Home Remedies for Cough – 22 Ways to Treat Cough Naturally

Did you know that having a cough is the most common health-related complaint in the U.S. It’s not surprising – it can be triggered in various ways and can affect anyone. That’s why knowing about the numerous home remedies for cough is so useful – you can tackle a cough with natural solutions that you probably already have!

Having a cough is something every single person goes through, sometimes daily. The issue is not serious and occurs most due to something irritating the breathing passage. However, if you are constantly bugged by aching and itchy throat combined with persistent coughing or a chronic cough, ignoring your cough can be quite difficult.

If you want to skip the typical over-the-counter pharmacy cough medicine like cough drops and cough syrup, try experimenting with one of the natural remedies below to tackle those cold symptoms!

8 Natural Cough Remedies

Here are some natural cough medicines that have been shared by people just like you. I’ve tried several myself, too (#9 really worked for me).

Remember to join the conversation and share your experiences in the comments at the end of this article!

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is said to be a solution for just about everything, including coughs. Just mix a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in 8-10 ounces of water and drink it over time. You could drink it warm, add honey, or use less water or more ACV for a stronger or less strong mixture. Drink at a rate that is comfortable for you.

If it doesn’t help your cough, it should for sure help a sore throat.

2. Aloe Juice

The book ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing House highlights that aloe vera is beneficial for easing coughs and bronchial asthma. It possesses antiseptic qualities that aid in tackling colds and soothing sore throats.

Rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties, aloe vera strengthens the body’s defense against infections and their complications. Its potent anti-inflammatory capabilities inhibit the production of histamine, thereby preventing allergic reactions.

Mixing aloe juice and honey will also help to clear your passageways. Drinking warm aloe juice may be more effective.

3. Licorice

Known to soothe irritated or inflamed throats, licorice root has been used for ages to treat coughs and bronchial issues. Using real licorice, simply add an ounce of sliced licorice sticks to a quart of boiling water, letting it steep for 24 hours. Add honey, and drink up.

4. Slippery Elm

Like licorice, slippery elm is also a mucus-producer. You’ll usually find this in powder form from herbalists. It can be added to water and heated to make a natural cough “syrup.”

Slippery elm contains a substance known as mucilage, which is a complex mix of sugars that the human body cannot digest. This mucilage forms a protective coating over the throat, which explains why slippery elm is a common ingredient in numerous commercial throat lozenges.

It is thought that slippery elm acts as an antitussive, making it effective for treating coughs and symptoms associated with upper respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

5. Thyme

Thyme, a key ingredient in many herbal cough drops, is a time-tested remedy known for its ability to calm irritated bronchial tubes.

Studies have demonstrated that thyme can offer more rapid and effective relief from coughs in people with acute bronchitis compared to a placebo. Additionally, thyme is appreciated for its pleasant aroma and taste.

Steam Inhalation Instructions

• Boil a pot of water and remove from heat to cool a bit.
• Place 1-2 drops of thyme essential oil in the pot and immediately place your head over the pot.
• Cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Keep your head at least 18 inches above the water.
• Take several moderate to deep breaths at least somewhat through your nose.
• Repeat.

6. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root, often found in natural and herbal cough syrups and lozenges, is known for its mucilage content, which may coat and soothe the esophagus.

Several small-scale studies indicate the potential benefits of marshmallow root in treating coughs. For instance, one study revealed that marshmallow root in the form of lozenges or syrup was effective in alleviating dry coughs.

Other research found that an herbal blend containing marshmallow root, along with chamomile and common mallow, reduced the severity of coughs and nighttime disturbances in children compared to a placebo.

7. Pineapple Juice

In a 2010 issue of Der Pharma Chemica, researchers reported a mixture of raw pineapple juice, pepper, salt, and honey was able to dissolve mucus in the lungs of tuberculosis patients.

Pineapple Cough Suppressant Recipe

• 1 cup of fresh pineapple juice
•  1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches)
• 1 Tbsp raw honey
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

8. Garlic

Often hailed as an effective immunity booster, garlic is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial components. Boiling cloves of garlic and drinking it like tea may not only make it easier to breathe but could also help alleviate itchiness in your throat. Alternatively, just add a clove of raw garlic to your meal or eat it straight. Aim for 1 or 2 cloves each day.

9. Honey

Honey can be just as effective as a medicinal cough suppressant. Ease some of the symptoms and discomfort by taking a tablespoon of raw honey in place of a cough suppressant. This can help coat your throat and keep your cough at bay. Honey can help with acute cough, too.

10. Hot Milk with Honey

This is a great home remedy for dry cough. The combination of warm milk and honey may help to ease the roughness and chest pain you may be experiencing. If consumed before bedtime, you would unlikely wake up in the middle of the night to cough as well.

