Cough Drops

Cough Drops

Cough drops (also called throat lozenges) are slow-dissolving candies infused with soothing and medicinal ingredients. They help calm throat irritation, reduce coughing, and ease dryness by coating the throat and delivering gentle herbal support.

Homemade versions avoid artificial dyes and flavors and can be customized for taste and strength.

Ingredients & Measurements (Basic Herbal Honey Cough Drops)

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw honey
  • ½ cup strong herbal tea (see suggestions below)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger juice)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
  • 10–15 drops essential oil (food-grade only; optional)

Herbal Tea Options (choose one or combine)

  • Thyme (great for coughs)
  • Ginger root
  • Marshmallow root (soothing)
  • Sage
  • Peppermint

Brew the tea very strong:
 1 tablespoon dried herb (or 2 tablespoons fresh) per ½ cup water.

How to Make Cough Drops

  1. Prepare your molds
     Lightly grease silicone candy molds or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine ingredients
     In a small saucepan, add:
    • Honey
    • Herbal tea
    • Ginger
    • Turmeric (if using)
  3. Heat gently
     Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, until the mixture reaches hard crack stage (300°F / 150°C).
    • This takes about 15–20 minutes
    • Use a candy thermometer for best results
  4. Add delicate ingredients
     Remove from heat. Stir in:
    • Lemon juice
    • Essential oils (if using)
  5. Pour and set
     Carefully pour into molds or drop small circles onto parchm
  6. Cool completel
     Let set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, until fully hardened.
  7. Dust (optional)
     Lightly dust with arrowroot powder or powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Benefits of Key Ingredients

  • Honey – Natural cough suppressant, antimicrobial, coats the throat
  • Ginger – Reduces inflammation, warms the body, eases congestion
  • Thyme – Traditional expectorant; helps loosen mucus
  • Lemon – Vitamin C, cuts mucus, brightens flavor
  • Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive
  • Peppermint oil – Cooling, opens airways, relieves throat tension

How to Use

  • Let 1 cough drop dissolve slowly in the mouth
  • Use every 2–3 hours as needed
  • Best taken between meals for throat relief

⚠️ Not recommended for children under 1 year (due to honey).

Shelf Life & Storage

  • Shelf life:
    • 2–3 months at room temperature
    • Up to 6 months refrigerated
  • Storage tips:
    • Store in an airtight glass jar or tin
    • Keep away from heat and humidity
    • Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking

Helpful Variations

  • Extra soothing: add marshmallow root tea
  • Stronger cough relief: increase thyme or ginger
  • Kid-friendly: skip essential oils and reduce ginger
  • Sugar-free option: requires isomalt or xylitol (different method)

 

Back to blog