Onion syrup is a simple, effective natural remedy that can be made at home, cheaply. Less than £2 in fact. Onions are antimicrobial (they kills germs) and have expectorant (they help the body get mucus out the body) actions. These two qualities alone make it an effective natural remedy for coughs. It is a remedy for treating uncomplicated coughs, like those you get because of having a cold or a virus. And this remedy is safe enough to use on children, whilst also benefitting adults. Taking this remedy will help to loosen the mucus, which helps make the cough more productive (effective) and getting rid of the mucus is the body’s way of getting the germs out of the body. Sugar has a very high osmotic potential which means it pulls water out of anything. It turns into a syrup because the sugar pulls the water (and medicinal properties) out of the onions and liquefies the sugar.
What you will need to make one jar (330g) of syrup:
- One medium onion, white or red (or a couple of small onions)
- A 500g bag of sugar (white or brown)
- A clean (preferably sterilised) jar (330g or bigger)
Instructions:
- Sterilise the jar and lid
- Slice the onion length ways into discs
- Pour the sugar into the jar to make a small layer (1cm thick)
- Put one layer of onions over the sugar, enough to cover the sugar
- Pour in another layer of sugar to cover the onions
- Repeat this until the jar is full, one layer on top of the other
- Put the lid on
- Leave the jar to stand for 24 hours
- Once the contents of the jar has liquidised, strain it using a sieve to remove the onion
- Pour the liquid contents back into the jar, add the lid
- Put a label on the jar stating ‘onion syrup’ and the date it was made
- Keep the jar in the fridge
Make a fresh jar every couple of weeks.
Dosage:
For adult: 2-4 tablespoons daily, everyday until the coughing has subsided
For children (7-15 years) 1-2 tablespoons daily, (2-5) 2-4 teaspoons daily, (12-24 months) 1 teaspoon daily
Not suitable for infants (under 12 months) or diabetics
If you have a chronic, persistent cough or any other underlying health issues consult as medical practitioner.