Homemade Slippery Elm Cough Elixir

Coughs, colds, sore throat, congestion, runny noses. Lately, it seems you can’t go anywhere without running into someone who isn’t feeling well. To boost my family’s immune system, we have a few natural remedy staples that we try to have on hand to boost the immune system and soothe those uncomfortable symptoms.

Made from all natural ingredients, slippery elm cough elixir is easy to make, tastes good, and gets to the heart of a sore throat or cough. Slippery Elm bark was a natural remedy used by Native American mainly because of its many treatment uses. It’s moistening properties reduce inflammation, help with congestion, and coat the throat to help with dry coughs. In addition, it settles acidity and treats inflammation in the bladder, colon, kidneys, lungs, and stomach.

This soothing cough elixir is sweet and natural homemade goodness that heals and quiets that pesky cough.

Health Benefits

Slippery Elm root This herb is a demulcent that coats and protects an irritated throat, as well as, reduces coughing and congestion. A  study which examined slippery elm bark’s use in people with laryngitis or throat inflammation and voice problems has also shown potential soothing effects.

Marshmallow root soothes dry coughs by coating the throat. Further, it soothes mucous membranes of the respiratory tracts. The high mucilaginous content of marshmallow root may make it a useful remedy for treating coughs and colds. A small study from 2005 found that an herbal cough syrup containing marshmallow root was effective in relieving coughs due to colds, bronchitis, or respiratory tract diseases with the formation of mucus. Source

Cinnamon, ginger, and orange are the perfect warming spice combination. When combined together, these possess potent natural medicinal properties. As well, all are immune-boosting, antimicrobial, and are extremely high in antioxidants. Cinnamon adds a “sweet and spicy” flavor and is also a highly effective antiviral for fighting infection. Ginger helps to increase circulation which is helpful in healing but also warms a chilled body. Ginger is also a potent diaphoretic, meaning it helps us to sweat, which helps speed recovery. Orange slices are a good source of vitamin C and provides a level of flavor.

Honey is a time-honored remedy used for thousands of years to treat a host of ailments including help soothe sore throats and used as an effective cough suppressant. The darker the honey, the better for you. Try buckwheat honey in this cough elixir, if you have it. Buckwheat honey is a darker variety with more antioxidant properties than lighter honey. Researchers from Ethiopa’s College of Medicine at the University of Gondar have determined that a combination of honey and ginger extract powder will inhibit the growth of superbugs such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae  – some of the most lethal ‘superbugs’ known.

Slippery Elm Cough Elixir Recipe

• 3 1/2 cups filtered water
• 2 tablespoons slippery elm bark
• 1 tablespoon marshmallow root
• 2 tablespoons ginger root
• 1/2 organic orange – sliced
• 2-3 inch piece cinnamon bark
• 1/2 cup local honey
• *1/3 cup elderberry for added immune boosting properties

1. Combine all dry herbal ingredients to the water and heat over medium heat (excluding orange slices and honey)
2. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer for 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and allow to thoroughly cool.
4. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain liquid into a wide-mouth jar before stirring in honey.
5. Pack with orange slices and store in the fridge for up to one month.

* A dose is 2 teaspoons up to 4 times a day.

Alternatively, if you want to make a tea made from slippery elm bark, pour 2 cups of boiling water over roughly 2 tablespoons of the powder and steep for a few minutes to help ease cough and sore throat.

Feel Better! Try our other medicinal recipes:

Honey, Lemon, Ginger Syrup for boosting the immune system

Horehound Cough Drops a natural remedy to soothe a cough and boost the immune system

Elderberry Elixir is the ultimate flu-fighter