
Simple Homemade Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup Recipe
Written by Rebecca Younger, CH, CDShare
Want to harness the power of wild cherry bark at home? Try this easy-to-make cough syrup recipe.
Wild cherry bark has been a cornerstone of traditional respiratory medicine for generations, particularly prized for its ability to calm persistent, dry coughs and soothe irritated throat tissues without suppressing the body's natural healing processes. This native North American remedy contains natural compounds that help relax bronchial muscles and reduce the urge to cough, making it especially effective for nighttime relief when persistent coughing can disrupt sleep.
The addition of raw honey not only creates the perfect syrup consistency but also contributes its own antimicrobial and throat-coating properties, while the optional marshmallow or licorice root provides extra mucilage to further soothe inflamed respiratory passages.
This gentle yet powerful homemade remedy offers a natural way to address coughs from colds, allergies, or respiratory irritation, giving you control over the ingredients while tapping into the time-tested wisdom of herbal medicine. The resulting syrup has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste with subtle cherry notes that makes it easy to take regularly throughout the day as needed.

Simple Homemade Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Author:
Rebecca Younger, CH, CD
Servings
10
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Want to harness the power of wild cherry bark at home? Try this easy-to-make cough syrup recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried wild cherry bark
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of raw honey
-
Optional: 1 tablespoon of Marshmallow root or Licorice root (for additional soothing properties)
Directions
- In a small saucepan, combine the wild cherry bark (and optional herbs) with water.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by half (about 30 minutes).
- Strain out the herbs, and while the liquid is still warm, add the honey. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour the syrup into a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Use 1-2 teaspoons every few hours as needed to soothe a cough.