How to Make Homemade Horehound Cough Syrup

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a hardy perennial that is native to North America and belongs to the mint family. It has been used medicinally for several thousand years. In addition to its throat soothing qualities, horehound loosens phlegm and relieves bronchial pressure. It is effective and when it's combined with honey or another sweetener it is often more tasty than other herbs used to make homemade cough syrup.

Things You'll Need

• 3 cups raw honey (preferably honey derived from local wildflowers)
• 1 and ½ cup water
• ½ cup fresh horehound leaves, or less if dried

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Instructions

Homemade Horehound Cough Syrup

• 1

  In a small saucepan bring ¾ cup of water to a boil. Steep the horehound leaves in the boiling water and remove from heat. Allow this mixture to steep for approximately 10 minutes while you prepare the honey.

• 2

  In a medium saucepan heat the honey over low heat along with the remaining ¾ cup water. As the honey heats up it will loosen up and absorb the horehound mixture more effectively. Stir the honey and do not allow the honey to scorch.

• 3

  When the honey is loosened and much of the water has been absorbed, mix the horehound mixture into the medium saucepan. Let this simmer for approximately five minutes, stirring continually.

• 4

  Remove from heat and pour the syrup immediately into a heat resistant container. This syrup will keep for approximately three months.