If you’ve ever struggled with a lingering cough or sore throat, you know how soothing a warm, natural remedy can be. That’s where mullein cough syrup steps in, a gentle yet effective herbal syrup made from the leaves and flowers of the mullein plant.
Known for centuries for its calming effect on respiratory issues, mullein helps to relieve coughs, clear congestion, and soothe irritation in the throat and lungs. Making your own mullein cough syrup at home is not only incredibly rewarding but also ensures you’re using pure, wholesome ingredients without any hidden additives.
Whether you’re battling a cold or just want a comforting syrup on hand for cough season, this recipe is a must-try addition to your herbal medicine cabinet.
In this post, I’ll guide you through a simple, step-by-step mullein cough syrup recipe that uses natural sweeteners and healing herbs. Get ready to create a batch of soothing syrup that you and your family will love to turn to when coughs creep in.
Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas so you can customize it to your taste and needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mullein cough syrup recipe is a fantastic blend of tradition and simplicity. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare with basic kitchen tools and natural ingredients.
The syrup harnesses the potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties of mullein, which helps loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways.
Unlike store-bought syrups, this homemade version is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It’s sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, adding an extra layer of throat-coating comfort.
Plus, using fresh or dried mullein leaves and flowers means you’re tapping into the full spectrum of its healing compounds.
Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or new to making your own remedies, this recipe is both accessible and adaptable. It’s perfect for cold season, allergy flare-ups, or anytime you need a gentle cough relief.
Once you try it, you’ll likely want to keep a jar ready in your pantry!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried mullein leaves and flowers (or 2 cups fresh)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup raw honey (or pure maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added warmth and flavor)
- 2-3 slices fresh ginger (optional, for extra soothing properties)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Heatproof jar or bowl for steeping
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Glass jar or bottle with lid for storage
Instructions
- Prepare the infusion: Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in your saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Add the herbs and spices: Add the dried mullein leaves and flowers (or fresh if using), along with the cinnamon stick and ginger slices if you have chosen to include them. Stir gently to combine.
- Steep the mixture: Cover the saucepan with a lid or clean towel and let the herbs steep for about 30-45 minutes. This allows the mullein and spices to fully infuse their beneficial compounds into the water.
- Strain the infusion: Once steeped, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof bowl or jar. Press or squeeze gently to extract as much liquid as possible, discarding the herb solids.
- Add honey and lemon: While the infusion is still warm (but not hot, as excessive heat can damage honey’s properties), stir in the raw honey gradually until fully dissolved. Then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well.
- Cool and store: Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle and seal tightly. Let it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
- Use as needed: Take 1-2 tablespoons as a soothing cough remedy, up to three times daily. Shake well before each use.
Tips & Variations
“For best results, use organic mullein and fresh ingredients where possible. If you don’t have access to fresh mullein, dried works just as well and is often easier to find.”
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the honey or maple syrup to ½ cup, or sweeten to taste after mixing.
- Herbal blends: Feel free to add other soothing herbs such as thyme, licorice root, or elderberry to enhance the syrup’s benefits.
- Storage: This syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze small portions in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Vegan option: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the syrup plant-based.
- Alcohol preservation: Add a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of vodka or brandy as a preservative if you want to extend shelf life, especially if storing at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 1 Tbsp |
---|---|
Calories | 45 |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Sugars | 11g |
Vitamin C | 2mg |
Calcium | 5mg |
Iron | 0.1mg |
Note: Nutrition varies based on sweetener choice and ingredient freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This mullein cough syrup is best taken straight by the spoonful to soothe your throat and calm coughing. For a comforting twist, try stirring 1 tablespoon into a cup of warm herbal tea, like chamomile or lemon ginger tea.
The warmth combined with the syrup’s soothing qualities creates a perfect remedy for cold evenings.
Another delightful way to enjoy this syrup is by drizzling it over warm oatmeal, yogurt, or even mixing it into smoothies for a subtle herbal boost. Just remember that heating it to very high temperatures may reduce its beneficial properties.
For children over 1 year old, you can mix the syrup into a small amount of warm water or juice to make it easier to swallow.
Conclusion
Creating your own mullein cough syrup is a wonderful way to embrace natural remedies, providing gentle relief for coughs and respiratory irritation without relying on commercial products filled with additives.
This recipe combines the healing power of mullein with soothing honey and lemon, making it a tasty and effective remedy to keep in your home all year round.
With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a flexible approach to flavor and storage, it’s accessible for herbal beginners and seasoned makers alike. Plus, making your own syrup allows you to customize the sweetness and add extra herbs to suit your personal preferences.
Whether you’re nursing a cold, battling seasonal allergies, or just want a preventive health tonic, this mullein cough syrup is a natural, time-tested solution.
For more wholesome, plant-based recipes, be sure to check out Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for more healthy inspiration.
Stay well and enjoy your homemade herbal remedies!
📖 Recipe Card: Mullein Cough Syrup
Description: A soothing herbal syrup made from mullein flowers to help relieve coughs and respiratory discomfort. This natural remedy combines mullein with honey and other herbs for a gentle, effective cough suppressant.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried mullein flowers
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup dried marshmallow root
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add mullein flowers, marshmallow root, thyme, and cinnamon stick.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Strain the herbal infusion through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
- Allow the infusion to cool slightly.
- Stir in honey and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour syrup into a clean jar and refrigerate.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 17g
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