Introduction

In today’s world, respiratory discomforts like coughing and congestion are common, especially during seasonal changes or exposure to pollutants. Instead of reaching immediately for synthetic medications, nature offers powerful remedies that can help cleanse your lungs and ease coughing naturally. One such remedy is a homemade syrup made from bay leaves and lemon — two ingredients renowned for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This simple syrup can help soothe irritated airways, reduce mucus, and support lung health in a gentle, natural way.

Ingredients

8 fresh or dried bay leaves

2 large lemons (preferably organic)

1 cup raw honey (for natural sweetness and antibacterial effects)

2 cups water

Instructions

Prepare the bay leaf infusion:
Rinse the bay leaves thoroughly. In a saucepan, add 2 cups of water and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to extract the bay leaves’ beneficial compounds.

Add lemon juice:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Let the infusion cool slightly, then squeeze the juice from the lemons and stir it into the bay leaf infusion.

Sweeten with honey:
Once the mixture is warm (not hot, to preserve honey’s nutrients), add the raw honey. Stir well until fully dissolved.

Strain and store:
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle. Seal tightly.

Serving and Storage Tips

Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of the syrup daily when you feel congestion or a cough coming on. You can take it straight or diluted in a warm cup of water or herbal tea.

Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before each use.

Variations