Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear your airways of irritants, mucus, and germs. However, if you have a persistent or bothersome cough, you may want to try some home remedies to ease your symptoms and speed up your recovery. Here are some of the best natural cough remedies and prevention tips you can try at home.

Honey

Honey is one of the most popular and effective natural cough remedies. It has soothing, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that can help relieve throat irritation, suppress coughing, and fight infections. Several studies have shown that honey may be more effective than some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines in reducing cough frequency and severity.

You can take honey by itself or mix it with warm water, lemon juice, or herbal tea. You can also spread it on bread or crackers as a snack. However, do not give honey to children under 1 year old, as it may contain botulism spores that can cause a serious illness in infants.

Ginger

Ginger is another common natural remedy for coughs. It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and expectorant properties that can help ease dry or asthmatic coughs, reduce nausea and pain, and loosen phlegm. Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine to treat respiratory ailments.

You can use ginger in various ways to treat your cough. You can chew on fresh ginger slices, make ginger tea by boiling ginger root in water, add ginger to your food or smoothies, or take ginger supplements or capsules. You can also add honey, lemon, or mint to enhance the flavor and benefits of ginger.

Saltwater Gargle

Saltwater gargle is a simple and inexpensive home remedy for coughs caused by sore throat, postnasal drip, or bacterial infections. Saltwater can help reduce inflammation, clear mucus and bacteria from your throat, and soothe irritation. Gargling with saltwater may also prevent further infection and complications.

To make a saltwater gargle, dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle with the solution for a few seconds and spit it out. Repeat several times a day until your cough improves. Do not swallow the saltwater or use too much salt, as it may cause dehydration or increase your blood pressure.

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is another easy and effective way to relieve coughs due to congestion, allergies, or sinus infections. Steam can help moisten your airways, loosen mucus, reduce inflammation, and open up your nasal passages. Steam inhalation may also kill some germs and viruses that cause respiratory infections.

You can inhale steam by taking a hot shower or bath, using a humidifier or vaporizer, or boiling water in a pot and breathing in the steam. You can also add some essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender to the water to enhance the effects of steam inhalation. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water or steam.

Other Natural Remedies

There are many other natural remedies that may help you cure your cough at home. Some of them are:

• Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can support your immune system and digestive health. Some studies have suggested that probiotics may help prevent or reduce the severity of upper respiratory infections. You can get probiotics from foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, or miso soup. You can also take probiotic supplements after consulting your doctor.
• Bromelain: Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. It can help break down mucus and reduce swelling in your airways. Bromelain may be especially helpful for coughs due to allergies or asthma. You can eat fresh pineapple or drink pineapple juice to get bromelain. You can also take bromelain supplements after consulting your doctor.
• Peppermint: Peppermint is a herb that has menthol, which can act as a natural decongestant and expectorant. It can help clear your nasal passages, loosen mucus, and soothe your throat. Peppermint may also have antibacterial and antiviral effects. You can use peppermint in various ways, such as drinking peppermint tea, inhaling peppermint oil, or applying peppermint balm to your chest or temples.
• Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root is a plant that has mucilage, a sticky substance that can coat and protect your throat. It can help reduce irritation, inflammation, and dryness caused by coughing. Marshmallow root may also have antibacterial and antitussive effects. You can use marshmallow root by making tea from the dried root or taking capsules or syrup containing the extract.
• Thyme: Thyme is a herb that has thymol, a compound that can relax your throat muscles and reduce coughing spasms. It can also help fight bacteria and fungi that cause respiratory infections. You can use thyme by making tea from the fresh or dried leaves or taking capsules or syrup containing the extract.
• Slippery elm: Slippery elm is a tree that has mucilage, similar to marshmallow root. It can help soothe your throat, reduce inflammation, and thin mucus. Slippery elm may also have antioxidant and immune-boosting effects. You can use slippery elm by making tea from the inner bark or taking capsules or lozenges containing the powder.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that has curcumin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It can help reduce inflammation in your airways, boost your immune system, and fight infections. Turmeric may also help prevent or treat coughs due to asthma or bronchitis. You can use turmeric by adding it to your food or drinks, such as milk or tea. You can also take turmeric supplements after consulting your doctor.

How to Prevent Coughs

The best way to cure a cough is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent coughs and keep your respiratory system healthy:

• Avoid GERD triggers: GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, causing irritation and coughing. To prevent GERD, avoid foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, or mint. You can also elevate your head while sleeping, avoid lying down after eating, and lose weight if you are overweight.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking fluids can help keep your throat moist, prevent dehydration, and thin out mucus. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink herbal teas, soups, broths, or juices. Avoid drinks that can dehydrate you or irritate your throat, such as alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, or citrus juices.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer: Dry air can irritate your throat and lungs and trigger coughing. Using a humidifier or vaporizer can add moisture to the air and make breathing easier. You can also add some essential oils to the water for extra benefits. However, make sure to clean your humidifier or vaporizer regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke: Smoking can damage your lungs and increase your risk of coughing and respiratory infections. Secondhand smoke can also irritate your airways and trigger coughing. Quitting smoking can improve your lung function and overall health. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor or call a quitline.
• Wash your hands and practice good hygiene: Coughs are often caused by viruses or bacteria that spread through contact with infected people or surfaces. To prevent catching or spreading germs, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues properly and clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
• Get vaccinated and boost your immunity: Some coughs are caused by preventable diseases, such as influenza, pertussis, or pneumococcal pneumonia. Getting vaccinated can protect you from these diseases and reduce your risk of complications. You can also boost your immunity by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, managing stress, and taking supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, or echinacea.

When to See a Doctor

Most coughs are mild and go away on their own within a few weeks. However, some coughs may be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention. You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms along with your cough:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Chills or night sweats
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe
• Coughing up blood or bloody mucus
• Coughing up yellow-green or foul-smelling mucus
• Unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite
• Swollen glands in your neck or armpits
• Persistent or recurrent cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks

Your doctor will examine you and ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and exposure to possible triggers. They may also order some tests, such as a chest X-ray, a sputum culture, a blood test, or a spirometry test, to diagnose the cause of your cough and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Summary

Coughing is a common symptom that can have many causes and treatments. Some natural remedies may help you cure your cough at home by soothing your throat, clearing your airways, and fighting infections. However, if your cough is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/best-natural-cough-remedies

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322394

https://ahrefs.com/blog/blogging-tips/

https://www.wikihow.life/Treat-a-Cough