Natural Honey Cinnamon Cough & Cold Remedy: Soothe Symptoms & Boost Immunity

Just two readily available ingredients from your kitchen cupboard can create this incredibly simple yet remarkably effective remedy for the common cold. A few spoonfuls of this homemade Honey Cinnamon Cough Syrup will not only soothe that scratchy, sore throat but also help you feel better and recover faster. It’s a natural approach to tackling winter’s unwelcome guest. (Skip to recipe)

The quiet crunch of snow beneath my boots is a familiar sound as I make my way to the chicken coop to gather the morning eggs. My trusty companion, Pippa, frolics joyfully around me, her whiskers momentarily dusted with white, mirroring the serene landscape. The world outside is hushed and still, broken only by the occasional creak of winter-bare trees as they adjust to the biting cold. I reach down, scooping up a handful of pristine white fluff, its brightness a stark contrast against my warm, woolly red mitten. The temptation is irresistible; I can’t help but taste a tiny bit, feeling it melt on my tongue like ethereal cotton candy, a sweet, fleeting moment of winter’s simple pleasures.

We’ve settled into another cold spell, but honestly, I don’t mind. The recent snowfall has transformed the world, washing everything in a blanket of clean, sparkling white. It creates a comforting ambiance, perfect for cocooning cozily at home for a few days – a much-needed respite from the often overwhelming pace of daily life. These peaceful moments allow for reflection and rejuvenation, making the inevitable chill more bearable.

I am particularly grateful to have warded off the cold that was menacingly close to spoiling my enjoyment of these precious, quiet days at home. It began with that all-too-familiar tickle and scratch in my throat, especially noticeable and sore when I first woke up in the morning. This was quickly followed by a general aching sensation and an overwhelming exhaustion that hinted at a full-blown illness. I knew I had to act fast, to knock that impending cold monster back on his haunches before he could fully pounce and disrupt my serene winter cocoon. I didn’t have any lemons on hand, nor any of my mom’s renowned amazing fail-safe homemade cough syrup, and the thought of driving into town felt utterly unappealing. However, I did possess two essential ingredients right in my cupboard: a generous pot of golden honey and a fragrant jar of cinnamon. I remembered reading how these two ingredients form an incredibly powerful duo in the fight against colds. So, without hesitation, I measured a spoonful of sweet cinnamon into a small bowl, drizzled a shimmering crown of golden honey over it, and stirred the two together until they formed a rich, nutty brown elixir. For the next few days, I dosed myself with this delicious, sweet spoonful – morning, noon, and night. The simplicity was as comforting as the remedy itself.

And guess what happened?

That nasty old cold monster, instead of taking hold, simply retreated with a whimper, its tail tucked firmly between its legs.

I haven’t seen any signs of it since.

I sincerely hope that unwelcome visitor isn’t heading your way!

But if it is – now you know exactly what simple, natural steps to take. This humble remedy might just be your secret weapon.

Honey and Cinnamon: Your Go-To Superstars for Cough & Cold Relief

Both honey and cinnamon are celebrated for their incredible medicinal qualities, making them ideal candidates for the challenging task of tackling the persistent common cold. Individually, they offer significant benefits, but when combined, their powers are truly amplified.

Honey: Nature’s Soothing and Healing Nectar

Research (here and here) has repeatedly demonstrated honey’s efficacy in reducing cough symptoms in patients, acting as a natural and gentle cough suppressant. Beyond this, raw honey is packed with potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are crucial for combating the various pathogens associated with colds. It’s also a remarkable natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air and delivers it directly to your dry, irritated throat, providing much-needed hydration and relief. This dual action not only helps to prevent the growth of harmful cold bacteria but also actively soothes sore throats and offers significant relief from persistent coughing, making each spoonful a step towards comfort.

Cinnamon: The Spicy Immune Booster

Cinnamon stands as another powerful and feisty warrior against the cold monster. This aromatic spice boasts an impressive array of properties: it’s antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory. Essentially, it’s a formidable opponent against nearly everything unpleasant that a cold can bring. Cinnamon is derived from the bark of several closely related tree species, primarily grown in China, Sri Lanka, various parts of Asia, and the Caribbean. There are two main types of cinnamon available: Cassia cinnamon, which is the most widely used and commonly found in grocery stores due to its robust flavor and affordability, and Ceylon cinnamon (often referred to as “true cinnamon”), which originates from Sri Lanka and Mexico, is more expensive, and less common. Understanding the distinction between these two types is important, especially when using cinnamon for medicinal purposes.

