Wild Cherry–Thyme Cough Syrup: A Gentle, Old-World Remedy for Tickly Coughs & Restless Nights
Herbalism has a beautiful way of meeting us right where we are — especially on the days when our throats are scratchy, our coughs are relentless, and all we want is something warm, comforting, and effective. This Wild Cherry–Thyme Cough Syrup is one of those remedies I always keep within reach during fall and winter. It’s deeply soothing, gently antitussive, and surprisingly delicious — the kind of syrup you actually look forward to taking.
Wild cherry bark has been used for generations as a natural cough suppressant, especially for those dry, irritating, “can’t quite sleep” coughs. Paired with thyme, ginger, lemon peel, cinnamon, licorice root, marshmallow root, and raw honey, this syrup becomes a richly layered, respiratory-supportive formula that you can make in under an hour.
It’s a wonderful companion to keep on hand for your family — and it’s a beautiful example of how simple plants can offer deep comfort.
Wild Cherry–Thyme Cough Syrup
A soothing, throat-coating, cough-calming herbal syrup.
Ingredients
Decoction:
1 cup water
1 tablespoon wild cherry bark (cut & sifted)
1 teaspoon licorice root
1 teaspoon lemon peel
3–4 slices fresh ginger
½–1 teaspoon cinnamon chips
2 tablespoons dried thyme (or 4 tablespoons fresh)
Cold Infusion:
1 tablespoon marshmallow root
½ cup cool water
To Finish:
1 cup raw honey
Instructions
Make the cold infusion: In a small jar, combine marshmallow root and cool water. Cover and let stand 20–30 minutes. Strain and set aside.
Prepare the decoction: Combine water, wild cherry bark, licorice root, lemon peel, ginger, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Bring just to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the thyme. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, keeping heat low so the cherry bark’s delicate compounds aren’t damaged.
Steep and strain. Remove from heat and keep covered for 10 minutes. Strain into a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup.
Add honey: Allow the herbal liquid to cool until warm but not hot (under 115°F, if possible). Whisk in the honey until fully combined.
Add the marshmallow infusion: Pour in your strained marshmallow root liquid and stir gently.
Bottle & store: Transfer to a clean glass jar.
***Refrigerate and use within 4–8 weeks.
How to Use
Adults: 1 teaspoon every 1–2 hours as needed; 1 tablespoon before bed
Children 1+: ½–1 teaspoon as needed
For nighttime coughs, take a spoonful 15 minutes before sleep
May also be stirred into warm tea or taken straight from the spoon
Why These Herbs Work
Wild Cherry Bark — Calms the cough reflex and eases that deep “tickle” in the throat.
Thyme — Antimicrobial and antitussive; supports clear, comfortable breathing.
Marshmallow Root — Mucilaginous and soothing; coats irritated tissues.
Ginger — Warming and supportive for congestion.
Lemon Peel — Brightens flavor and supports immune tone.
Licorice Root — Eases spasmodic coughs and calms inflammation.
Cinnamon — Adds comforting warmth and enhances antimicrobial support.
Raw Honey — Nature’s own cough calmer; coats and soothes the throat.
Together, they create a syrup that tastes like comfort and feels like relief.
Safety Notes
Do not give honey to children under 1 year old.
Avoid licorice root during pregnancy or with high blood pressure unless guided by a practitioner.
Wild cherry bark is safe when gently simmered and used as directed; avoid boiling hard or long-cooking.
Refrigerate syrup and monitor for spoilage.
And if you want to explore even more herbal syrups, read my full post on the topic: