DIY Remedies for Cough, Cold, and Asthma: Salt, Honey & Lemon to the Rescue

DIY Remedies for Cough, Cold, and Asthma: Salt, Honey & Lemon to the Rescue

Why Natural Remedies Still Matter

In an age of quick prescriptions and over-the-counter fixes, traditional natural remedies remain timeless allies. Generations have turned to salt, honey, lemon, and other kitchen staples not only for comfort but for their proven antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supportive benefits. The Amish and many herbal traditions understood the potency of nature long before modern science confirmed it.

Here’s a resourceful guide with 11 tried-and-true remedies — each with its origin, purpose, and an easy recipe to try.

1. Salt + Honey + Lemon

Why it works:

  • Salt soothes sore throats and clears mucus.
  • Honey coats the throat, calms coughs, and fights bacteria.
  • Lemon provides vitamin C and cuts through phlegm.

Recipe:

  • 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp honey, juice of half a lemon in warm water.
  • Gargle or sip slowly, 2–3 times a day.

2. Ginger Tea + Honey

Origins: Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Benefits: Ginger reduces nausea, calms inflammation, and improves circulation; honey boosts immunity.

Recipe:

  • Simmer fresh ginger slices in water 10 minutes.
  • Add honey to taste.
  • Drink warm for cough, nausea, or chills.

3. Onion Syrup

Origins: Folk remedy across Europe.
Benefits: Onions are rich in quercetin (anti-inflammatory, antiviral). Combined with honey, they create a soothing cough syrup.

Recipe:

  • Slice 1 onion thinly. Layer with raw honey in a jar.
  • Let sit overnight.
  • Take 1 spoonful of the syrup as needed.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

Origins: Colonial American tonic.
Benefits: ACV balances pH, thins mucus, and boosts immunity.

Recipe:

  • 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar, juice of half a lemon, pinch of cayenne, 1 tsp honey in warm water.
  • Sip slowly once or twice daily.

5. Elderberry Syrup

Origins: Used for centuries in European herbalism.
Benefits: Elderberries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and immune-boosting flavonoids.

Recipe:

  • Simmer 1 cup dried elderberries with 4 cups water, cinnamon, and cloves. Reduce to half.
  • Strain, then stir in 1 cup honey.
  • Store refrigerated, take 1 tbsp daily during cold season.

6. Garlic + Raw Honey Boost

Origins: Ancient Greek and Amish communities.
Benefits: Garlic is a natural antibiotic; honey soothes the throat and enhances immune defense.

Recipe:

  • Chop raw garlic, cover with honey in a jar.
  • Allow to infuse overnight.
  • Take 1 spoonful daily as preventive or during colds.

7. Bone Broth + Garlic + Herbs

Origins: Traditional Amish and European winter cure.
Benefits: Minerals from bones support healing; garlic and herbs add antiviral power.

Recipe:

  • Simmer beef or chicken bones 12–24 hours with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and onion.
  • Strain and sip hot broth.

8. Horseradish + Garlic + Honey (Amish Cold & Bronchial Relief)

Origins: Amish households used this for stubborn bronchial congestion.
Benefits: Horseradish clears sinuses, garlic fights infection, honey soothes.

Recipe:

  • Blend fresh horseradish root, garlic, and honey into a paste.
  • Take 1 tsp as needed for congestion.

9. Chamomile + Balm Tea

Origins: European herbal traditions.
Benefits: Chamomile calms inflammation and helps sleep; lemon balm soothes nerves and fevers.

Recipe:

  • Steep chamomile and lemon balm leaves in hot water.
  • Sweeten with honey.
  • Drink before bed for restful sleep and symptom relief.

10. Amish Hot Mustard Plaster

Origins: Classic Amish poultice.
Benefits: Mustard seeds stimulate circulation and break up chest congestion.

Recipe:

  • Mix dry mustard powder with flour and water into a paste.
  • Spread on cloth, place over chest (not directly on skin) for 10–15 minutes.

11. Fire Cider (Immune-Boosting Tonic)

Origins: Modern herbal folk remedy (popularized in the 1970s).
Benefits: Combines garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, hot peppers, lemon, and apple cider vinegar for a powerful immune kick.

Recipe:

  • Fill a jar with chopped garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and chili peppers.
  • Cover with apple cider vinegar. Steep 2–4 weeks. Strain, add honey.
  • Take 1–2 tbsp daily.

Safety Notes

  • These remedies are supportive, not substitutes for prescribed medications.
  • Avoid raw honey for children under 1 year old.
  • Check with a healthcare provider if pregnant, nursing, or managing chronic conditions.

Final Thoughts

Natural remedies like these have stood the test of time because they work. Whether it’s soothing a cough, easing asthma symptoms, or boosting your immune system, these recipes bring both tradition and healing to your home. The Amish, herbalists, and generations before us knew the power of these ingredients — and now, so do you.