How to Make Homemade Cough Syrup With Anise & Honey

Anise and licorice have throat soothing properties and provide a licorice-like flavor. Elecampane root is a natural cough suppressant and expectorant. Honey is a natural anesthetic and has antimicrobial properties, and bourbon acts as a sleep aid and a preservative. This recipe combines the power of elecampane, licorice, anise and honey to create a soothing natural cough syrup that's perfect for those dry, irritating coughs. This recipe can be made without alcohol but that will severely shorten the storage time. All of the herbs in this recipe should be available at the local health food store.

Things You'll Need

• 16 oz spring or distilled water
• 1 tbsp. chopped elecampane root
• 1 tbsp. crushed anise seed
• 1 tbsp chopped licorice root
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 6 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp. bourbon

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Instructions

Throat-Soothing Cough Syrup

• 1

  Bring water to a boil and add elecampane, anise and licorice root and let simmer for 20 minutes.

• 2

  Let cool and strain into a into a clean jar or bottle

• 3

  Combine lemon juice, honey and bourbon and add to the jar.

• 4

  Cover the jar and shake to blend. Store in the refrigerator and use as needed.