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.
Cook’s notes
- lasts longer than 4 days
- brings up blood or thick greenish-yellow phlegm
- causes breathing difficulties
98 Comments
lulu
December 18, 2014 at 9:51 pmWhat is the dosage? 1 tsp? More?
Sue
December 19, 2014 at 5:40 amThere’s no set dose, I drink a small juice glass of it as needed!
frank
December 14, 2014 at 6:44 pmSounds delicious. I wanted to point out that the bromelaine is located almost entirely in the core of the pineapple, so 8t is crucial not to leave the core out.
Christina
December 14, 2014 at 1:35 pmSo much better than chemicals!!!
cheri
December 12, 2014 at 12:53 pmHi Sue, I have been battling a nasty cough for about 3 weeks now, the doctor prescribed something but I’m afraid to take it and drive in the day time, will try this.
Jennifer @ Also Known As...the Wife
December 11, 2014 at 7:52 pmWe’ve all had annoying coughs on and off for the last month. I’ll gladly use this then the medicated stuff just for scratch throats. Thanks!
Toni Dash
December 11, 2014 at 8:04 pmI love this Susan. I usually get a cough a few times a year as does my son and it takes f-o-r-ever to kick. I definitely will be back when the next round passes through our house to try this. So creative too.
Sue
December 11, 2014 at 8:16 pmI get that kind of thing, too, Toni. I know a lot of people who do, too, and it’s so frustrating when it goes into the third week or so of non stop coughing…hopefully this will help!
Susan
December 11, 2014 at 9:39 amWhat a great idea! Next cold I have I’m going to try it. So much tastier and healthier than the alternative.
Sue
December 11, 2014 at 9:48 amAgreed 🙂
Andi
December 11, 2014 at 7:16 amWe feel the same way about medicine chez nous and always try for homeopathic and natural remedies first, I have never heard of this application for pineapple – and I love it! I am going to use the next time we have coughs – brilliant!
Sue
December 11, 2014 at 7:29 amSupposedly Andi it’s 5 times better than over the counter cough medicine at calming a cough. Definitely worth a try!
Amanda
December 11, 2014 at 6:06 amI’m so glad you posted this, amazing!
[email protected]+The+Café+Sucré+Farine
December 11, 2014 at 6:02 amThis is pretty cool Sue, I just like you and can’t stomach those nasty cough medicines. Taking those is much worse than being sick to me 🙂 My husband always says that’s the one area I’m quite wimpy in. I might even put this on ice cream!
Sue
December 11, 2014 at 7:15 amMy husband gets so frustrated with me when i won’t take medicine, but I agree, sometimes it’s worse than being sick 😉