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
Hi sue I just finished Making this and making my husband and 1.5 year old take it too as they both have dry coughs. But how much for adult and how muchfor little ones. Thank you again.
Hi Amanda ~ since this is a natural food product the amount to take is up to you, see what helps, and know that you can’t over-do it! Hope they feel better 🙂
Hi Sue, my pediatrician is now recommending pineapple juice and honey and I am so thrilled to see your recipe. His is just 2 tbsp. juice to same amount of honey and take 2 tbsp every 4 hours. Yours sounds so much better. Wondering though, does it need to be refrigerated?
Many thanks, Vicky
That’s so cool Vicky ~ and yes, it should be refrigerated for longer term storage, although you could leave it out all day without a problem.
Hi,
Do you think it would work the same if I use two cups of frozen pineapple instead ?
I believe that the raw pineapple is best, Irene, but you could certainly try it.
I used frozen pineapple that I had cut and frozen myself. I think it worked wonderfully! My family and I really enjoyed the coolness of the frozen pineapple, it helped our throats! This worked with the fresh pineapple I had a few days ago and it worked with the frozen also.
I’m so glad to hear that Cynthia ~ I love the idea of the cooling effect of the frozen fruit, did you make it like a smoothie type thing?
This looks great…however for those using it for children, please remember kids under 1 year should not have raw honey!
I mention that in my notes, KC, but it can’t be said enough!
I just made this! Added turmeric instead of cayenne and a lil shot of apple cider vinegar. The kids loved it!
Here’s to a cough-free season!
This is one yummu tasting cough remedy 🙂 both my boys are down with a nasty cold and cough should try to see if it works
Hello:
I am excited as I am making this for my daughter, and just wondering… Does heating it up make the active ingredients less effective?
Sherri
I think you could heat it gently, but I wouldn’t cook it.
Hi my husband Has a cough and refuses to go to the Dr. I read about pineapples are good for a cough but was misinformed. I gave him the pineapples from a can including the juice and of course it didn’t work. I will go shopping to try your remedy which seems to make sense to me. Thank you so much for this info.
My husband is seventy years old, how much should I give him?
You’re welcome Judy, coughs can be so annoying and worrisome, especially when they hang around too long. Fresh pineapples will be better than the canned, but if your husband’s cough gets worse, better drag him to the doc 😉 Hope he feels better soon, and as for the dose, he can have as much as he likes.
Hi Sue, can I use frozen chunks? I don’t have a fresh pineapple handy and my house is one big cough town!
I think that should be fine Ana — hope everybody feels better soon <3
Hello 🙂 I’ve had an on/off wet and dry cough for over a werk now. I’ve tried everything, and have decided to try essential oils. But I’m going to try this first. When making it can I put the pineapple/ginger/lemon in the juicer then add the pepper and honey after?
Yes, absolutely, and hope you feel better Sarah.