How to Make an All-Natural (and Yummy!) Cough Syrup

With cough and cold season in full effect, we figured it’s time to DIY a natural home remedy with ingredients that we can actually pronounce! Even the easier-to-read ingredients like sugar and artificial dyes are undesirable—we’d rather not have them involved while we’re trying to boost our immune system. Instead, an all-natural concoction that uses the inherent cold-fighting powers of lemon, honey, and ginger sounds like a much better way to go!

While you can easily toss most of the ingredients for this home remedy into your basket during your next grocery run, you’ll probably have to make a pit stop for the food-grade glycerin. Your local health food store or pharmacy should have the sweet-tasting liquid on hand—just make sure it’s food grade and you’re good to go!

Ingredients:
– ¼ cup food grade glycerin
– ¼ cup honey

– ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Materials:
– small, sealable bottle

– sticker label

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice and grated ginger into a small saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes on low heat. Strain the mixture with a sieve into a medium bowl.

2. Add food-grade glycerin and honey into the bowl and stir until combined.

3. Pour syrup into a small bottle, seal, and clean off any excess on the outside of the bottle.

4. Add a cute label and be sure to include the expiration date—the syrup will last up to one year in the refrigerator, or as long as the expiration of your glycerin, which may be sooner than one year.

5. To use, take one teaspoon every three to four hours as needed.

It should come as no surprise that a mix of lemon and ginger isn’t just a magical concoction in the homemade beauty and home cook realms. Packed with vitamin C, lemon and ginger are the powerhouses of natural immune boosting. So juice your lemon, grate your ginger, add the zesty mix to a small saucepan, and simmer for 10 minutes. Then strain into a bowl.

Next, add the sore throat soothers: honey—use a local honey if possible!—and food-grade glycerin, a sweet tasting, sugar-free syrup that’s a common ingredient in many pharmaceuticals. Stir these into your liquid until fully combined.

Now add your mixture into a sealable bottle. If you don’t have a funnel on hand, you can always use your lemon juicer to transfer the liquid into your bottle like we did :)

Once you’ve wiped your bottle clean, make a label that lists your ingredients and, most importantly, the expiration date. If refrigerated, the syrup will last up to one year unless your glycerin expires before that date—check its label to find out, and go with whatever date comes first, ’cause safety first kids!

If you’re feeling that menacing tickle in the back of your throat, take one teaspoon every three to four hours as needed. After the just first dosage, you’ll for sure banish the foul-flavored, electric green, over the counter remedies of cold’s past. With the zing of ginger and blast of lemon followed by soothing honey, coughs and colds have met their match!

What other cold-busting home remedies do you live by? Tell us in the comments below.

Gladiator 2 isn't even in theaters yet (mark your calendars for November 22!) and star Paul Mescal is already thinking about doing a threequel. Although, after raving about director Ridley Scott, and sharing the screen with Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn, who could blame him?! So if you're wondering 'Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?' then you've come to the right place.

Keep reading for all the latest Gladiator 3 news — and to see what Paul Mescal and Ridley Scott have said about returning.

Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures hasn't confirmed whether we're getting a Gladiator 3 quite yet, but director Ridley Scott is definitely on board. "I’ve already got eight pages. I’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint," he says. But he also mentions he'd like to make one huge change from the first two movies. "If there’s a Gladiator 3, I don’t think you’d ever go back into the arena. But I had to go back into the arena…"

And as for whether Paul Mescal would return? Well that's a resounding yes. “If there's going to be a Gladiator III, I hope I'm in it," he told Peopleat the LA premiere of Gladiator 2 on November 18, while adding to Variety that he'd be “massively down” for a third movie.

“I don’t think it will be [24] years — but I have no idea when it will be.”

www.tiktok.com

But Paul's comments on a Gladiator 3 weren't the only reason he made headlines last night! He brought GF Gracie Abrams (who just broke the internet in her own right when she performed with Taylor Swift). And while they didn't make a red carpet appearance together, it seems like Gladiator's official TikTok account just hard launched their relationship.

"THEY HIT THE PENTAGON," one user commented, while another said, "I just fell to my knees." If you can't tell from the drama, fans are going crazy. (It's me, I'm fans).

Is Russell Crowe in the new Gladiator?

