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Homemade Japanese cough syrup made with honey and daikon in a jar.

Homemade Cough Syrup Recipe with Honey and Daikon Radish

This simple Homemade Cough Syrup is a Japanese grandma's secret recipe, turning daikon radish and honey into a natural remedy traditionally used in Japanese home medicine.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Japanese

Ingredients
  

  • Daikon radish peeled and diced
  • Honey same amount as daikon
  • (Optional) Slices of ginger, lemon juice, lemon slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, or star anise.

Instructions
 

How to make Cough Syrup with honey and daikon

  • Cut the daikon into small pieces and place them in a clean jar. The shape doesn’t matter, so just dice, chop, or slice as you prefer.
  • Pour the honey over the daikon, just enough to cover the pieces.
  • (Optional) Stir in any additional ingredients if using.
  • Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight, until the daikon releases its liquid and forms a syrup. Stir occasionally with a clean spoon, if needed.
  • Once the syrup is ready, remove the daikon radish pieces. To prevent molding.
  • To use, slowly sip a spoonful of syrup to coat your throat, or mix it with warm water to enjoy as a soothing tea.
  • Storage: Keep the syrup refrigerated and use it within 3-4 days.
  • Important: Do not give honey to infants under 12 months of age.

What to do with the daikon pieces

  • Enjoy as a sweet snack.
  • Toss with a drizzle of soy sauce, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a quick pickle.
  • Add to stir-fries, salad dressings, or soups.
Keyword daikon, honey
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