Amish Cough Syrup Recipe with Honey, Lemon, & Onion

Feeling under the weather and looking for a natural remedy? Before you reach for that store-bought bottle of fluorescent cough syrup, let’s take a step back into tradition. The Amish cough syrup recipe with honey, lemon, and onion has been a time-tested solution for soothing sore throats and calming persistent coughs. It’s simple, effective, and best of all—made from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

​Amish cough syrup, often referred to as “Snake Juice,” is a traditional homemade remedy designed to alleviate coughs, soothe sore throats, and reduce congestion. Rooted in natural ingredients, this syrup has been passed down through generations within Amish communities and has recently gained broader attention for its simplicity and effectiveness.​

What is Amish Cough Syrup?

Amish cough syrup is a homemade remedy that relies on natural ingredients to alleviate coughs, congestion, and throat irritation. Unlike over-the-counter medicines filled with artificial dyes and chemicals, this syrup taps into the power of nature to provide relief without unnecessary additives.

Common Ingredients and Their Roles

The classic Amish cough syrup typically comprises the following components:​

• Onions: Rich in sulfur compounds, onions exhibit natural antibiotic properties, aiding in the reduction of mucus production and soothing throat irritation.
• Lemons: Packed with vitamin C and flavonoids, lemons bolster the immune system and possess antiviral and antibacterial properties, helping to weaken cold and flu viruses.
• Honey: Known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, honey soothes sore throats and suppresses coughs effectively.
• Blackberry Brandy: This ingredient contributes antibacterial components due to its high alcohol content and offers antioxidant activity from the distillation process involving copper. ​
• Peppermint Schnapps: Containing menthol, peppermint schnapps acts as a decongestant and expectorant, aiding in clearing respiratory passages.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, it adds a tangy kick to the syrup.

How to Make Onion and Honey Cough Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
• 2 lemons (sliced)
• 1 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional for extra antimicrobial benefits)

Instructions:

1. Slice the onion and lemons into thin rounds.
2. In a mason jar, alternate layers of onion and lemon slices.
3. Pour honey over the layers until everything is submerged.
4. If using, add a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra immune boost.
5. Seal the jar and let the mixture sit overnight (or for at least 12 hours) in a cool, dark place.
6. Strain the syrup before use, and store it in a clean jar in the refrigerator.

Variations of the Recipe

Flaxseed and Lemon Version:

• Ingredients:​
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup whole flaxseed
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
• Instructions:
  1. Simmer flaxseed and lemon slices in water on low heat for about an hour.
  2. Strain the mixture to remove solids.
  3. Once cooled, whisk in honey.
  4. Store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator.
• Dosage:​
  • Adults: 1 tablespoon every 4 hours as needed.
  • Children: 1 teaspoon as every 4 hours as needed.

While the foundational ingredients remain consistent, several variations of the Amish cough syrup exist:​

1. Alcohol-Free Version: Some recipes omit alcoholic components, combining only onions, lemons, and honey. For instance, layering sliced onions and lemons in a jar, pouring honey over them, and allowing the mixture to sit overnight creates a potent syrup. ​
2. Flaxseed Addition: Incorporating flaxseed introduces omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, enhancing the syrup’s anti-inflammatory properties. A recipe might involve simmering flaxseed and lemon slices in water, straining the mixture, and adding honey once cooled.
3. Inclusion of Garlic and Ginger: Adding garlic and ginger can boost the syrup’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, providing a broader spectrum of relief.

Benefits of Lemon in Homemade Cough Remedies

Lemons are a powerhouse ingredient in many natural remedies for sore throat and cough due to their high vitamin C content. They help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and break down mucus, making them an essential part of Amish cough syrup.

Homemade Cough Syrup Without Alcohol

Traditional Amish cough syrup recipes sometimes include ingredients like blackberry brandy or peppermint schnapps for additional medicinal benefits. However, if you prefer a homemade cough syrup without alcohol, simply stick to the base ingredients of honey, lemon, and onion for a natural and effective remedy.

Why Choose This Over Over-the-Counter Medications?

• Natural Ingredients: No artificial colors, preservatives, or unnecessary chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: Uses common kitchen ingredients, saving you money on expensive cough syrups.
• Versatility: Works as a cough suppressant, throat soother, and immune booster all in one.
• Minimal Side Effects: While some OTC cough medicines have limited evidence supporting their efficacy and may cause side effects like drowsiness, natural remedies like honey have been found effective, especially in children over one year old. This syrup is gentle on the system.

Storage and Shelf Life

One of the most common questions is, “How long does homemade cough syrup last?”

• Refrigerated: It can last up to one month when stored in an airtight container.
• Frozen: If you want to make a larger batch, freezing it in portions can extend its shelf life up to nine months.

How to Use Amish Cough Syrup

Dosage:

• Adults: Take 1 tablespoon as needed.
• Children (over 1 year old): Take 1 teaspoon as needed. (Do not give honey to infants under 12 months.)

The dosage for the flaxseed version was listed differently because flaxseed-based syrups tend to have a thicker consistency due to the gel-like nature of flaxseed mucilage, which can coat the throat more effectively. Some sources also suggest that flaxseed-based remedies work longer per dose, hence the slightly lower recommended intake.

A Spoonful of Humor

As Mary Poppins wisely said, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” In this case, honey does the trick—making this remedy both effective and palatable.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true natural remedy for sore throat and cough, this homemade cough syrup without alcohol is a fantastic alternative to OTC medicines. Give it a try, and let nature do the healing!

Disclaimer:

This site is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice from someone with a stethoscope and a license. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider before trying anything new — especially if you’re on meds, have a condition, or just tend to Google yourself into a panic.

Translation: Don’t be a dumbass. This isn’t medical advice. It’s info, take it or leave it.