Honey Onion Garlic Syrup: A Natural Cough Remedy

Using Honey, Onion and Garlic Syrup as a Natural Cough Remedy

Coughing is the body's natural reflex to clear irritants or secretions from the airways. While acute coughs last up to 3 weeks and are rarely serious, chronic coughs persisting for 8 or more weeks can significantly impact quality of life. When over-the-counter cough medicines provide little relief, natural remedies like honey, onion and garlic syrup offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and demulcent properties that may help suppress coughing.

Why Use Honey, Onions and Garlic for Coughs?

Honey, onions and garlic contain compounds that may help relieve coughing in several ways:

• Honey coats and soothes irritated throat tissues.
• Onions contain quercetin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid.
• Garlic has antimicrobial allicin to fight infection.
• Together, they thin mucus and reduce coughing spasms.

This time-tested folk remedy has even shown promise in some scientific studies. Let's analyze the evidence behind this natural cough syrup.

The Scientific Evidence for Honey, Onion and Garlic

Most studies on honey, onion and garlic for coughs focus on each ingredient individually. However, their benefits likely work synergistically when combined.

Honey for Cough Relief

Multiple meta-analyses comparing honey to over-the-counter cough medicines like dextromethorphan found honey slightly superior at reducing cough frequency and severity in children and adults.

One review found single doses of honey before bed helped improve children's coughs and sleep quality. Honey's thick consistency is thought to coat and lubricate the throat, while its rich antioxidant content can help heal inflammation.

Onions for Fighting Coughs

Onions contain a flavonoid called quercetin, which displays anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant effects. Test tube studies confirm quercetin blocks inflammation pathways involved in coughs.

Some clinical research found taking onion extract 3 times daily improved cough symptoms in adults within 3 days compared to placebo. The effects of raw onions on coughs specifically still need more research.

Garlic's Antimicrobial Benefits

Allicin, one of garlic's main active compounds, has been shown in lab tests to inhibit bacterial and viral growth. One study gave 146 cold sufferers either a garlic supplement or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The garlic group had significantly fewer colds and less severe symptoms.

This antimicrobial effect could theoretically help fight underlying infections that cause coughing. However, human trials specifically analyzing garlic and coughs are still lacking.

How to Make Soothing Honey, Onion and Garlic Cough Syrup

Making homemade honey, onion and garlic cough syrup only requires 4 simple ingredients:

• Raw honey - 1 cup
• Chopped yellow onion - 1 large or 2 medium
• Garlic cloves - 3 large cloves, crushed and minced
• Lemon juice - 2 tbsp

Steps:

1. Chop 1 large or 2 medium yellow onions finely.
2. Crush and mince 3 large garlic cloves.
3. Add onions, garlic, 1 cup honey, and 2 tbsp lemon juice to a small saucepan.
4. Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are soft.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before transferring to an airtight jar.
6. Store honey, onion and garlic cough syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Take 1-2 tsp as needed to coat the throat and suppress coughing. The lemon juice helps thin out the honey's consistency while adding some vitamin C for an extra immune boost.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits

Follow these tips to get the most out of your homemade cough syrup:

• Opt for raw, unpasteurized honey when possible to preserve antioxidants and enzymes.
• Chop the onions finely to maximize quercetin release.
• Let the garlic cloves sit for 10 minutes after crushing and mincing to fully activate allicin.
• Simmer the syrup slowly to maintain the ingredients' nutritional value.
• Consume the syrup routinely over several days to allow the ingredients to take effect.

Who Can Benefit Most from Honey, Onion and Garlic?

This natural cough remedy may provide the most relief for:

• Children over 1 year old - Safer than OTC cough meds for kids.
• Pregnant women - All natural alternative to medications.
• People with chronic bronchitis or asthma - Soothes irritated airways.
• Those with respiratory infections - Antimicrobial properties may help fight infection.
• Smokers - Helps clear excess mucus caused by smoke.

However, children under 12 months, people allergic to onions/garlic, and those on blood thinners should avoid due to safety concerns. Talk to your doctor before using.

Precautions and Potential Side Effects

When consumed in moderation, honey, onion and garlic cough syrup is likely safe for most adults and older children. However, a few precautions include:

• Infants under 12 months should not consume honey due to infant botulism risk.
• People with onion or garlic allergies should avoid this remedy.
• Those on blood thinners like warfarin should consult their doctor first.
• Too much onion or garlic can cause upset stomach or heartburn.
• Onions and garlic can interact with some medications like HIV/AIDS drugs and cancer drugs. Check for interactions.

Minor side effects like breath odor, body odor, and slightly worsened cough may occur initially. Drinking extra fluids can help thin out excessive mucus loosened by the syrup.

When to See a Doctor

While honey, onion and garlic syrup can help soothe many minor coughs, see a doctor right away if you experience:

• No improvement in cough after 1 week of the syrup
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fever over 101F
• Blood in mucus
• Severe wheezing or chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Immunocompromised from medication or illness

Chronic coughs lasting over 8 weeks or accompanied by concerning symptoms warrant medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, pertussis, or lung disease.

The Bottom Line

Science indicates honey, onion and garlic each offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and demulcent properties that can modestly suppress coughs. Combining these ingredients may provide even greater relief for some individuals.

However, those with onion/garlic allergies, infants, or people on certain medications should avoid this remedy. Additionally, severe or persistent coughs require proper medical treatment.

When used appropriately, honey, onion and garlic syrup offers a safe, natural way to calm minor coughs and soothe irritated throat tissues. Talk to your doctor to see if this traditional folk remedy is right for your situation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.