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While medications are sometimes necessary to treat a cough, natural remedies, including gargling with salt water and eating honey, may also help.
A cough is one of the most common reasons people may seek medical treatment. An estimated 40% of all cases may require a referral to a pulmonologist, a doctor specializing in lung conditions.
Generally speaking, coughing is perfectly natural. A cough can help clear your throat of phlegm, dust, and other irritants. However, sustained coughing can also be a symptom of many health conditions.
These may include:
Sometimes a cough isn’t caused by 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 several over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Bacterial infections often require antibiotics.
Along with medication treatment, you can ask a doctor about other options to help your cough.
Here we’ve listed a few home remedies to consider.
Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat.
According to a 2018 review on the effects of honey on acute cough in children, researchers found that honey may relieve coughs more effectively than some OTC medications. These medications included those containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a type of antihistamine, and albuterol (ProAir), a prescription bronchodilator.
However, the same review didn’t find honey significantly more effective than dextromethorphan (Delsym), an OTC 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 eat the 2 teaspoons of honey or spread it on bread as a snack.
Due to the risk of botulism, never feed honey to infants under 12 months old.
Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help balance your gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are bacteria that live in your intestines.
This balance can support immune system function throughout the body. A 2015 study suggested a decrease in the number of people having 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 kombucha.
Given the variations of probiotics available, you should talk with a doctor about which probiotic is right for you and your condition. The most natural way to get probiotics is through fermented foods, including:
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 — may help suppress coughs.
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.
Some research from 2018 suggests it may help relieve sinusitis and allergy-based sinus issues, which can contribute to coughs and mucus. However, there’s insufficient evidence to support this, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
It’s also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Children or adults who take blood thinners shouldn’t take bromelain supplements. Also, if you’re taking antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, avoid using bromelain, as it can increase the absorption of the antibiotic.
Always speak with a doctor before taking new supplements, especially if you’re taking other medications or supplements. Some may cause interactions.
Peppermint leaves are well known for their healing properties. Not only is it common to find peppermint in an assortment of foods and beverages, but peppermint oil may also help relieve cold symptoms. The menthol may be soothing for a cough, too.
You can benefit by drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam treatment.
To make a steam treatment, add 7 or 8 drops of peppermint essential oil to about a cup of just boiled water. Drape a towel over your head and take deep breaths directly above the water.
Marshmallow root comes from Althaea officinalis, a perennial that flowers in summer. It’s not the same as the squishy marshmallow that you roast over a fire.
The leaves and roots of the marshmallow plant have been used since ancient times to treat sore throats and suppress coughs.
A 2020 study found that the marshmallow plant was effective at reducing a cough due to its soothing effect on the irritated tissues of the throat and sinuses. This could be due to the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.
The marshmallow root also contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation.
Today, you can get marshmallow root in tea or in capsule form. The warm tea can be soothing for a cough that occurs with a sore throat.
Although the herb is generally considered safe, doctors don’t recommend marshmallow root and leaves for children.
Some people use thyme for respiratory illnesses. In fact, one 2021 randomized controlled trial found that thyme and ivy herbal extract helped reduce both acute cough and cough severity in study participants. The participants also didn’t report any adverse side effects.
Thyme leaves may 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.
While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle may help soothe a scratchy throat and break up mucus 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 since children under 6 years old aren’t especially good at gargling, it’s best to try other remedies for this age group.
Ginger is a popular traditional remedy. People often use it to treat nausea and stomach upset, but it may also soothe coughing by breaking up phlegm.
If you have a cough, ginger tea is a good choice. The hot liquid can reduce irritation, dryness, and mucus in your throat.
Too much ginger may cause side effects, such as throat irritation, abdominal discomfort, and heartburn.
To make ginger tea, slice a 1-inch segment of fresh ginger root. Boil in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how strong you’d like the tea. You can also buy ginger tea bags at the store or online.
Slippery elm is an ancient remedy for coughing and sore throat. People claim it may reduce inflammation and soothe the lining of your throat.
But there’s no hard evidence to confirm this benefit. However, slippery elm isn’t associated with any serious side effects.
