All natural pineapple cough syrup is easy to make and is a time honored home remedy to fight mild symptoms of colds and flu, but does it work? Let’s find out!
*Note: If you have a serious or persistent cough, see your doctor. This natural cough syrup will not take the place of prescribed medications, and is meant to be used to soothe and help alleviate symptoms. This should not be given to children under 1 year old.
homemade pineapple cough syrup ~ does it work?
I have to confess, I’m a big fat sissy when it comes to medicine. I’d much rather suffer a cough than down some of that nasty stuff they sell over the counter. I cringe just thinking about it. So when I read about the possible cough suppressing benefits of pineapple, I was all over it. But does it work? Let’s break it down.
the ingredients
- fresh pineapple ~ high in Vitamin C and the only source of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme that may help rid the body of mucus. Canned pineapple or pasteurized pineapple juice is not appropriate for this recipe.
- fresh ginger ~ another natural anti-inflammatory agent that may help dilate bronchial tubes.
- honey ~ a grandmother-approved throat soother and cough calmer. It’s naturally anti-bacterial.
- lemon ~ more Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties.
- cayenne ~ the capsaicin in chili peppers can reduce the urge to cough. Leave this out if using for kids.
separating the myths from the facts
Coughing is a natural process that actually helps the body expel mucus during colds and flu, so it’s actually a good thing! But constant coughing can take a toll on the body
While Vitamin C has many known health benefits, it appears that it does not, after all, prevent or shorten colds and flu.
Claims that pineapple suppresses cough are anecdotal and not scientifically proven, so if you have a serious cough you’ll need to seek medical attention. But if you or your loved ones are recouping at home and are bothered by mild symptoms, this is a good home remedy to try.
Families for generations have used these ingredients to treat mild cough symptoms. At the very least it is a nutritious, hydrating, and safe home remedy that can soothe your throat and may help quell a nagging cough.
This is a real godsend if you have kids who aren’t keen on yucky cough syrup, but note that this should not be given to children younger than one year old.
Take it as often as needed; it will give you a nutrition boost with each dose! It’s easy to mix up in a blender, and it will keep in the fridge for a week or more.
other potential natural cough soothers include
- peppermint tea
- a spoonful of honey
- apple cider vinegar with honey
- honey tea (honey mixed with warm water)
- clear broth or soup
- salt water gargle
- turmeric tea
customize your pineapple cough remedy
The proportions in this recipe are approximate, so you can play with them to suit your taste. If you like it thicker or thinner, just adjust the amount of pineapple. You can also strain it for less pulp. Kids may not want the cayenne, and some adults might appreciate even more than I’ve added.
did I mention this pineapple cough syrup is delicious?
Even when I’m not bothered by cough I’ll sometimes make up a batch because it’s healthy and so yummy. I can blend it into a smoothie, or use it to make cocktails!
more ways to stay healthy and hydrated through flu season
- Not Your Grandma’s Chicken Soup
- Healing Conifer Tea ~ a natural flu fighter!
- Easy Bone Broth Noodle Bowl with Herbs
- Easy Miso Soup Recipe
All Natural Pineapple Cough Syrup
Equipment
- blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 3 slices of fresh pineapple, peel removed, but core intact. This is about 3 cups.
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, omit or reduce for children
- a thumb sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced or rough chopped
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Give the pineapple a rough chop, including the core, which is not only edible but particularly healthy.
- Blend everything up in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Use as is, or push the mixture through a mesh strainer to get a smoother syrup.
- Keep in the refrigerator and take as needed. Will keep for up to a week.
Notes
- lasts longer than 4 days
- brings up blood or thick greenish-yellow phlegm
- causes breathing difficulties
I wonder if this can be frozen?
I don’t see why not.
Sue: Could I use a can of crushed pineapple instead.
I could never finish a pineapple before it went bad.
It’s really the fresh pineapple that has the benefits Charlie. Once it’s canned it loses the special enzymes.
Has to be fresh or frozen. The bromolin is an enzyme which survives freezing but is inactivated by the heat of canning. Cut up the leftover pineapple into chunks and freeze in 3 cup packages ready for your next batch of cough syrup.
Thanks! Can I freeze it?
I don’t see why not.
I’ve used this in the past and it’s great – I was wondering if you can freeze it? Hate for a good pineapple to go to waste.
So for those of you asking “dosage” I started it like “cough syrup” (one spoonful for a few hours) for a bad cough and then realized I could use as much as I wanted. I started downing 2 or 3 spoonfuls every 20 to 30 minutes. The “dosage” is keep taking it until your cough suppresses sufficiently. I went through an entire pineapple in a few days. So don’t consider it like “medicine” its “food” take as many spoonfuls as you want until it works. It is “acidic” so too much of it may cause some people some issues.
Hi there,
Have you ever tried omitting the honey for younger children? Will it have the same effects?
Thanks
I think the honey does help, but definitely you’d need to omit it for young children. It’s worth a try without it, for sure.
When will I notice the difference in the cough
It should be an instant relief Maricela. But keep in mind this is just for soothing a mild cough, if you have a bad or persistent cough you’ll need to talk to your doctor.
What’s the shelf life? Do you keep it In The fridge?
This is great. Thank you. I remember something similar our Grandma used to make when we were kids. I think hers had a bit of cinnamon too. I’m making a batch of this for myself and my grandkids because between elementary school germs and preschool germs we gonna need all the remedies we can get around here.
Gosh I don’t miss that stage one bit, those germs are nasty!