Although there is limited scientific research to support these remedies, you may find some of them useful.
Home Remedies for Coughs
Home remedies for coughs range from herbal remedies tohot beveragesand steam.
Still, it won’t hurt to try these remedies if you’re looking for relief without medication.
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Its thick consistency coats your throat, helping to soothe it.
This is the main reason it is beneficial for thosesuffering from a cough.
According to one study, it can relieve night-time coughs more effectively than a placebo.
Try adding 2 teaspoons of honey and a squeeze of lemon to warm water or herbal tea.
you’ve got the option to also just take a spoonful of honey on its own.
Children younger than 1 year old should never be given honey because of the risk ofbotulism.
Marshmallow root is best prepared using cold water.
Let it sit overnight or for at least four hours in the refrigerator.
Strain, then sip your tea as needed.
This aromatic spice breaks down and removes mucus from the lungs, thereby reducing coughing.
Boil for about 10 minutes, strain, and drink with a little honey and a slice of lemon.
Thyme
People have usedthyme(Thymus vulgaris) to relieve dry irritating coughs for centuries.
Some research suggests that using thyme, alone or in combination with other herbs, reduces coughing.
Drink it as is or add honey.
Peppermint is often added to over-the-counter cold-relief products such as herbal teas and peppermint cough drops.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is sold in capsules and tablets or as a tea.
you might also buy cough drops containing slippery elm.
Slippery elm bark may act as a demulcent, forming a protective coating over the mucous membranes.
Bromelain
Bromelainis a compound found in the stem and fruit of the pineapple.
If you take a blood thinner, you should avoid taking bromelain.
In a clinical setting, it is used to treat Tylenol (acetaminophen) overdose.
Research suggests that NAC may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and help dissolve mucus.
NAC is sold over-the-counter as a supplement in powder or capsule form.
Steam
Steam is a very old remedy for cough.
Try sitting in a steamy bathroom while running a hot shower, or use a humidifier in your bedroom.
The moisture helps soften the mucus in your throat and lungs, making it easier to clear.
Saltwater Gargle
Warm salt water can also help improve cough symptoms.
Try dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water.
Gargle with it in the back of your throat for a few seconds, then spit it out.
For best results, continue until you’ve used up the whole glass.
This remedy can be repeated several times a day.
For best results, drink teas made from herbal cough remedies like peppermint or ginger and add honey.
A Word From Verywell
It’s important to differentiate what punch in of cough is present.
For non-productive coughs (no phlegm), I recommend salt water gargle or honey and lemon.
For allergy-related coughs, nasal rinses and avoiding triggers work best.
With coughs resulting from post-nasal drip, avoid irritants and keep the head elevated.
If a cough persists, consult a healthcare provider.
Summary
There are many home remedies for coughs.
Most won’t cause side effects and are safe to try.
Honey, herbs like turmeric and ginger, steam, and hot liquids may help improve your symptoms.
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