‘Tis the season for sniffles, sore throats, and coughs. There are all sorts of things floating around this time of year and sometimes, you can only do so much. Use some of these home remedies for coughs to help relieve any discomfort you may have!

Coughs are prevalent this time of year, but good old-fashioned colds aren’t the only cause for some of the coughing you see during the cold weather months. 

How do you get rid of a cough fast? Knowing the cause of your cough can help you determine the best way to treat it. 

Why Do You Cough?

Generally speaking, coughing is normal (albeit totally annoying!). Coughing can help clear your throat from phlegm and other irritants. However, persistent coughing can indicate a number of conditions, such as allergies, a viral infection (such as a cold), or bacterial infection.

Most coughs from colds and are due to nasal drainage in the back of the nose (usually called postnasal drip), which causes irritation in your throat; in turn, you cough to try to clear out.

Other common causes of cough include:

  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Sinus Infections
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn or GERD)

Coughs caused by colds, allergies, and sinus infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, more and more people are turning to holistic, all-natural home remedies.

If you’re looking for ideas to avoid chemicals and treat your cough effectively and naturally, here are 9 simple home remedies for coughs that actually work.

Home Remedies For Cough And Cold

Home remedies for cough can include a variety of products you can find in your kitchen, such as adding honey and lemon into your favorite hot tea. 

Living with a persistent cough can ruin your sleep and make you feel generally miserable. These natural home remedies may be useful to stop a cold and cough.

Note: If a cough is severe or persists for more than a few weeks, it is essential to seek medical advice.

How Do I Stop Coughing? 9 Effective Home Remedies For Coughs 

With 9 different remedy options, how do you know which one to choose? Here’s a little more detail on each one to help you decide.

If one doesn’t work for you, you can simply move onto the next one and try again.

1. Honey 

Honey certainly has longevity as a remedy for sore throat. One study in particular shows it can also relieve coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medicines that contain dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant.

Not only can the honey reduce nighttime coughing, but it also improved sleep. 

Honey is a low-cost option and could be effective for children over age 2 (never give honey to a child under 1 year).

Create your own natural remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon. The honey soothes, while the lemon juice helps combat congestion. You can also simply eat the honey by the spoonful.

The advantage of this cough home remedy is that, unlike over-the-counter cough medicines, you can have it as often as you want or need.

Plus, it tastes pretty fantastic! 🙂

2. Peppermint

Peppermint leaves contain menthol which soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus. You can benefit by drinking peppermint tea or by inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam bath. 

To make a steam bath, add 3 or 4 drops of peppermint essential oil for every 6oz of hot water. Drape a towel over your head, and take deep breaths directly above the water.

Note: Many people suggest hot water with a drop or two of essential oil to drink. However, there has long been debates about the safety of consuming essential oils. It’s important to do your own research and make the call for yourself!

3. Ginger

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy for a dry cough. It can also help alleviate nausea and pain.

Brew up a soothing ginger tea by adding about â…“ cup of fresh ginger slices to 1 cup of hot water. Allow the slices to steep for a few minutes before drinking. Add honey or lemon juice to improve the taste and provide even more cough-soothing benefits.

4. Fluids

Staying hydrated is vital for people dealing with a cough or cold. 

When fighting a cough, make an extra effort to get enough fluids into your system. Coughing dries you out which only increases the irritation. Drinking water and caffeine-free teas make a great home remedy for a cough and soothe an irritated throat.

5. Humidity

Steam may help improve a wet cough, which is one that produces mucus or phlegm. Humid air reduces irritation and helps to break up some congestion. You can create this cough home remedy by using a humidifier. 

You can also take a hot shower or bath and allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Stay in this steam for a few minutes until symptoms subside. 

Another way to create this is to make a steam bowl. Fill a large bowl with hot water. Add herbs or essential oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, which may also relieve decongestion. Lean over the bowl and place a towel over the head as this traps the steam. Inhale the vapors for 5 minutes. 

6. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow is a perennial herb that flowers in the summer and has been used since ancient times to treat sore throats and suppress coughs. Additionally, it has a long history of use as a treatment for coughs and sore throats. 

The herb can ease irritation resulting from coughing because of its high mucilage content, which coats the throat and soothes irritation. 

Marshmallow root is available as a dried herb, bagged tea, or in capsule form. Add hot water to either and then drink it immediately or allow it to cool first. The longer the marshmallow root steeps in the water, the more mucilage will be in the drink.

Note: Marshmallow root is not recommended for children.

7. Bromelain

I bet you didn’t think of pineapple as a cough remedy! That’s because you haven’t heard of bromelain. 

Bromelain is an enzyme that comes from pineapples, especially in the core of the fruit. It’s anti-inflammatory properties and mucolytic properties beak down mucus and remove it from the body.

Check with your doctor before taking bromelain supplements because the enzyme can react negatively with other medications. 

8. Thyme: Home Remedies for Coughs

Thyme is a common remedy for a cough, a sore throat, and bronchitis.

To treat coughs using thyme, make a thyme tea by adding 2 tsp of dried thyme to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

9. Dietary Changes For Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common cause of coughs. Avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux is one of the best ways to manage this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies it.

Common foods and beverages that can trigger this reaction include:

  • alcohol
  • caffeine
  • chocolate
  • citrus foods
  • spicy foods
  • tomatoes and tomato-based products

Avoiding some of these foods can help reduce the acid-reflux and help avoid coughing.

Even though coughs can have different causes, these effective home remedies will easily treat your cough – more effectively than some over-the-counter medications.

Feel better soon!

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