The 5 Best Homemade Expectorants To Naturally Reduce Coughs

These natural expectorants help with coughs or blocked airways.

The homemade expectorants that we introduce to you in this article are designed to naturally relieve coughs. Expectorants in medication help to remove accumulations of mucus in the airways better. 

They are used to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory diseases, to clear the airways and then make breathing easier.

They also promote secretion in the glands of the mucous membrane and the salivary glands in  order to drain the mucus.

Although the majority of these drugs are available in the form of syrups or tablets, there are also ingredients of natural origin whose composition can produce similar effects.

We take this opportunity to introduce you to the 5 best homemade expectorants . Don’t hesitate and use them as a natural alternative the next time you cough.

1. Syrup with honey and cayenne pepper as an expectorant

This homemade syrup made from honey, ginger and cayenne pepper has a strong expectorant effect, helping to relieve the symptoms of coughing.

The syrup is suitable for all ages and can be used to treat colds, asthma and bronchitis.

ingredients

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (62 ml)
• some lemon juice
• 3 spoons of natural honey (75 g)
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder (5 g)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (2 g)

preparation

• Put the apple cider vinegar in a saucepan and then mix with the lemon juice, honey and ginger.
• Then mix all the ingredients with a wooden kitchen spoon and then heat over a low flame.

• Then add the cayenne pepper and take the mixture off the fire before it boils.
• When the mixture has reached a potable temperature, put everything in a sterilized, sealable container.
• Take 1 to 2 spoons a day.
• To make it easier to take, you can add the mixture to a cup of hot water.

2. Steam bath with eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is one of the best homemade expectorants and is excellent for coughing and inflammation of the airways.

A steam bath with eucalyptus is an excellent remedy for a stuffy nose, headache or difficulty breathing. 

ingredients

• 10 leaves of eucalyptus
• 2 liters of water

preparation

• Put the leaves of the eucalyptus in a saucepan with water and then simmer on a low heat for about 5 minutes.

• When the mixture is ready, cover your head with a towel, then inhale the fumes released by the hot water.
• This treatment is preferably carried out in the evening before going to bed.

3. Expectorant syrup with honey and onion

The combination of onion with honey makes a homemade syrup that helps relieve symptoms in the respiratory tract.

Both ingredients have antibiotic and expectorant properties that facilitate the elimination of the virus, bacteria and, moreover, the accumulated mucus.

ingredients

• 1 ½ cups with onions (300 g)

• ½ cup honey (150 g)
• 1 glass of white wine (200 ml)

preparation

• Cut the onions into small pieces and then mix them with the honey and white wine in a glass jar.
• Then let the mixture steep for 2 days and then consume the resulting syrup.
• Take 2 or 3 spoons a day.

4. Natural expectorant tea

A little thyme with honey and lemon makes a natural tea that reduces coughs, an inflamed throat and, moreover, the increased production of mucus.

The expectorant and anti-inflammatory ingredients help to reduce secretion and also facilitate the removal of the accumulated mucus.

ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (5 g)

• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 spoon of honey (25 g)

preparation

• Heat the water and then just before it comes to the boil, add the thyme and the honey spoon.
• Then let the mixture steep for 5 minutes and add the juice of half a lemon.
• Then drink 2 to 3 times a day.

5. Apple, honey and lemon expectorant

A paste made from the pulp of an apple, honey and lemon makes a natural expectorant that can relieve coughs in both children and adults.

The anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect stimulates the excretion of secretions and also clears the airways.

ingredients

• ½ ripe apple
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 spoon of honey (25 g)

preparation

• Boil the apple and then mash it until you get a puree.
• Then mix in the lemon juice and honey and take 2 times a day.

Based on your preferences, decide which of the homemade expectorants you like best and then take it according to the recommendations. This can help relieve your cough more quickly.

However, if symptoms persist, see your doctor.