11. Buckwheat Honey for Cough

Dr. John La Puma, a practicing physician and professionally trained chef, says buckwheat honey is a safer alternative to cough medicine for youngsters because over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines are not recommended for children under 6.

12. Honey and Coffee

Have you ever heard of combining honey and coffee for a cough? While we usually put honey with tea, actual studies have revealed that mixing the sweet sap with coffee could have its own unique benefits – including cough suppression.

According to work published in the Primary Care Respiratory Journal, this natural combination could be more effective at treating certain coughs than the commonly prescribed systemic steroids.

13. Ginger

The ginger has to be partially sliced and boiled. To ensure potency, it should also be crushed a bit before boiling – crushing it will help to draw out the active ingredients. Drinking ginger as a tea will ease a sore throat, non-stop coughing, and even congestion.

14. Mullein Tea

Acting as an expectorant to draw out trapped mucous, mullein tea can be an excellent home remedy for cough and sore throat.

Start by filling a tea ball or strainer with mullein herb (dried). Then, steep the herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Finally, sip and drink as desired. You may also add some raw honey for taste and a boosted effect.

15. Gargle with Salt Water

Though slightly unpleasant, this well-known home remedy can help ease inflammation and clear the throat of bacteria. It can also loosen mucus, which helps reduce a cough.

Take one teaspoon of salt and stir it into a glass of warm water. Gargle for one minute, then spit out. Repeat this once or twice per day to see a noticeable difference.

16. Coconut Oil

Instead of using commercial throat lozenges, swallow 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil three times per day. Add in a little bit of licorice root tea to make it even more soothing. Do this any time you have a cold or a cough instead of turning to commercial solutions.

Coconut oil may also improve your brain health overall.

17. Kiwi

Kiwi has specifically been used in studies to prevent respiratory issues – potentially even upper respiratory tract infections.

One study, published in the journal Thorax, found that those consuming the most citrus and kiwi fruit were 44% less likely than the control group to experience wheezing, 28% less likely to experience runny nose, 25% less likely to have chronic cough, and 32% less likely to have shortness of breath.

18. Chocolate

Many people think chocolate makes you cough. Well, it might. But it also might not! Click the link and read more about that if you want.

19. Soup / Salty Broth

When University of Nebraska researchers tested 13 brands of chicken soup, they found that all of them except one (chicken-flavored ramen noodle, loaded with carbs and MSG anyway) blocked the migration of inflammatory white cells.

What does that mean? Well, it’s important because cold symptoms are a response to the accumulation of inflammatory white cells in the bronchial tubes. During cooking, chicken releases cysteine, an amino acid that chemically resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine.

Not only that, but the salty broth thins mucus much the same way that cough medicines do. Spices like garlic and onions only increase the soup’s immunity-boosting superpowers.

20. Almonds

Some ancient societies used almonds to help cure upper respiratory infections and coughs.

Take some almonds and grind them up. Place some into a cup of orange juice. Sip this throughout the day and you should begin to notice a difference in your cough as the day progresses.

21. Stay Hydrated with Water or Steam

If you have an upper respiratory infection, your cough can be a result of postnasal drip irritating the back of your throat. To help get rid of this, ensure that you’re properly hydrated to wash away some of the mucus.

You can use steam from taking a hot shower and breathing in deeply, boiling water and sitting over it with a towel over your head and breathing in the steam, or use a humidifier in the room you’re in.

However, be careful with humidifiers as if they aren’t cleaned, they can harbor bacteria and make you even sicker.

22. Grapes

Grapes are thought to be a natural expectorant, helping to loosen and expel excess phlegm. Try making grape juice yourself (instead of buying it boxed from the grocery store) and mix it with some honey before you drink it.

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These cough remedies provide natural solutions without the nasty side effects accompanied by pharmaceuticals.

Don’t forget to share what works and what doesn’t work for you!

Uncommon and Surprising Cough Culprits

Allergies / Dust Mites

In people who are allergic and suffer from asthma, ongoing exposure to dust mites can cause an immune system response known as allergic rhinitis.

A mild case of allergic rhinitis can cause an occasional runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. However, a severe allergy to dust mites can result in persistent sneezing, coughing, congestion, facial pressure, or a severe asthma attack.

Asthma

Asthma is a disease that causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest congestion, and chest pain in both children and adults.

Candles, Perfume, Air Fresheners, Smoke

Some people have lots of issues with irritants that are in the air. This can include things like perfume, air fresheners, and smoke.

If you often have a candle burning or have a room freshener, put them away for a little while and see if that helps your cough. Don’t go into a room where there is a lot of smoke. It is best to avoid it altogether as no matter what the cause of your cough, the smoke can cause a coughing episode.

Remember to comment below with what works and what doesn’t work for you!

Additional Sources:

Michigan State University

WebMD

MedlinePlus

KidsHealth

MayoClinic

eMedicineHealth