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
Hi Sue,
The cold and cough terrible at winter season and I had it now. I tried having the pineapple and I can see the effect of it.
My mom was surprised when I asked for pineapple 🙂
Thanks
Suresh
hi sue, thank you so much for this receipe, it is absolutely delicious! How much could I give my 21 month old? She is very mucousy and has a wet cough at the moment. Her doctor says it will clear up of its own accord, which is great but would love to give it a help along! I blame the dreaded teething process 🙂 Could I give her 2 tbsp twice per day? Or more? That’s if I don’t drink it all myself :))))
I really think you can give it as needed, Fiona, nothing in it will hurt your daughter — hope she feels better!
Thanks a million Sue!
Just wondering what is the correct amount to give my 4 year old or even a adult
Since this is a natural, real food, solution, Audrey, it’s really up to you, you can take as much as you need. I’d start with a few tablespoons for your 4 year old, but give more as needed.
this is so good, instead of having a cold for weeks, this took it away in just a few days, thanks for sharing. I added 9-10 drops of thieves oil to give it that extra added boost, it made it a bit too strong so next time may only add 5 drops of thieves oil…lol
Thanks for the feedback Flo — I’m so glad it helped. I’ve never heard of thieves oil, I’ve got to look it up!
Flo, please do some research on ingesting essential oil. Thieves oil has some very irritating ingredients.
Be very careful . Good luck
Just wondering if I could freeze the whole mixture…..I can’t think of a reason why not, but thought someone mighy have an opinion that I haven’t thought of!! Thanks so much!!
i am SO excited to share this wonderfully creative solution that is food sourced, rather than mysteriously emanating from a factory/lab and packaged in plastic (with a plastic shrinkwrapped seal, for our safety, of *course!*) and cardboard! my mother has been fighting like a warrior against her chronic bronchitis complicated seriously by losing her kidneys to PKD over a decade ago. ~=°`~=°`~=°` i DO have a comment re: your statement about pharmaceutical cough preparations and some pros claiming negligible efficacy. *-* dextromethorphan Hbr is an antitussive (robiTUSSIN, anyone?) that is in most combosymptom OTC products in the us. its chemical makeup and effects are quite close to more than one abused substance; PCP and the opioids (morphine etc) are the most notable. the really glaring problem with the statement you made was that it was sourced from Wikipedia and the source questioning the usefulness of “cough medicine” was skewed because it was made in reference number a study about children ONLY. sadly, many parents believe that they are relieving their suffering children’s discomfort, when rather they are hijacking a beautiful process that until only very recently in human history (so very similar to the marketing of soaps and razors and on and on…like this comment ?) needed much more than TLC and i am glad to see alternatives like this that CAN be consumed as needed, opposed to dextromethorphan Hbr, a drug well known to be abused by teens because other, much less toxic drugs aren’t available because it, by itself or combined, is the ONLY OTC drug that definitively reduces cough in adults. thanks for your help!
Great recipe! Do you think freezing the pineapple would effect the healing properties?
I’m not sure, Sars, sorry!
I always take a portion of the fresh pineapple that I buy and freeze it in case I need to make this recipe. It seems to work just fine!
My son is on the Autism Spectrum and also has Sensory Processing Disorder. He will not take medicines and we try to keep everything he gets as natural as possible I am heading to the store now to get the things to make this. Poor kid woke up coughing.
So sorry Rebekah, this should give him some relief. I know what it’s like to have a kid who refuses medicine!
What is the shelf (fridge) life of this? How long before it needs to be used up or thrown out?
About a week, Laurena.
I just made this and gave it to my 6yr old as he has strep. My only caution, it is spicy! So maybe omit the cayenne or reduce it.
Good point, Cathy. I’ll make a note of that in the recipe, thanks!
Well, it might be spicy, but he is now passed out asleep and no more coughing than OTC meds! I just told him it’s like taking meds, just drink it. Other kids might not be as easy as mine though when it comes to medicine. Thanks for posting!