Hemsley’s East by West cookbook. She received this old-school remedy from a Polish friend. I remember my godmother giving this remedy to me and my sisters at the first signs of a cold or cough. Gosh! We hated it back then, but somehow it always worked like magic.

It doesn’t taste any better 30 years later, but knowing that I’m supporting myself with a healthier, probably more effective, and cheaper alternative to over-the-counter cough medicine makes it worth it.

According to Ayurveda, seasonal transitions can weaken the immune system, making us more vulnerable to colds and imbalances. As the body adapts to changing temperatures, digestion and immunity often become sluggish. Emotional well-being also plays a key role—stress, grief, and exhaustion can lower our natural defences. Supporting the body with warm, nourishing foods, rest, and gentle remedies like this one can help maintain balance and resilience during seasonal shifts.

Onion and garlic are considered rajasic in nature (meaning they stimulate the senses) and tamasic ((which can lead to lethargy, mental dullness, and heavier energy in the body) when overconsumed. Traditionally, they were used as remedies rather than for everyday cooking. But that’s a topic for another post!

“This is a cough syrup and cold-relief remedy made from just two ingredients and a jar. Very simply, slices of onion layered with sugar and left to marinate, this remedy is best enjoyed every few hours. Leave it out overnight to create even more of a syrup and then store it in the fridge for the next 24 hours. After that, it’s best to make a fresh batch.

Onion contains a milder form of some of the active components in garlic, but both strengthen the immune system, and work as natural antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and expectorants, which means they loosen mucus so you can cough it up.

Raw honey is a great natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal that’s also soothing for itchy and irritated throats. For a thicker syrup and for young kids, use jaggery in place of honey.”

Recipe:

• 1 medium red or white onion (red is less harsh in flavour)

• 340 g (about 1 cup) raw honey or jaggery

1. Slice the onion into rounds. Place a round in the bottom of a 500ml airtight jar with a layer of honey over the top. Continue alternating these layers until you’ve used up all of the onion.

2. Cover tightly and allow to sit overnight or for 8-12 hours. There will now be liquid in the jar: take a spoonful as needed to control your cough (aim for three spoonfuls an hour, up to four times a day).

   
   

Stay well, my friends! 💛