Herbal Cough & Decongestant Syrup: Mullein, Slippery Elm, and Juniper Berry
Make this mullein, slippery elm, and juniper berry herbal cough and decongestant syrup ahead of time. You’ll be ready when cold and flu season strikes! Video and printable recipe below!
The Smoking Days & My Annual Bronchitis Subscription
Back in my smoking days (yes, I know, gasp), I was practically on a first-name basis with bronchitis. Every single year—sometimes multiple times—I’d get hit like clockwork. But one time, about 20 years ago (or maybe more—who’s counting when you’re coughing up a lung?), I caught a monster case.
Doctor visits? Check. A bag full of medications? Check. Relief? Absolutely not. I had yet another heroic coughing fit over the kitchen sink. It was the kind that makes you question if your lungs are even still attached. I decided to make something hot to soothe my throat.
A Mullein Moment: Nature’s Little Wink
While waiting for the kettle to boil, I glanced out the kitchen window toward the bank behind our house. And there it was—like a little botanical superhero—a lone mullein rosette, dusted with snow, braving the middle of winter. It was like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m here for you, buddy.”
Grandma, Mom, and the Cherokee Wisdom of Herbs
That moment sparked a memory—my Grandma and Mom sharing their plant wisdom, especially about mullein and its magical airway-opening powers. My mom had learned traditional healing practices. Her Cherokee heritage was enriched by teachings from the Didanawisgi—the revered medicine men and women of the tribe. For them, herbs weren’t just plants; they were powerful tools for healing.
Of course, this was pre-Google. Instead of a quick online search, I went old-school and called my mom. I wanted to confirm my mullein discovery. After all, I didn’t want to accidentally whip up a batch of poison ivy tea.
Kitchen Experiments: The Great Syrup Fail (and Win)
With Mom’s green light, I went full-on mad scientist. I gathered the biggest mullein leaves I could find. I boiled them into what I assumed was a proper concentrate. Then, I turned it into syrup. Well… syrup-ish. I added an absurd amount of sugar—because clearly, I thought I was making candy instead of medicine.
Weeks later, I found I hadn’t made mullein syrup. I had created a jar-shaped sugar crystal with mullein at its core. I had to chisel through the side just to reach the syrup. Total rookie move.
The Unexpected Win: A Syrup That Actually Worked
Despite my kitchen blunders, the syrup worked like a charm. It lasted for years—basically the Twinkie of homemade remedies. Every time someone in the family had a cough or chest congestion, that mullein syrup came to the rescue.
From Coughs to COVID: A Family Remedy That Delivers
This syrup has become such a hit that family members now place orders for their own jars. One of my proudest moments? My sweet Mama caught COVID and developed double pneumonia. Of course, she had to go all-in. She used this syrup to help open up her chest. It helped her breathe easier.
The Recipe: Safe, Simple, and Full of Love
The beauty of this mullein, slippery elm, and juniper berry herbal cough and decongestant syrup? Unless you’ve got an allergy to one of the ingredients, it’s safe and gentle.
But here’s my disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, pharmacist, or even a card-carrying herbalist. I’m just a mom. I do my best to keep my family breathing easy. I do this without turning the kitchen into a scene from Breaking Bad: Herbal Edition. As always, do your own research. Trust your gut. Maybe keep me away from the sugar stash next time.
Here are some good resources. You can look into each herb in this syrup. (Click the article name to follow the link). If you follow these links to read the really good information available, make sure to return here. Watch the video and print the recipe afterward!!
What Is Mullein? Soothe the Respiratory Tract, Ease Ear Pain, and Fight Infection
What Is Slippery Elm? An Herbal Treatment Believed to Treat Sore Throat and IBS
A little herbal wisdom about the specific ingredients used in this cough syrup decongestant from Dr Axe:
Mullein
Slippery Elm
Juniper Berries
If you enjoyed the herbal cough and decongestant syrup, you might also like exploring other natural remedies for common ailments. Consider trying a soothing chamomile tea recipe, which is perfect for relaxation and digestion. You might find it intriguing to read about the benefits of ginger. In this read, you’ll find recipes for spicy ginger shots. They can give your immune system a boost. Alternatively, delve into the world of herbal infusions with a guide on making thyme tea, known for its antiseptic properties. Don’t forget to check out articles on immune-boosting smoothies that blend various fruits and veggies rich in vitamins and minerals. Your journey to natural healing and wellness doesn’t have to stop here. There’s a wealth of exciting recipes and herbal wisdom to discover!
Strawberry Syrup(Opens in a new browser tab)
Angel’s Anti-Inflammatory Sunrise Smoothie
Cayenne Cocktail for Migraines
The Benefits of Chamomile Tea and Its Uses
Now go grab the recipe below and make your own batch—your lungs will thank you later!
Mullein, Slippery Elm, and Juniper Berry Herbal Cough & Decongestant Syrup
Ingredients
- 1.5 Cup Mullein leaves dried and crushed
- 2 Tbsp Mullein root or flowers dehydrated (optional) Make sure there are no seeds in the flowers!
- 1 Cup Slippery Elm bark dehydrated shredded (powdered can also work, but reduce amount in half)
- 1 Cup Juniper Berries dehydrated
- 3/4 Gal Water (or 3 quarts)
- 14 Cups Sugar (any organic)
- 2 Pkg Liquid Pectin (any)
- 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice approximately2 large lemons or 4 small lemons (optional)
Instructions
- Put your herbs into a large tea or nut milk bag and tie it off to the handle of the pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Boil covered for 30minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- When herbs are cool enough to touch, milk the bag like you would nut milk. (You may want to use a different bowl to milk the bag over.) Slippery elm is gooey. It does have mucilage and that is the medicinal property of slippery elm. You want as much of that as you can get out of the bag. Finished product will not be slimy.
- Combine what you milked out with the rest of the tea water. Add lemon juice and liquid pectin and bring liquid to a rolling boil. Stir in sugar and bring to a rolling boil.
- Time it for 1 minute at a rolling boil. A rolling boil is a boil that you cannot stir down.
- Remove from heat and ladle into sterile jars with a 1/4”head space. Clean rim of jars with a damp towel (vinegar works good) to ensure a clean rim for a good seal. Cap with sterile lids.
- Process in a water bath for 15 minutes. Leave in hot water 5 minutes, then remove.
Thank you. I was looking for something like this. Will make this soon. Will let you know how it worked. Yah Bless.
Debra
You’re welcome! Please do let me know how it works for you. Everyone who has tried it loves it, but no pressure. Haha 😄 Seriously though,, I’d love your honest opinion. YAH bless!