Tennessee Honey Thyme Cough Syrup: A Homemade Herbal Remedy for Cold Season

When the okra is in full production and it’s time to start my seeds for the fall garden, that is my signal to survey the pantry and prepare our apothecary shelves for the season ahead. Here on the farm, that means leaning into what we grow and what we keep on hand — fresh herbs, citrus, ginger, garlic, and of course, honey.

My staples for the season are fire cider, fermented garlic, my own handmade vapor salve, and new to the shelf this year, Tennessee Honey Thyme Cough Syrup.

It’s a beautiful blend of thyme, sage, mint, lemon balm, ginger, and orange zest — all simmered gently and finished with raw honey and a splash of Tennessee Honey Jack Daniels.

It’s warming, soothing, and brings back beautiful memories of being cared for by my Nana.

🌿 Why These Ingredients Work

• Thyme – Nature’s cough medicine; antimicrobial and an expectorant to help loosen mucus.

• Sage – Reduces mucus and calms sore throats.

• Mint – Menthol opens airways and soothes irritation.

• Lemon Balm – Calms the nervous system and has gentle antiviral properties.

• Ginger – Warms the body, thins mucus, and eases inflammation.

• Orange Zest & Juice – Bright flavor, vitamin C, and aromatic oils that help cut mucus.

• Raw Honey – Coats the throat, fights bacteria, and sweetens naturally.

• Tennessee Honey Jack Daniels – Adds warmth, extends shelf life, and nods to the Southern hot toddy tradition.

Tennessee Honey Thyme Cough Syrup and fermented garlic honey.

🍯 Recipe: Tennessee Honey Thyme Cough Syrup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 1 heaping handful fresh thyme (~½ cup dried)

• 6–8 fresh sage leaves

• 1–2 sprigs fresh mint

• 1 small handful fresh lemon balm leaves

• 1–2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced

• Zest and juice of 1 orange (preferably unsprayed)

• ¾ cup raw honey

• ½ cup Tennessee Honey Jack Daniels

Instructions:

1. Simmer the herbs: In a saucepan, combine thyme, sage, mint, lemon balm, ginger, orange zest, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes until reduced to about 1 cup liquid.

2. Strain: Remove from heat and strain, pressing the herbs to extract all liquid.

3. Add orange juice: Stir in the juice from your orange.

4. Cool slightly: Let cool until warm but not hot.

5. Mix in honey: Stir in raw honey until fully blended.

6. Add Tennessee Honey: Stir in Jack Daniels.

7. Bottle: Pour into a clean glass jar or bottle and store in a cool, dark place.

Shelf life: 6+ months without refrigeration thanks to the honey and alcohol.

💡 How to Use

• Adults: 1 tablespoon every 2–3 hours for cough or sore throat.

• Nighttime: Take a tablespoon before bed for restful sleep and cough suppression.

• Bonus: Stir into hot water for an instant herbal hot toddy.

🌾 From Our Farm to Your Cup

This syrup is more than just a remedy — it’s a celebration of what the land gives us and the traditions we keep alive. From the thyme in the garden to the orange on the counter, every ingredient has a purpose.

When you sip it, you’re tasting the season — and giving your body the support it needs to weather the colder days ahead.

Here’s to health, warmth, and the comfort of a kitchen remedy you can trust.