How to Make Homemade Cough Syrup With Onions & Peppers

Do you have a cough that just won't quit? Believe it or not, when chemical medications don't work, there are often natural alternatives you can make easily with ingredients most people keep in their homes all the time. One such remedy is a cough syrup made with onions and pepper. Here's how it works.

Things You'll Need

• 1 medium onion
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 small hot pepper (optional)
• Black pepper (optional)
• Tabasco or cayenne (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by slicing a medium onion and placing it in a bowl. You may also add a slice of hot pepper, but this is not recommended if you are making the syrup for a child.

2. Drizzle your honey over top of the onion.

3. Cover the bowl with the onion and honey and allow the mixture to sit for at least 5-6 hours.

4. Drain the syrup from the bowl and discard the leftover onion. The onion juices will, at this point, have mixed with the honey.

5. Give the coughing patient 1 teaspoon of this syrup every time he coughs.

Tips & Warnings

• The syrup may be seasoned with a bit of black pepper if you'd like a stronger formula. For an added kick, add a few drops of cayenne or Tabasco sauce. Store the syrup in the refrigerator to preserve freshness, but serve syrup slightly warmed to add to the soothing effect.

• Do not give this formula to anyone who may be allergic to any of the ingredients. Consult your physician if you have a cough that persists or does not improve, if you have difficulty breathing, or if you have a productive or painful cough.