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 or any remedy containing honey 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 myths from facts
Coughing is your body’s cleanup crew ~ it helps move mucus out. That said, nonstop coughing wears you down.
Vitamin C has lots of benefits, but for most people it doesn’t reliably prevent or shorten colds and flu.
Pineapple as a cough “cure” is mostly anecdotal. Its bromelain enzyme may be soothing for some, but the science isn’t strong. If you have a serious or persistent cough, see a doctor.
For mild, at-home symptoms, this DIY sipper can be a comfort ~ hydrating, nutritious, and throat-soothing. Families have used combos like this for generations.
Kid note: if your version includes honey, don’t give it to children under 1 year.
How to use: sip as needed. It blends up in minutes and keeps in the fridge about a week.
other potential natural cough soothers include
- peppermint tea
- a spoonful of honey
- apple cider vinegar with honey
- honey tea (honey mixed with warm water)
- ginger tea ~ simmer sliced fresh ginger 10 min; add lemon + 1 Tbsp honey
- thyme tea ~ 1–2 tsp dried (or a few sprigs) steep 10 min; classic kitchen remedy
- sage tea ~ steep 5–10 min; sip or use as a warm gargle
- chamomile tea ~ calming + throat-soothing, nice before bed
- 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!
- Spruce Tip Tea
- Homemade Kefir Recipe
- Homemade Apple Cider
- Easy Miso Soup Recipe
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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
What is the dosage? 1 tsp? More?
There’s no set dose, I drink a small juice glass of it as needed!
Sounds 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.
So much better than chemicals!!!
Hi 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.
We’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!
I 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.
I 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!
What a great idea! Next cold I have I’m going to try it. So much tastier and healthier than the alternative.
Agreed 🙂
We 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!
Supposedly Andi it’s 5 times better than over the counter cough medicine at calming a cough. Definitely worth a try!
I’m so glad you posted this, amazing!
This 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!
My husband gets so frustrated with me when i won’t take medicine, but I agree, sometimes it’s worse than being sick 😉