Choosing Your Cinnamon: Cassia vs. Ceylon

While both types of cinnamon share many powerful health properties, Cassia cinnamon contains significantly higher levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring substance that can act as a blood thinner and potentially be toxic in very large amounts. Although you would need to consume extremely large quantities of Cassia cinnamon daily to reach toxic coumarin levels, for sustained medicinal use, it is a wise precaution to seek out Ceylon cinnamon. This “true cinnamon” is generally considered safer for regular, larger doses due to its low coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon is also known for its milder, sweeter, and more delicate flavor, though this flavor can sometimes dissipate during cooking. For my everyday cooking and baking, I often use regular Cassia cinnamon for its more intense and characteristic spice. However, when it comes to desserts, enhancing my coffee or drinks, or especially for crafting natural cold remedies and other health solutions, I consistently choose the milder, sweeter, and safer Ceylon cinnamon. This distinction ensures I get the maximum health benefits with peace of mind.

The Synergy of Honey and Cinnamon for Colds

The true magic of this remedy lies in the synergistic effect of honey and cinnamon. Honey coats the throat, reducing irritation and providing immediate relief from coughing, while its antibacterial properties start fighting off infection. Cinnamon then steps in with its broad-spectrum antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory actions, directly targeting the pathogens and reducing inflammation throughout the body. Together, they create a powerful, natural shield that not only alleviates symptoms but actively supports your body’s immune system in combating the cold from multiple angles. This ancient combination leverages nature’s wisdom to provide comprehensive relief and promote faster recovery, making it a truly effective and comforting home remedy.

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And if you feel you need even more Cold-Monster-Fighting weapons in your arsenal to bolster your winter wellness, I highly recommend trying my other tried and true natural remedies:

Mom’s Amazing Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup

Soothing Honey, Lemon, Ginger Tea for Fighting Colds and Flu

Healing Turmeric Broth and Turmeric Soup

Homemade Ear Drops – a Simple and Effective Earache Remedy

May the Force Be With You in your fight against winter ailments!

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Kitchen Frau Notes: One of the many advantages of this homemade cold medicine is its impressive shelf life; it will keep almost indefinitely when stored properly in a cupboard at room temperature. However, if you find yourself with unused portions after your cold has passed, don’t let them go to waste! This delightful concoction can be repurposed in many delicious ways. Try stirring a small spoonful into your morning coffee, a soothing cup of tea, or even a comforting hot chocolate for an added layer of flavor and warmth. It’s also fantastic spread on toast, perhaps with some peanut butter and sliced banana, for a delicious sweet cinnamon hit. Or, for a simple dessert, drizzle a bit on top of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Hippocrates certainly had it right over two millennia ago when he wisely stated, ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.’ (431 B.C.) This honey cinnamon remedy perfectly embodies that ancient wisdom, offering both comfort and healing in every spoonful.

Honey Cinnamon Remedy for a Common Cold

This simple remedy is incredibly easy to prepare and can be a powerful ally in your winter wellness routine. Ensure you use quality ingredients for the best results.

• ¼ cup (60ml) raw (unpasteurized) honey
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon – preferably Ceylon cinnamon for sustained use

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, thoroughly stir together the honey and cinnamon until they are fully combined and form a smooth paste.
2. Carefully scrape the mixture into a small, airtight container with a lid.
3. Store the remedy at room temperature in your cupboard. It will keep well for several months, making it a convenient go-to whenever cold symptoms strike.

Dosing for Relief:

Take one teaspoon of this delicious honey cinnamon syrup three times a day for 4 days. Begin treatment as soon as you feel the very first signs of a cold coming on. The honey cinnamon will actively help fight off infection, significantly relieve cough symptoms, and can help to speed up the overall duration of a common cold. While it is most effective when taken at the initial onset of symptoms, it can still provide considerable relief and support if taken at any point during a cold.

Yield: This recipe makes approximately ¼ cup (which is about 12 teaspoons), providing enough remedy for one person for a full 4-day course of treatment.

Customizable Ratio: The ideal ratio for this effective honey cinnamon cough remedy is 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts honey. You have the flexibility to make it one teaspoon at a time (using 1 teaspoon honey to ¼ teaspoon cinnamon) or prepare it in larger batches for convenience, ensuring you always have some on hand.

Important Warning: Due to the risk of infantile botulism, this cold remedy should not be given to children under 1 year of age. As an extra precaution, for young children over 1 year, it is advisable to use pasteurized honey, as it undergoes a process that eliminates potential spores.

Gute Besserung!

(Get better soon!)

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