No, sadly, Russell Crowe doesn't make an appearance in Gladiator 2 (well, apart from Gladiator flashbacks, that is). And if you're wondering 'Is Maximus alive in Gladiator 2?' you'll just have to watch the first one!

Do you want to see Paul Mescal return for Gladiator 3? Check out the 10 New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For before the month ends!

Working from home is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's great that you can get sh*t done virtually anywhere with WiFi, but on the other, you're constantly summoned to your couch (or in more severe cases, your bed) to take a "break" (a nap) that can impact your productivity. Having cute desk accessories and organization solutions on deck at all times is a must for anyone seeking to dial in and simply feel good about the whole 'working from home' thing. Whether you know the beauty of WFH life or not, these gifts for people who work from home will certainly liven up any workspace.

Our fave WFH gifts in this post:

Scroll on for more of the best WFH gifts to give in 2024!

Papier

1. Papier Joy Weekly Desk Planner

Seeing every to-do item in one place (that's not a computer screen) is a major game-changer for staying on-task, and the ultimate hack is this structured notepad.

Amazon

2. Personalized Acrylic Name Plate

This custom, made-to-order name plate would make any WFH-er feel more dignified.

Amazon

3. Rossie Home Premium Acacia Wood Lap Desk

This way, they can take their work anywhere, whether it be the sofa or bed. The finished wood gives this lap desk an upscale feel that means business!

Amazon

4. Cute Duck LED Lamp

This cute, squishy desk-sized lamp is sure to alleviate The Horrors (work stress).

Amazon

5. Kawaii Animals Erasable Gel Pen Set

These top-rated animal pens are the perfect little workday cheerleaders when they hang out at anyone's desk.

Uncommon Goods

6. Tech Taffy Desk Duster

This gooey glob helps get the grime (like dust and dirt) out from in between their keyboard, mouse, and headphones.

Amazon

7. Bose Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones

We're convinced that noise-cancelling headphones are a product directly from heaven. This pair does an excellent job at drowning out sonic distractions.

Amazon

8. Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser for Computer with Dry-Erase Board

This desk riser with an attached dry-erase board helps eliminate papers from piling up on their desk. It's the perfect vehicle for meeting reminders, brainstorms, and other important work items.

Amazon

9. Aesthetic Highlighters

A highlighter in hand = instant productivity.

Amazon

10. Waterproof Desk Mat

This desk mat can handle it all – keyboards, notebooks, cold drinks, and basically everything else needed for the 9 to 5 grind.

Amazon

11. Ergonomic Computer Mouse Pad

Having an ergonomic setup can help prevent that infamous WFH-induced back pain. Start small with this soothing mouse pad!

Amazon

12. 12-Sided Fidget Toy

If your working-from-home gift recipient is on the anxious side, a fidget cube can be a real game-changer when it comes to letting out stress and pent-up energy.

Urban Outfitters

13. Little Glass Table Lamp

Shed some light on their daily work routine with an adorable tiny lamp, shoppable in a variety of playful colors and patterns.

Amazon

14. Colorful Sticky Notes

For helping them jot down genius ideas, look no further than gifting a hearty pack of sticky notes. The colors in this set will make working a lot more fun.

Amazon

15. Speks Crags Ferrite Putty

This super-satisfying stress ball alternative will keep their anxious hands busy during meetings and email sweeps.

Amazon

16. Electric Coffee Mug Warmer

Coffee is life, so make sure their caffeinated cup stays fresh all morning long. This gift is especially thoughtful if you know they're a slow sipper!

Loam Candles

17. Loam Harvest Basket Candle

Having a cute candle lit during the workday instantly improves morale. We don't make the rules.

Amazon

18. Ergonomic Laptop Riser

For the on-the-go worker, a laptop without a laptop riser is criminal. This easy-to-set up one has almost 12,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, most notable for its durability.

Umbra

19. Umbra Montage Wall Shelf

This lightweight, design-forward wall shelf is perfect for stowing away joy-inspiring knick-knacks and work necessities alike.

Amazon

20. Line Friends Cable Management Holder

Let these cutie little bears take the reins – er, rather, the cords – and create more space for a clear head.

Amazon

21. Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Notebook

This bound notebook will withstand any weather, plus it's the perfect place to write down great ideas!

ban.do

22. ban.do Sticker Book

This lively, colorful sticker book will make those long meetings much more entertaining. These would pair super well with the notebook above for a cutie gift set.

