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
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 found your recipe a long time ago on Pinterest. My husband & I love it when we have a cough. I have recommended to many of my friends, too! Thank you!💜
This is great for my 6 yr old grandson that hates the taste of cough syrup. He loves this!
I’m so glad he loves it Teresa ~ just remember this is a soother, not a medicine, so if his cough persists make sure he sees a doctor!
Genius!!!! Thank you 🙂
I wonder if this can be frozen?
I don’t see why not.
Sue: Could I use a can of crushed pineapple instead.
I could never finish a pineapple before it went bad.
It’s really the fresh pineapple that has the benefits Charlie. Once it’s canned it loses the special enzymes.
Has to be fresh or frozen. The bromolin is an enzyme which survives freezing but is inactivated by the heat of canning. Cut up the leftover pineapple into chunks and freeze in 3 cup packages ready for your next batch of cough syrup.
Thanks! Can I freeze it?
I don’t see why not.
I’ve used this in the past and it’s great – I was wondering if you can freeze it? Hate for a good pineapple to go to waste.
So for those of you asking “dosage” I started it like “cough syrup” (one spoonful for a few hours) for a bad cough and then realized I could use as much as I wanted. I started downing 2 or 3 spoonfuls every 20 to 30 minutes. The “dosage” is keep taking it until your cough suppresses sufficiently. I went through an entire pineapple in a few days. So don’t consider it like “medicine” its “food” take as many spoonfuls as you want until it works. It is “acidic” so too much of it may cause some people some issues.
Hi there,
Have you ever tried omitting the honey for younger children? Will it have the same effects?
Thanks
I think the honey does help, but definitely you’d need to omit it for young children. It’s worth a try without it, for sure.
When will I notice the difference in the cough
It should be an instant relief Maricela. But keep in mind this is just for soothing a mild cough, if you have a bad or persistent cough you’ll need to talk to your doctor.
What’s the shelf life? Do you keep it In The fridge?
This is great. Thank you. I remember something similar our Grandma used to make when we were kids. I think hers had a bit of cinnamon too. I’m making a batch of this for myself and my grandkids because between elementary school germs and preschool germs we gonna need all the remedies we can get around here.
Gosh I don’t miss that stage one bit, those germs are nasty!