Slippery elm is available as capsules, tablets, lozenges, and tea. Lozenges and tea may be ideal for easing throat irritation.
Turmeric has been used traditionally for many ailments over the years, including coughing. Its active compound, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Consuming turmeric with black pepper can make it more effective. That’s because piperine, the major compound in black pepper, increases the bioavailability of turmeric. This supports your body’s absorption of turmeric.
Try sipping warm turmeric tea or golden milk. Add a dash of black pepper and some honey for sweetness.
GERD, or acid reflux, occurs when your stomach contents flow back into your throat. This can cause irritation, resulting in coughing.
If you think GERD is causing your symptoms, avoiding common trigger foods can help. These include:
You can help ease a cough by drinking plenty of warm fluids.
Drinking fluids can help relieve dryness in your throat, a common cause of coughing. It also helps to thin out mucus, which can ease coughing and congestion.
Sipping hot liquids like broth or tea may help ease coughing. If you prefer a cold drink, opt for a noncarbonated beverage like water or unsweetened tea. Sucking on ice cubes may also help.
Dry air in your home can further exacerbate your cough. You can breathe in steam in the bathroom after a hot shower. Or you may also consider investing in a humidifier.
A humidifier helps provide moisture in the air you breathe in while also helping to open up your sinuses. For best results, try an indoor humidity level between 40% and 50%. Any more than this could cause dust mites, molds, and other allergens to flourish.
It’s also important to keep your humidifier clean. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends cleaning your humidifier and its filter every 2 to 3 days.
That said, for children, ultrasonic or cool-mist humidifiers are recommended.
NAC mimics a naturally occurring amino acid that researchers believe may have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While cysteine is naturally available in foods such as legumes, poultry, and eggs, NAC is available in supplemental form only.
A doctor may recommend NAC for chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis or COPD. But not enough studies have confirmed whether this supplement is effective for treating acute cough.
However, one clinical review suggests that NAC may be effective as an expectorant.
Possible side effects associated with oral NAC include:
In addition to learning how to treat a cough, you might want to learn how to prevent them in the first place.
To help protect against the flu, make sure to get your annual flu shot, usually starting in October.
Washing your hands frequently and taking precautions, such as wearing a mask, may help protect you from COVID-19 and other viral illnesses that cause cough.
If you have allergies, you can help reduce flare-ups by identifying the allergens that affect you and avoiding exposure. Common allergens include:
Allergy shots may be helpful and can reduce your sensitivity to allergens. Consider talking with a doctor about what plan is right for you.
To help protect yourself against having a cold, consider taking the following steps:
Seek emergency medical treatment if your cough affects your ability to breathe or if you’re coughing up blood.
Respiratory tract infections involve body aches and fever, while allergies do not.
Talk with a doctor if you experience the following symptoms in addition to your cough:
To stop coughing at night, you can try to gargle with salt before bed. In addition, keep your house free of allergens and dust as much as possible. You can also try to use a humidifier in your bedroom and sleep in a slightly inclined position.
Learn more: How to stop coughing at night: 20 tips and tricks.
Other than a viral or bacterial illness, causes of cough include conditions like postnasal drip, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Coughing has many causes. If you’re having a severe cough attack and you aren’t able to stop, it might be A paroxysmal cough. This is commonly caused by pertussis or whooping cough but can be caused by other diseases like tuberculosis. On the other hand, it can also be a sign of a severe asthma attack.
Learn more: What causes violent coughing fits, and how can I stop them?
Honey and saltwater gargles are popular home remedies for coughing. You can also drink herbal teas made of peppermint, ginger, slippery elm, thyme, turmeric, or marshmallow root.
There’s some evidence that bromelain supplements and probiotics can help ease a cough, but more evidence is needed. Additionally, if your cough is caused by GERD, avoiding trigger foods may help. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important for soothing a cough.
If your cough persists, be sure to see a doctor. They can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and help find the best treatment for your cough.
Read this article in Spanish.
Last medically reviewed on February 5, 2024
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
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Feb 5, 2024
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