Amazon

23. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Don't let them fry their eyes all day – these blue light glasses work to filter out the harmful effects of [dun-dun-dunnn] computer screens.

Target

24. Owala Stainless Steel Tumbler

Hydration helps fuel a healthy mind, and that noggin is needed for making great things happen at work. This 40oz insulated tumbler keeps drinks ice-cold all throughout the day!

Urban Outfitters

25. Chromoeye Working From Home Art Print

This poster says what we're all thinking about WFH.

Amazon

26. Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro technique is a killer method for staying tuned-in. With this timer, the work time versus rest time is left up to the user.

Uncommon Goods

27. The Work Wellness Deck

This box o' cards comes ready with 60 different prompts that help your local worker at home destress and recharge before, during, or after the workday.

Day Designer

28. Day Designer 2025 Daily Planner

A planner is going to help facilitate the utmost organization and productivity for your giftee that works from home.

Uncommon Goods

29. Stay Cool Adjustable Laptop Desk

This lap desk makes it easy for them to slouch on the couch (we're guilty!) or laze in bed while still getting sh*t done while they work.

ban.do

30. Hot Stuff Ceramic Mug Book Person

If it's not being used for coffee, consider this the cutest catch-all for miscellaneous desk junk.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

As much as I love an ugly Christmas sweater party, a small part of me still cringes at just how wacky they can be. There's a very fine line between 'ugly Christmas sweater' and 'playful holiday get-up' – but I think these fun holiday sweaters strike the perfect balance of the two. They're all colorful, festive, and so much fun to wear to any and every holiday get-together you've got going this year.

Scroll on for our favorite fun holiday sweaters for every party!

Anthropologie

1. The Violette Short-Sleeve Tinsel Sweater by Maeve

With 'tinsel' literally in this sweater's name, you'll be making a shiny statement wherever you wear this piece. It also comes in silver, gold, navy blue, and brown to suit your personal holiday style.

Abercrombie & Fitch

2. The A&F Madeline Crew Sweater

This femme 'fit boasts a bow that's reminiscent of holiday gifts and all things merry. It only helps that this sweater is super soft to the touch!

Urban Outfitters

3. Out From Under Catching Feelings Fairisle Print Cropped Pullover

This sweet holiday sweater has an adorable reindeer design along the front, so it's instantly going to fit in for any holiday party. You can also snag the pair of matching shorts to complete the coziness if you'd rather stay in.

Urban Outfitters

4. BDG Stella Star Graphic Oversized Pullover Sweater

With this sweater, you'll literally be a star. The color palette challenges holiday tradition in the best way, though you could totally make it a better fit for a party with a black mini skirt, tights, and metallic boots.

Anthropologie

5. Maeve Faux-Fur Collar Cropped Cardigan Sweater

Oh, so fancy! This cardi's collar is lined with faux fur to make it feel ultra-luxe. Layer it over your best party dress, and voila!

Nordstrom

6. ASTR the Label Velvet Bow Cardigan

Bring on more bows, please! This tie-up cardigan secures with two oversized velvet bows that speak to the holiday season flawlessly.

Gap Factory

7. Gap Factory Peanuts Relaxed Gap Logo Sweatshirt

Snoopy is truly a holiday icon, especially in his dramatic puffer jacket. Don the famous dog on this cozy sweatshirt – it's so much cuter than an ugly Christmas sweater, plus you'll earn mega compliments (everyone loves Snoop!) wearing it.

Free People

8. Free People Festive Frost Sweater

This fuzzy sweater is downright festive, thanks to the traditional stripes across the top half. We love it because it still leans very 'holiday,' but isn't explicitly so, since the color palette isn't just reds and greens.

Nordstrom

9. Vinyl Icons Martini Embellished Off The Shoulder Graphic Fleece Sweatshirt

Espresso martinis are a hallmark of the holiday season, and you simply can't change our minds on that. Get playful with your holiday sweater selection with this design that evokes a happy hour at any time of day, especially on a holiday break away from school or work!

Free People

10. We The Free Flower Patch Sweater

You'll be able to get a lot of wear out of this sweet red sweater around the holidays! The slouchy fit is ideal for pairing with even more winter layers to stay warm.

American Eagle

11. American Eagle Whoa So Soft Oversized Grinch Holiday Sweater

With Christmas' favorite villain on it, this super-soft sweater will always be in style around the holidays.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.