This syrup is for an acute cough with an irritated, raw throat. It coats and soothes on contact while delivering thyme's traditional cough-easing properties in a form you can take often.

Preparation Type: Syrup

Ingredients

1/4 cup thyme leaf, dried

2 tbsp licorice root, dried, cut

1/4 cup elderberry, dried

3 cups water

1 cup raw honey

Preparation

1. Combine thyme, licorice root, and elderberry with water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Simmer, partially covered, until the liquid reduces by about half (roughly 30 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool until safe to handle.
5. Strain through cheesecloth into a measuring cup, pressing to extract the liquid.
6. Stir in an equal amount of raw honey.
7. Pour into a clean glass bottle.

Yield: About 1.5 cups

Dosage & Usage

Take 1 tablespoon every 2–3 hours as needed during an acute cough, up to 5–6 times daily. Can be taken straight off the spoon for maximum throat contact.

Precautions & Contraindications

Not for children under one year old due to the raw honey. Licorice root should not be used long-term or in large amounts by anyone with high blood pressure, liver disorders, edema, or heart disease — this syrup’s honey base means each dose is a small, diluted amount of licorice, but daily use beyond the acute cough should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner. Avoid if pregnant, as licorice root is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Only cooked elderberry preparations should be used, as raw elderberries can cause gastrointestinal upset.

This syrup targets an acute cough, particularly one accompanied by a raw, irritated throat. Thyme has a long tradition as an antispasmodic and expectorant herb, historically reached for to ease coughing fits and help move mucus. Licorice root is traditionally valued as a demulcent that coats and soothes irritated throat tissue, while elderberry rounds out the formula with its traditional cold-season reputation. The honey base itself soothes on contact with every dose.

Thyme leaf — traditionally used as an antispasmodic and expectorant for acute coughing.

Licorice root — a demulcent root traditionally used to soothe and coat an irritated throat.

Elderberry — a traditional cold-season ally that complements this formula’s throat and cough focus.

• Thymol — a volatile oil traditionally associated with thyme’s antispasmodic, expectorant reputation (Thyme)
• Carvacrol — a related aromatic compound contributing to thyme’s traditional properties (Thyme)
• Glycyrrhizin — the primary sweet compound in licorice root, traditionally tied to its demulcent, throat-soothing reputation (Licorice Root)
• Flavonoids — a broader compound class present in licorice root alongside glycyrrhizin (Licorice Root)
• Anthocyanins — the deep pigment compounds tied to elderberry’s traditional cold-season reputation (Elderberry)

Herb Pharm Kids Cough Crusader — an alcohol-free herbal syrup built on elderberry, thyme, and licorice root, closely matching this formula’s throat-soothing, cough-easing intent.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap licorice root for marshmallow root if you’d rather avoid licorice’s blood-pressure caution — marshmallow offers a similar demulcent, throat-coating quality without the same contraindications. Fresh thyme sprigs can replace dried at roughly double the volume if available.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store the finished syrup in the refrigerator in a sealed glass bottle for up to 2–3 months. For longer shelf life, freeze in ice cube trays and thaw small portions as needed.

FAQ

Why does licorice root need a caution when it’s such a small amount per dose?
Licorice root’s glycyrrhizin compound can affect blood pressure and potassium levels with regular, ongoing use — a small acute dose in this syrup is generally fine for most people, but daily use over weeks warrants a conversation with a healthcare practitioner.

Why simmer the herbs before adding honey rather than infusing everything together?
Thyme, licorice root, and elderberry all benefit from the heat and time of a simmer to fully release their properties into the water; honey is added afterward, once cooled, to preserve more of its own delicate qualities.

Can I make this syrup without elderberry?
Yes — thyme and licorice root alone still make an effective cough syrup base; elderberry is included here mainly for its traditional cold-season role, not as an essential structural ingredient.

How is this different from the Elderberry-Thyme Cold & Cough Syrup in another recipe?
This formula leans more heavily on thyme and licorice for direct cough and throat relief, while a cold-focused elderberry syrup usually centers elderberry with thyme playing a supporting role — the emphasis and ratios differ even though some ingredients overlap.

References

NCCIH: Licorice Root

Mountain Rose Herbs: Licorice Root Organic

Mountain Rose Herbs: Thyme Leaf Organic

American Botanical Council: HerbalGram

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal preparations, particularly if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.