There are several herbal lozenge recipes you can make at home using common garden herbs to soothe sore throats and help with colds. These lozenges typically combine soothing, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting herbs with honey or other natural binders. Here are a few recipes:
1. Thyme and Sage Sore Throat Lozenges
- Thyme and sage are both antibacterial and soothing for sore throats, making them excellent herbs for lozenges.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Instructions:
- Boil the water and steep the thyme and sage leaves for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and pour it into a small saucepan with honey.
- Heat on low until the honey reaches 300°F (use a candy thermometer), stirring constantly.
- Once the honey has thickened, add lemon juice if using.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or into a silicone mold.
- Let them cool and harden before storing them in an airtight container.
2. Echinacea and Peppermint Immune-Boosting Lozenges
- Echinacea helps boost the immune system, and peppermint soothes the throat and clears congestion.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried echinacea root or flowers
- 1 tablespoon fresh peppermint leaves (or 1/2 tablespoon dried)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Instructions:
- Steep the echinacea and peppermint in boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Strain the herbal tea into a saucepan and mix with honey.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 300°F.
- Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mold or onto parchment paper and let it cool to harden.
3. Marshmallow Root and Ginger Throat-Coating Lozenges
- Marshmallow root is mucilaginous, meaning it coats the throat and soothes irritation, while ginger adds warmth and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried marshmallow root
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried ginger powder)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- Instructions:
- Simmer the marshmallow root and ginger in water for 10-15 minutes, then strain.
- In a saucepan, mix the strained liquid with honey.
- Heat on low and cook until it reaches 300°F, stirring constantly.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or onto parchment paper and allow it to cool and harden before storing.
4. Lemon Balm and Lavender Relaxing Lozenges
- Lemon balm is calming and antiviral, while lavender has soothing and antimicrobial properties.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1/2 tablespoon dried)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Instructions:
- Steep the lemon balm and lavender in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and mix with honey in a small saucepan.
- Heat on low, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Pour the hot mixture into a mold or onto parchment paper and let it cool to form lozenges.
5. Rosemary and Oregano Antimicrobial Lozenges
- Both rosemary and oregano have strong antimicrobial properties that can help fight off cold and flu viruses.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Instructions:
- Steep the rosemary and oregano in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a saucepan and mix it with honey.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F.
- Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or use a silicone mold to form lozenges.
6. Chamomile and Licorice Root Sore Throat Lozenges
- Chamomile is calming and reduces inflammation, while licorice root is traditionally used to soothe sore throats and act as a mild expectorant.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
- 1 tablespoon dried licorice root
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Instructions:
- Steep the chamomile and licorice root in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Strain the herbal infusion and add honey.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan on low heat until it reaches 300°F, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and add cinnamon if using.
- Pour into a mold or onto parchment paper to harden.
General Tips for Making Herbal Lozenges:
- Always use a candy thermometer to ensure your mixture reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage, to ensure the lozenges will set properly.
- If the mixture doesn’t reach this temperature, the lozenges will be soft and sticky instead of hard.
- Store the lozenges in an airtight container and use wax paper to separate them to prevent sticking.
These recipes combine the healing power of garden herbs with honey to create natural, soothing lozenges that help relieve sore throats and cold symptoms.
Hyssop can be used to make soothing lozenges for sore throats and coughs due to its antimicrobial, expectorant, and soothing properties. Hyssop has been traditionally used to help with respiratory issues like colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Here’s a recipe for hyssop lozenges:
Hyssop and Honey Cough & Sore Throat Lozenges
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried hyssop leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (optional for additional antimicrobial properties)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon (optional for added warmth and immune support)
Instructions:
- Prepare the herbal infusion:
- Boil the water and add the dried hyssop (and thyme, if using).
- Let the herbs steep in the boiling water for 10-15 minutes to extract their beneficial properties.
- Strain the liquid and set aside.
- Mix with honey:
- In a small saucepan, mix the herbal infusion with honey and heat over low heat.
- Stir constantly to prevent burning and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer (this is the hard crack stage, which ensures the lozenges will harden properly).
- Add lemon and spices:
- Once the honey mixture reaches 300°F, remove from heat and quickly stir in the lemon juice and ground ginger or cinnamon (if using).
- Form the lozenges:
- Drop small spoonfuls of the hot mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pour into a silicone candy mold.
- Let the lozenges cool and harden completely.
- Store:
- Once the lozenges are fully cooled and hardened, store them in an airtight container. To prevent sticking, you can wrap them in wax paper or separate layers with parchment.
How to use:
- Suck on 1-2 lozenges as needed to soothe a sore throat, relieve coughing, and promote healing during a cold.
Benefits of Hyssop in Lozenges:
- Expectorant: Helps to loosen mucus and clear the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up phlegm.
- Antimicrobial: Helps to fight infections, including those caused by bacteria and viruses.
- Soothing: Soothes the throat and reduces irritation caused by persistent coughing.
This recipe is a great way to combine the soothing power of honey with the respiratory benefits of hyssop, making it an effective natural remedy for cold and flu symptoms.
1. Sage and Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Sage: Sage has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it excellent for soothing sore throats and easing coughs.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Boil sage in water for 10 minutes, strain. Add honey and cook until hard crack stage (300°F). Pour into molds.
2. Thyme and Lemon Lozenges
- Benefits of Thyme: Thyme is an expectorant, which helps break up mucus, and has antibacterial properties that can treat respiratory infections.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Instructions: Simmer thyme in water, strain. Add honey and lemon juice, cook to hard crack stage. Pour into molds.
3. Peppermint and Chamomile Lozenges
- Benefits of Peppermint: Peppermint soothes sore throats, acts as a mild decongestant, and cools irritation.
- Benefits of Chamomile: Chamomile is calming and anti-inflammatory, which helps with throat irritation and coughing.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh peppermint leaves, 2 tbsp fresh chamomile flowers, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer peppermint and chamomile in water for 10 minutes, strain. Cook honey until 300°F, pour into molds.
4. Rosemary Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Rosemary: Rosemary is antimicrobial and helps relieve congestion, making it useful for respiratory issues.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer rosemary in water, strain. Add honey, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
5. Lemon Balm Lozenges
- Benefits of Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is calming and antiviral, which helps soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Steep lemon balm in water for 10 minutes, strain. Add honey, heat until hard crack stage (300°F), pour into molds.
6. Echinacea and Sage Lozenges
- Benefits of Echinacea: Echinacea boosts the immune system and can help shorten the duration of colds.
- Benefits of Sage: Sage fights infections and soothes throat irritation.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh echinacea, 1 tbsp fresh sage, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer echinacea and sage in water, strain. Add honey, cook until 300°F. Pour into molds.
7. Lavender and Mint Lozenges
- Benefits of Lavender: Lavender has calming effects and helps reduce inflammation in the throat.
- Benefits of Mint: Mint cools and soothes the throat, easing coughs and congestion.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tsp dried lavender, 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer lavender and mint in water, strain. Add honey, heat until 300°F, pour into molds.
8. Calendula and Lemon Lozenges
- Benefits of Calendula: Calendula has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping heal irritated throats.
- Benefits of Lemon: Lemon provides vitamin C and soothes sore throats.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh calendula petals, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Instructions: Steep calendula in water, strain. Add honey and lemon juice, heat until 300°F, pour into molds.
9. Oregano and Sage Lozenges
- Benefits of Oregano: Oregano is antimicrobial and helps reduce coughing and congestion.
- Benefits of Sage: Sage has antiseptic properties that soothe throat irritation and fight infection.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh oregano, 1 tbsp fresh sage, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Boil oregano and sage in water, strain. Add honey, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
10. Fennel and Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Fennel: Fennel is an expectorant, helping clear mucus, and it soothes sore throats.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh fennel leaves or seeds, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer fennel in water, strain. Add honey, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
11. Hyssop and Lemon Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Hyssop: Hyssop is antiviral and expectorant, helping relieve coughs and ease respiratory issues.
- Benefits of Lemon: Lemon helps provide vitamin C and soothes irritation.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh hyssop leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer hyssop in water, strain. Add honey and lemon juice, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
12. Basil and Ginger Lozenges
- Benefits of Basil: Basil has antimicrobial properties and helps reduce throat inflammation.
- Benefits of Ginger: Ginger helps soothe sore throats, reduces coughing, and fights infections.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer basil and ginger in water, strain. Add honey, heat until 300°F, pour into molds.
13. Anise Hyssop and Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Anise Hyssop: Anise hyssop soothes coughs and helps clear congestion, thanks to its mild expectorant properties.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh anise hyssop leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer anise hyssop in water, strain. Add honey, heat until 300°F, pour into molds.
14. Mullein and Mint Lozenges
- Benefits of Mullein: Mullein is an excellent respiratory herb, helping clear congestion and soothe dry coughs.
- Benefits of Mint: Mint cools the throat and helps with congestion.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp mullein leaves, 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer mullein and mint in water, strain. Add honey, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
15. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Lozenges
- Benefits of Holy Basil: Holy basil is a powerful immune booster and helps relieve throat infections.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh holy basil leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Boil holy basil in water, strain. Add honey, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
16. Borage and Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Borage: Borage has soothing properties that can help calm irritated throats and reduce inflammation.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh borage leaves or flowers, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer borage in water, strain. Add honey, heat until 300°F, pour into molds.
