My Amish cough syrup recipe is just 4 ingredients
For the cough that won’t quit, it might be time to ditch the over-the-counter meds and try something more traditional.
Milo Miller (@floridaboy920), an ex-Amish reality TV star, recently shared his four-ingredient recipe for “Amish cough syrup” on TikTok, where it’s already racked up over 889,000 views.
“In the Amish community, normally what they will do is they will use home remedies before they will go to the doctor,” said Miller, who was born and raised Amish before leaving the lifestyle behind at 17.
So, what’s in this magic mix? A yellow onion, lemons, apple cider vinegar, and honey. It might sound a little unappetizing, but Miller swears it’s worth it. After drinking it, he felt an immediate warmth spread down his chest, adding, “I believe this stuff will actually work.”
To make it at home, start by grabbing a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a mason jar. Peel your onion and slice it into rings, then do the same with your lemons.
“You’re going to want about the same amount of lemons as you have onion,” Miller explained, noting that he used two lemons in his batch.
Now, it’s time to layer everything. Place a slice of lemon at the bottom of the jar, followed by an onion ring. Keep alternating between lemon and onion until the jar is full, pressing down as you go.
Next, grab your honey and pour a generous squeeze over the lemon and onion layers. Once the honey has settled, top it off with apple cider vinegar until the jar is full.
“Then, you’re going to put the lid on it and put it in a cool, dark place and let it sit overnight,” Miller said. He suggests taking one teaspoon of the liquid as needed for your cough, making sure to stir the jar before each use.
TikTok users are going wild for the recipe, which Miller claims doesn’t expire. “This works amazing! I made this for us, don’t buy junk from the store anymore,” one person commented.
“A few weeks ago I had a cough so bad I would throw up. I made this and by the second day I was feeling better by the 3rd day my cough was gone,” wrote another.
Miller’s recipe comes as cases of three respiratory viruses surge nationwide, with levels in New York classified as high by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The ingredients in Miller’s “Amish cough syrup” line up with many popular alternative cold and flu remedies, each offering properties thought to aid in healing.
Apple cider vinegar, for example, has been revered for its healing powers since ancient times, when it was commonly used to disinfect wounds and treat infections or insect bites.Today, it’s a favorite of social media influencers, who claim it can help with weight loss, sugar cravings and bloating.
Research suggests that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, helping regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
However, moderation is key. The acidity in undiluted or large doses can erode tooth enamel, cause digestive issues, and burn the throat. It may also interact with certain medications, including insulin, diuretics, and those for heart disease.
Lemons, packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, offer immune-boosting benefits, improve digestion, support weight management, and protect against heart disease and stroke. The citric acid and antioxidants in lemons can also combat harmful bacteria in the body.
Onions, too, pack a punch with heart-protecting nutrients, cancer-fighting properties, and the ability to help the body produce insulin. They’re rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that fights cellular damage and inflammation.
Meanwhile, honey has long been linked to health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, regulating the heartbeat, and protecting healthy cells. The natural sweetener is also a probiotic powerhouse, helping promote beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, and reduce bloating and gas.
Miller, who recently appeared on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid, has shared several home remedies inspired by his upbringing on TikTok, including his ‘Amish amoxicillin’ and a two-ingredient recipe for soothing sore throats.
