Creating your natural pharmacy isn’t as difficult as you might think. These home remedy recipes are keepers for your arsenal! We certainly live in an age where drugs of all kinds line the shelves of our local pharmacies. But most of these are far from natural and include ingredients few of us are familiar with. But there was a time when we knew recipes for healing; herbs from our gardens, tinctures we make from our pantries and syrups where honey is the base. A natural pharmacy doesn’t need dyes and added sweeteners or chemicals; it leans on the very items God gave us here on earth.
“If we doctors threw all our medicines into the sea, it would be that much better for our patients
and that much worse for the fishes.” Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, MD
When it comes to my natural pharmacy the two biggest tools I’ve relied on are herbs and essential oils. I’ve taught myself a lot, and some was taught to me. I use these amazing, high quality non-mlm oils. And have begun more serious herbal studies with the Herbal Academy.
Today for YOUR natural pharmacy I’d like to introduce to you one of the first remedies I was every taught to make. My Cammy (grandmother) made this Honey & Onion Cough Syrup regularly and it was for all sorts of medicinal purposes, not just a cough. I’ve made additions over the years to find the recipe I like most; and that’s what I bring you today. Additionally my other natural pharmacy enthusiasts have allowed me to share some of their recipes as well.
Do your research, find what works for you and your family. Remember that raw honey should not be given to children under the age of 2.
Creating Your Natural Pharmacy In Your Home
Honey, Garlic & Onion Syrup 
As I mentioned my grandmother taught me how to make this. It was not her original recipe however; in fact I’ve seen the great Rosemary Gladstar make a version herself.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of organic raw honey – I usually buy mine from a local beekeeper but today I used a Trader Joe’s brand (ok in a pinch)
- 1 medium organic onion, roughly chopped (please use organic for healing recipes, especially – even better to use home grown!)
- 3 – 4 cloves of organic garlic, smashed (take outer paper off and used something heavy to just smash it down)
- Clean jar with lid
Directions
- Put your roughly chopped onions and smashed garlic in the jar
- Pour your honey over that
- Put the lid on and leave this at room temperature 8 – 12 hours, to allow the mixture to steep
I do not cook mine though I have seen others slowly simmer similar syrups to soften the onion and garlic - Strain out your onion and garlic (optional)
- Store in your refrigerator for up to a month
To Use
Use as need to quiet coughs, soothes throats and boost immunity. But be careful not to over do it. Honey has a lot of natural sugar!
Dip a spoon in to the jar to get some of the syrup. You can also add to herbal teas. Enjoy!
Why these ingredients you ask?
Onions, raw honey and garlic are antimicrobial (they kill microorganisms or inhibits their growth). Garlic is a powerful antibiotic. Honey also naturally relaxes cough and coats/soothes the throat.
Additions to consider
Oregano – quite possibly the most powerful natural antibiotic on earth. You can and 1 – 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped oregano or put a drop of oregano essential oil on your syrup after you scoop some on your spoon.
Ginger – kick up the immune boost with some grated ginger. Also antimicrobial, antioxidant, and known to kill viruses.
“The person who takes medicine must recover twice,
once from the disease and once from the medicine.” ~William Osler, MD
Ready for more home remedies for your natural pharmacy?
Check out these fantastic recipes!
- Natural Cold & Flu Remedy
- Elderberry Syrup Recipe
- Herbal Remedies for Winter Illnesses
- Staples for a Healthy Home
- Natural Treatments for Cold and Allergies
- How to Make Honeysuckle Glycerite
- How to Make Fire Cider
- Three Flower Vinegar – First Aid for Skin
- Herbal Tea for Decongestion
- Cold & Flu Fighting Formula
- My Secret Weapon Against Colds, Flu & the Norwalk Virus
- Cough Syrup Infusion
- Simple Cold and Flu Remedy
- Elderberry Calendula Cold & Flu Elixir
- Yarrow for Fever and Flu
- Homemade Fire Cider
- How to Make Elderberry Syrup
- Natural First Aid
- Pepperup Potion
- Medicinal Plants: Herbal Combinations for Health
- Plant a Medicinal Herb Garden
I hope these recipes and tips help you build your home remedies and natural pharmacy on your homestead. I recommend reading everything you can get your hand on about natural health, herbal remedies, tinctures and the like. Education is key!
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*It should be noted that I am not a doctor or a health practitioner. This post and others on the blog cannot be considered medical advice. Please know that anything I share on this blog is purely informational and should be implemented at your own discretion. The FDA further requires me to say that products mentioned, linked to, or displayed on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