17. Catnip and Lemon Lozenges
- Benefits of Catnip: Catnip has calming and mild sedative effects, helpful for calming coughs and sore throats.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh catnip leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Instructions: Steep catnip in water, strain. Add honey and lemon juice, heat until 300°F, pour into molds.
18. Sage and Eucalyptus Lozenges
- Benefits of Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a decongestant, helping clear airways and soothe coughs.
- Benefits of Sage: Sage soothes throat irritation and fights infection.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, 1 tsp eucalyptus oil.
- Instructions: Simmer sage in water, strain. Add honey and eucalyptus oil, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
19. Dandelion and Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Dandelion: Dandelion is a rich source of antioxidants and helps soothe throat inflammation.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh dandelion leaves or flowers, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer dandelion in water, strain. Add honey, heat to 300°F, pour into molds.
20. Horehound and Honey Lozenges
- Benefits of Horehound: Horehound is a natural cough suppressant and helps break up mucus.
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh horehound leaves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Boil horehound in water, strain. Add honey and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F. Pour into molds to cool.
Here are 20 more homemade cough drop recipes that incorporate natural ingredients to soothe a sore throat, ease coughing, and boost immunity. Most of these recipes can be made with a few common kitchen ingredients and herbal elements.
1. Honey Lemon Ginger Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 lemon (juiced), 2 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Boil the water and ginger. Simmer until reduced by half, strain the liquid. Add honey and lemon juice, and simmer until it reaches a hard crack stage (300°F). Pour into molds and let harden.
2. Cinnamon Honey Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tsp cinnamon powder, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Heat water and honey until it reaches 300°F. Stir in cinnamon powder before pouring into molds.
3. Thyme and Honey Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer thyme and water together, strain. Add honey and cook until 300°F. Pour into molds.
4. Elderberry Cough Drops
- Ingredients: ½ cup elderberry syrup, 1 cup honey.
- Instructions: Heat honey and elderberry syrup until thick and reaches the hard crack stage. Pour into molds and let harden.
5. Ginger Turmeric Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Boil water with ginger and turmeric, strain. Combine with honey and cook until 300°F.
6. Lemon and Peppermint Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp peppermint extract.
- Instructions: Heat honey and lemon juice until thick. Stir in peppermint extract before pouring into molds.
7. Clove and Honey Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, ½ tsp ground cloves, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Boil cloves in water, strain. Add honey, cook until it reaches 300°F.
8. Chamomile Honey Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp dried chamomile, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Steep chamomile in water, strain. Add honey and heat to 300°F.
9. Licorice Root Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp licorice root, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer licorice root in water, strain. Add honey and heat to the hard crack stage.
10. Lavender and Lemon Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tsp dried lavender, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Instructions: Steep lavender in hot water, strain. Add honey and lemon juice, cook until 300°F.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar Cough Drops
- Ingredients: ½ cup honey, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Heat honey, vinegar, and water together until thick. Pour into molds.
12. Marshmallow Root Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp dried marshmallow root, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer marshmallow root in water, strain. Combine with honey and heat until 300°F.
13. Orange Honey Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp orange juice.
- Instructions: Heat honey with orange juice and zest until thick, pour into molds.
14. Rosemary and Honey Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tsp dried rosemary, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer rosemary in water, strain. Add honey and cook until 300°F.
15. Peppermint and Ginger Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tsp peppermint extract, 1 tbsp ginger juice.
- Instructions: Heat honey, ginger juice, and peppermint extract until 300°F. Pour into molds.
16. Propolis Honey Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 10 drops propolis extract.
- Instructions: Heat honey until thick, remove from heat, stir in propolis extract. Pour into molds.
17. Garlic and Honey Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp minced garlic, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer garlic in water, strain. Add honey and cook until hard crack stage.
18. Eucalyptus Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, ½ tsp eucalyptus oil.
- Instructions: Heat honey until thick. Stir in eucalyptus oil before pouring into molds.
19. Slippery Elm Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tsp slippery elm powder, ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Mix slippery elm in water, strain, then add honey and heat to 300°F.
20. Herbal Blend Cough Drops
- Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 tbsp dried herbal mix (chamomile, thyme, peppermint), ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Simmer herbs in water, strain. Add honey and heat until thick.
You can also dust your cough drops with cornstarch once hardened to prevent them from sticking together. Adjust flavourings to your preference and enjoy the natural relief!