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 knew that pineapple helps with coughs, but I didn’t know that if you blend this concoction together then you get a cough syrup. I will have to try this because I have had a cold lately and it might help.
How long will this last in the fridge?
About a week to 10 days.
Is it okay to have it at night before sleeping??
I use it before bed for sure.
I love this pineapple cough syrup!! First sign of sniffle, cough and sore throat I made this and had some and right away I could feel it working. Thanks so much for this recipe!
Yay, so happy to hear that.
Do you think I could add oil of oregano?
I’ve never used that Stacy, but if it’s food grade then I don’t see why not.
Can you use frozen pineapples for this cough syrup?
I assume so!
Aww this was great I actually ate a few pineapple pieces I had in the freezer and my sore throat was instantly relieved so I made this for my toddlers and myself and it was great. Such a relief for us all. Of course I omitted the cayenne
Hope you’re all on the road to recovery Ashley <3
Thanks Sue for this recipe. I have been experimenting with different cough mixtures and I leave out ingredients that I don’t want. e.g. cayenne which is too hot. I use ground black pepper instead. I do however understand the benefits of using cayenne which also has healing properties. I have pineapple every day in smoothies so I am happy now to use this as the base for my new cough preparation. I was surprised to read that the bromelain is in the core. Good to know. I already use the core. I use the whole pineapple.
I will process the pineapple and ginger but will add the pepper and honey at the end so as not to liquidise the honey. I want it thick. Thank You
You’re so welcome, and I think the black pepper will help in a similar way to the cayenne.
After dealing with an allergy cough for the last six months I decided to try this remedy. The good news is that it really kicked my cough! The bad news is that it tore up my stomach. I did add a little extra ginger and I did not add the cayenne pepper. I used it for two days fairly regularly and also was eating some fresh pineapple as well. Maybe I just got too much. However, my grown son made some as well and he had the same results – cough gone – stomach upset. Disappointed since it really did take care of the cough.
That’s too bad, Kay. Maybe the extra pineapple was too much. It’s strange because pineapple is actually know to ease stomach upsets, and stomach pain from eating pineapple is usually from an allergy of some kind. I wonder if you and your son are sensitive to pineapple and didn’t know it?
Is it meant to be fiery? Just made this and it’s really hot!!!
The heat is part of its effectiveness, Amanda, but absolutely tone it down to taste.
I cannot use cayenne pepper as it is too hot, and I am used to eating hot food. I use black pepper instead
Thanks, Great recipe! I added half a teaspoon of turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost and used 6 whole peppercorns instead of cayenne to improve absorption of curcumin.
Nice! Thanks Shirish!
Hi! How long does it take to cure the cough?
This isn’t a cure, Pauline, but it will ease the symptoms. It should act right away to sooth the throat and calm a cough.