Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Three simple ingredients are combined to make this healthy thyme syrup for treating coughs and colds. It also makes a simple and delicious addition to your favourite drink.
Thyme syrup is a sweet herb-infused liquid that can be taken as a natural cold and cough remedy. It can also be added to any type of drink to create more depth of flavour.
Thyme helps to fight coughs and colds because it has antispasmodic and mucus-clearing properties. It has been used throughout history as a natural cold and cough remedy.
(If you are trying to prevent getting sick, you could try this simple elderberry gummies recipe or making super spicy fire cider).
Most thyme syrup recipes call for at least one cup of sugar. But if you are using the syrup as a natural remedy to treat a cough or cold, the last thing your body needs is a dose of processed sugar.
(And if you’re just using it as a delicious addition to your favourite drink, there’s nothing wrong about still trying to avoid sugar!)
So I wanted to share a simple alternative recipe that doesn’t call for processed sugar.
Watch The Video
Ingredients
Honey – raw and local if possible
Water
Thyme – fresh is best
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Tools You Might Need
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Instructions
Rinse the thyme.
Combine the thyme and water in a saucepan over low heat. You do not need to remove the leaves from the stems.
Simmer the thyme for 20 minutes.
Strain off and compost the thyme.
Once the liquid is warm but not very hot, add the honey. This is especially important if you are using raw honey, to avoid killing off the good bacteria in the honey.
Mix until the honey is dissolved.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.
How To Use Healthy Thyme Syrup For Coughs and Colds
We consume 1 teaspoon every few hours when we have a chesty cough or cold.
Other Ways To Use Thyme Syrup
If you don’t have a cough or cold and still want to enjoy the flavour of thyme syrup, you can dilute it and add it to your favourite drink. Here are some simple ideas.
Sparkling water – you can add a splash of the syrup to a glass of ice cold sparkling water for a delicious summer drink
As a tea – add a tablespoon or so to a mug of hot water for a hot healthy sweet drink
To your favourite cocktail – add about 1 oz of syrup to your favourite cocktail for an added depth of flavour
FAQ
Thyme syrup can be used as a natural remedy to chesty coughs and colds because it has mucus-clearing properties. It can also be diluted and used to add flavour to your favourite drink
Thyme syrup made with honey will last about 4 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge.
Yes. Add thyme syrup to a sealable ice cube tray and put into the freezer. The syrup will last about 6 months in the freezer. To use, simply put a cube in a small bowl and allow to melt. Or just add into your favourite drink for cold applications.
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Simple Thyme Syrup For Coughs And Colds
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the thyme.
- Combine the thyme and water in a saucepan over low heat. You do not need to remove the leaves from the stems.
- Simmer the thyme for 20 minutes.
- Strain off and compost the thyme.
- Once the liquid is warm but not very hot, add the honey. This is especially important if you are using raw honey, to avoid killing off the good bacteria in the honey.
- Mix until the honey is dissolved.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Sparkling water – you can add a splash of the syrup to a glass of ice cold sparkling water for a delicious summer drink
- As a tea – add a tablespoon or so to a mug of hot water for a hot healthy sweet drink
- To your favourite cocktail – add about 1 oz of syrup to your favourite cocktail for an added depth of flavour
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. As always, do your own research and speak to your doctor and/or paediatrician.
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