What’s in a cough?
Generally speaking, coughing is perfectly normal. A cough can help to keep your throat clear from phlegm and other irritants. However, sustained coughing can also be symptomatic of a number of conditions, such as an allergy, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection. Best Natural Cough Remedies
Sometimes a cough isn’t due to anything related to your lungs. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause a cough.
You can treat coughs due to colds, allergies, and sinus infections with a number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Bacterial infections will require antibiotics.
Along with medication treatment, you can ask your doctor about other options to help your cough. Here we’ve listed a few home remedies to consider.
1. Honey
Honey is a time-honoured remedy for a sore throat. According to one study Trusted Source, it can also relieve coughs more effectively than OTC medications that contain dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant.
You can create your own remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon.
The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can help with congestion. You can also simply eat the honey by the spoonful or spread it on bread for a snack.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help to balance your gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are the bacteria that live in your intestines.
This balance can support immune system function throughout the body. A 2015 studyTrusted Source showed a decrease in the number of people contracting upper respiratory infections after being given various strains of probiotics, though the evidence is still inconclusive.
Each supplement manufacturer may have different daily recommended intakes. Probiotics are also added to some yogurt types and are present in miso soup and sourdough breads.
Given the variations of probiotics available, you should talk with your doctor about which probiotic is right for you and your condition. The most natural way to get probiotics is through fermented foods, including:
- miso
- sauerkraut
- yogurt
- kefir
- kombucha
- tempeh
- kimchi
- sourdough
3. Bromelain
You don’t usually think of pineapple as a cough remedy, but that might be because you’ve never heard of bromelain.
There’s slight evidence to suggest that bromelain — an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples — can help suppress coughs as well as loosen the mucus in your throat.
To enjoy the most benefits of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day.
There are also claims that it can help relieve sinusitis and allergy-based sinus issues, which can contribute to coughs and mucus. However, there’s insufficient evidenceTrusted Source to support this.
It’s also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Bromelain supplements shouldn’t be taken by children or adults who take blood thinners. Also, be careful using bromelain if you’re also on antibiotics such as amoxicillin, as it can increase the absorption of the antibiotic.
Always speak with your doctor before taking new or unfamiliar supplements.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are well known for their healing properties. Menthol in peppermint 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 oil for every 5 ounces of hot water. Drape a towel over your head, and take deep breaths directly above the water.
5. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is made from Althaea officinalis, a perennial that flowers in summer. The leaves and roots of the herb have been used since ancient times to treat sore throats and suppress coughs.
There are no well-controlled studies to support these claims, but the herb is generally considered safe.
The marshmallow herb contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation.
Today, you can get marshmallow root as tea or in capsule form. The warm tea can be soothing to a cough that’s accompanied by a sore throat.
Marshmallow root isn’t recommended for children.
6. Thyme
Thyme is used by some for respiratory illnesses. One studyTrusted Source suggested that the essence extracted from thyme leaves mixed with ivy can help relieve coughing as well as short-term bronchitis.
The leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation.
You can make thyme tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.
7. Salt and water gargle
While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy throat that causes you to cough. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation.
Note that children under age 6 aren’t especially good at gargling. It’s best to try other remedies for this age group.
How to prevent coughing
In addition to learning how to treat a cough, you might want to learn how to prevent them in the first place.
To protect against flu, make sure you get your annual flu shot, usually starting in October. Other steps you can take include the following:
Avoid coming in contact with others who are sick. If you know you are sick, avoid going to work or school so you won’t get others sick.
Cover your nose and mouth whenever your cough or sneeze.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Clean the common areas of your home, work, or school frequently. This is especially important for countertops, toys, or mobile phones.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, eating, going to the bathroom, or caring for someone who’s sick.
With allergies, you can reduce flare-ups by identifying the allergens that affect you and avoiding exposure to them. Common allergens include trees, pollen, dust mites, animal fur, mold, and insects.
Allergy shots are helpful as well and can reduce your sensitivity to allergens. Talk to your doctor about what plan is right for you.
When to call your doctor
Seek emergency medical treatment if your cough is affecting your ability to breathe or if you’re coughing up blood.
Respiratory tract infections involve body aches and fever, whereas allergies don’t.
See your primary care physician if you experience the following symptoms in addition to your cough:
- chills
- dehydration
- fever higher than 101˚F (38˚C)
- malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell
- productive cough that has foul-smelling, thick, green- or yellow-tinted phlegm
- weakness
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