Every once in a while, the kids and I get runny noses, sore throats, and other flu symptoms. Elderberry syrup is a staple in our house, but my kids also love these cough lollipops. They’re like cough drops, but in the shape of a sucker.
DIY cold and cough lozenges
I probably don’t need to convince you why most store bought cough syrups and cold medicines aren’t on my good list! It could be red food dye #40, added acetaminophen and ibuprofen, or artificial flavors. I’ve made many natural cold and flu remedies over the years, but Organic Throat Lozenge is one of my kids’ favorites.
Many years ago I made homemade cough medicine for my kids and they couldn’t get enough of it. They contain a variety of herbs that are great for relieving sore throats. However, throat and cough drops are not suitable for all children, especially those who have not yet learned how not to swallow things whole.
By putting cough drops on a stick, it becomes more fun and suitable for little ones. As always, be sure to supervise small children handling the lollipops to prevent any choking hazards. Generally speaking, cough drops are recommended for children over 2 years old. Children younger than this age can use natural children’s cough syrup instead.
I really love this propolis cough syrup for kids from Beekeeper’s Naturals!
Want to buy?
If DIY honey lollipops aren’t your thing, there are some great options you can buy.
- The nature of a beekeeper There are honey and propolis throat lollipops for kids. They come in packs of different flavors like strawberry, elderberry mixed, and green apple.
- loliz is another great brand that uses organic and non-GMO ingredients, including organic elderberry and organic honey. Their lollipops contain throat-soothing pectin and come in different flavors like watermelon and orange mango. Bring them here.
Honey Lemon Cough Lollipops
If you do want to try making your own throat lollipops, read on!
It took me a while to get this recipe right and there are a few tricks to making it work. Honey is easier to work with than sugar when making candy. It might be tempting to turn up the heat to speed up the process, but this will quickly cause the honey to burn (which, by the way, smells terrible).
I spent about 40-45 minutes tending the honey mixture on the stove until it was hard enough to pour into the molds. You want to slowly heat the honey over low to medium-low heat. My candy thermometer never reaches 300 degrees without burning, but I’ve found that about 280 degrees still works. These will be a little stickier than Halls or Ricola brand cough drops.
An easy way to test if your mixture has the right consistency is to add a few drops to a bowl of ice water. If it stiffens and doesn’t bend, it’s done. I also take the pot off the stove and stir it every time it starts to bubble (once it actually starts cooking, about every 30-60 seconds). If you let the mixture foam a lot at high temperatures, it will burn more easily.
Throat moisturizing ingredients
Honey and lemon juice are great for sore throats on their own, but I also add some helpful herbs to these cough lollipops.
- Echinacea – Echinacea is a very popular cold and flu remedy that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps relieve sore throats and coughs. This herb works best if taken at the first signs of illness.
- Mullein – Mullein is known for its respiratory support properties, acting as an expectorant, reducing inflammation and relieving cough spasms. It is often recommended for treating dry coughs, dry coughs, and various respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Elderberry – a flu-fighting powerhouse that gives these bars a berry flavor. It also helps relieve coughs, nasal congestion and overall immune support.
- Hibiscus – Hibiscus flowers are very high in vitamin C, which gives them a fruity taste. It is traditionally used to treat sore throats, colds and coughs. It also helps clear sticky mucus and strengthens the immune system. Plus, it cools and soothes irritated mucous membranes.
These delicious cough lollipops are naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free and a big hit with kids!
Homemade cough suppressant lollipops
These DIY sore throat soothing lollipops are perfect for cold and flu season. They’re kid-friendly and contain real honey and soothing herbs.
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Heat water until boiling.
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Turn off the heat, add the vanilla, cover and steep for 15 minutes.
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Strain the herbs and reserve the water in which the herbs are infused.
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Combine the vanilla water and lemon juice in a clean saucepan and cook over medium heat until the liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup.
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Add honey.
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Heat over low heat to 280-300°F. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, which usually takes about 40 minutes, you can test if it hardens immediately by dropping a drop of the mixture into ice water.
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The honey mixture will begin to bubble as it cooks. When this happens, remove from the heat and stir until the foam disappears, then return to the heat. Once it starts boiling, you may need to do this every minute or so.
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Once it reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat quickly to avoid burning.
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Stir in essential oils if using.
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Immediately pour the mixture into candy molds and leave to harden at room temperature for a few hours.
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Coat the lollipops with arrowroot to prevent them from sticking, or wrap them individually in parchment paper.
nutrient content
Homemade cough suppressant lollipops
Serving size (1 lollipop)
Calories 70
% Daily Value*
fat 0.01g0%
Saturated fat 0.001g0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.003g
Monounsaturated fat 0.001g
sodium 1 mg0%
Potassium 17 mg0%
carbohydrate 19 grams6%
Fiber 0.1g0%
19 grams of sugartwenty one%
protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 12 international units0%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
calcium 2 mg0%
iron 0.1 mg1%
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
These cough candy lollipops require close attention and constant stirring while making. If overheated, honey will burn quickly.
store lollipops
These are a bit sticky due to the presence of honey and need to be individually wrapped in parchment paper. My first batch all stuck together in the container and then broke when I tried to take them apart. Another option is to coat the sucker with some arrowroot powder.
They should keep at room temperature for at least a few weeks, but they never last longer than a week in my house because my kids eat them. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place.
Have you ever made your own cough drops or suckers before? Any tips? Leave a comment and let us know!