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Home remedies

Onion syrup for a cough: two simple recipes

An onion, a little honey or sugar and some time: onion syrup is a traditional home remedy used for a cough during a cold. It is easy to prepare at home with a few simple ingredients.

What is onion syrup used for?

Onion syrup is traditionally used for a mild cold-related cough and an irritated throat. There is some evidence of benefit for honey in particular: studies with children over one year of age suggest that it may ease coughing a little, for example in the evening before bedtime.

The effects of homemade onion syrup itself have not been sufficiently established. It is unclear whether onion adds a meaningful benefit to honey or helps people cough up mucus. The syrup can be tried as a complementary home remedy if it feels pleasant and is well tolerated.

Recipe 1: onion syrup with honey

Ingredients: 1 large onion and 2 tablespoons of liquid honey.

  1. 1Peel the onion, dice it finely and put it in a clean screw-top jar.
  2. 2Add the honey, mix and close the jar.
  3. 3Leave it in the refrigerator for several hours, for example overnight.
  4. 4Strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a clean jar.

Recipe 2: vegan onion syrup with sugar

Ingredients: 1 large onion and 2 tablespoons of white or brown sugar.

This version contains no honey. However, research suggesting that honey may ease a cough cannot be applied to the sugar version.

  1. 1Peel and finely chop the onion and put it in a clean screw-top jar.
  2. 2Add the sugar and mix thoroughly.
  3. 3Place the closed jar in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
  4. 4Once juice has formed, stir again and strain the liquid through a fine sieve.

How is onion syrup used?

Adults can slowly take a teaspoon when needed during the day. This is a traditional way of using it; there is no scientifically established dose for homemade onion syrup.

Storage

Keep the syrup in a closed jar in the refrigerator and use a clean spoon each time. It is best to prepare a small, fresh batch every day.

Children and important precautions

Do not give honey to children under twelve months. It can contain bacterial spores that may cause a serious illness in infants. Using sugar instead of honey does not automatically make this syrup suitable for babies.

Seek prompt medical advice for a high fever, chest pain, blood in the sputum or symptoms that are clearly getting worse. Severe difficulty breathing requires immediate medical help. A cough lasting more than three weeks should also be assessed.

Frequently asked questions

Is onion syrup proven to help a cough?

There is some evidence that honey may slightly ease a cold-related cough, mainly from studies with children over one year old. There is insufficient evidence for homemade onion syrup itself or an additional benefit from onion.

How long can homemade onion syrup be stored?

For these recipes, it is best to make a small, fresh batch every day. Keep it in a clean, closed jar in the refrigerator and always use a clean spoon.

Can children take it?

Honey must not be given to children under twelve months. The sugar version should not automatically be considered suitable for infants either. Research on honey does not establish a children's dose for homemade onion syrup.

Does the syrup need to be cooked?

Neither recipe requires cooking. Mix the onion with honey or sugar, leave it in the refrigerator for several hours, then strain the liquid that has formed.

Sources and further reading

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