A 2011 study presented in the US National Library of Medicine states that acute cough can be found in 50 cases for every 1000 UK patients annually. Moreover, ‘whooping cough’ was reported 48,277 times in 2012 alone in the United States, according to the CDC. Even though it depends on severity, plenty of these cases can be treated through home remedies for cough.
With the right antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents found in natural home remedies for coughing, the discomfort can easily be relieved. Discover our pick of home remedies for dry cough, home remedies for sore throat and cough and home remedies for whooping cough below.
Safe, Natural & Reliable Home Remedies for Cough
1. Steam
For almost instant relief, steam is your go-to home remedy for dry cough. By inhaling steam prepared with an essential oil, phlegm and mucous will be cleared from the back of your throat. Eucalyptus oil is recommended for its cineole content, a substance with anti-inflammatory properties used for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.
Instructions
- Boil 1 liter of water.
- Pour it into a heat-resistant bowl.
- Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil.
- Stir with a spoon and allow to chill a bit for 1-2 minutes.
- Place your head over the bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Make sure that the water isn’t too hot for your skin.
- Inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
2. Honey
Honey is one of the top home remedies for cough you can find, with benefits for children and adults backed up by research. Thanks to its multitude of properties (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, etc.), honey is also among the few home remedies for baby cough, but only for infants after their first year. Honey can be combined with ingredients like pepper, milk or aloe vera for even better results.
Instructions
Simple Honey
- Swallow 1 tablespoon (adults) or 1 teaspoon (children) of raw honey. Take the honey right before going to bed if the coughing interferes with sleep patterns.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day, depending on how much you cough.
Honey & Black Pepper
- Boil 1 glass of water.
- Put 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a mug.
- Pour the hot water over it.
- Wait for 10 minutes to steep.
- Stir well.
- Drink while very warm.
- Repeat twice a day.
Honey & Warm Milk
- Heat a glass of milk.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Drink while hot.
- Repeat up to 3 times daily.
Honey & Aloe Vera Juice
- Slice 1-2 leaves from an aloe vera plant.
- Extract the juice from the leaves.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Heat until warm and mix well.
- Drink 2-3 times a day.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Among the surprising home remedies for cough is cayenne pepper. Even though we typically use this spicy ingredient for cooked meals, it also soothes the irritation caused by excessive coughing. Cayenne contains capsaicin, a substance rich in anti-inflammatory benefits.
Instructions
- Combine the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- Pour 2 tablespoons of water over the mixed ingredients.
- Swallow 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture 3 times daily.
4. Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is one of the home remedies for a cough as old as the hills. Passed on from generation to generation, salt water has proven to help as a home remedy for cough and congestion for ages. It’s an excellent natural antiseptic and expectorant, and can be used for toddlers, teens and adults.
Instructions
- Warm up 1 glass of water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Stir until the salt dissolves.
- Use a mouthful to gargle for 15 seconds at a time.
- Spit after every gargle.
- Rinse your mouth with fresh water when finished.
5. Lemon
Lemons contain a whopping 88% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C. This vitamin is essential in fighting infection in a natural way, making it one of the best home remedies for cough in kids. It’s also full of anti-inflammatory properties, so don’t hesitate to try it for your cough.
Instructions
- Mix 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Drink up to 4-5 times every day for relief.
6. Almonds
Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients, with impressive quantities of magnesium, dietary fibers, protein, calcium and iron, among many others. This abundance of nutrients recommends almonds as wonderful home remedies for cough, a situation that requires as many minerals as possible.
Instructions
- Place 6-7 almonds in a small bowl of water.
- Allow them to soak for around 8 hours.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of butter and stir until you get a paste.
- Consume this almond butter paste 3-4 times daily.
7. Garlic
Not only is garlic one of the most reliable home remedies for cough and cold, but it also effectively reduces chest pain and other related symptoms. With strong antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits, garlic can relieve a cough when administered properly.
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Add 2-3 clove of garlic to the boiling water, as well as 1 teaspoon of oregano.
- Wait until it cools and add 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Drink up to 3 times a day when experiencing a cough.
8. Carrot
You might already know that carrots are a prime source of vitamin A, with 334% of your daily value in just 100 grams. In addition to this, carrots also contain fair amounts of dietary fibers, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin B-6. With all these nutrients combined, carrots turn out to be amazing home remedies for cold and cough.
Instructions
- Juice 4-5 carrots. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey for taste and extra benefits.
- Drink 3-4 times throughout the day.
9. Mullein
If you want an herbal home remedy for coughing, mullein should be on your shopping list. This herb is a trustworthy astringent and demulcent that has been used for ages in treating respiratory disorders. Not only can it relieve coughs, but it can also help with tuberculosis and asthma.
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried mullein.
- Steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
10. Onion
Good home remedies for cough should possess at least one infection-fighting property. In the case of onions, you not only get a load of antioxidants, but also antibacterial benefits. Combined, they clear the mucus causing your cough.
Instructions
- Mix ½ teaspoon of onion juice with 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
- Consume this 2-3 times a day for soothing effects.
11. Ginger
Ginger root is a best home remedy for cough for many. Its content includes oleoresin, a substance praised for its antitussive benefits. In other words, this substance and the antioxidants in ginger help relieve coughing.
Instructions
- Chop and crush enough ginger for 3 tablespoons.
- Put 4 cups of water in a pot, add the crushed ginger and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the liquid is reduced.
- Add 1 cup of honey to the whole mixture and stir well.
- Store in a bottle after it cools.
- Consume 1 tablespoon once every 3-4 hours.
12. Licorice
Although it might seem gross, you need to expectorate if you are experiencing a moist cough. To do so, you can use ingredients like licorice root to spit the mucus from your throat. Also among the home remedies for cough for kids, licorice root contains the demulcent glycyrrhizin. Ultimately, inflammation will be reduced upon consumption.
Instructions
- Boil 1 8-ounce glass of water.
- Put 2 tablespoons of dried licorice in a cup.
- Pour the hot water over.
- Wait for 10 minutes to steep.
- Drink 1-2 times a day.
* Do not use licorice root if you suffer from high blood pressure, kidney problems or are on steroids.
13. Black Pepper
Not only can black pepper be swallowed with honey as a home remedy for cough and cold, but it can also be used for tea. Used in traditional Chinese healing, black pepper is known to support the flow of mucus, clearing the throat.
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of hot water over 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper and 2 tablespoons of raw honey.
- Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Drink while warm.
14. Grapes
Speaking of expectorants, grapes also contain the ability to help you eliminate phlegm. As home remedies for cough. Additionally, they contain antioxidants like flavonoids or resveratrol, which are just as important. You can also use these juicy fruits for other common health issues, like constipation, high blood pressure and even heart disease.
Instructions
- Eat a bowl of fresh grapes after they have been thoroughly washed.
- Make grape juice as an alternative and drink 2-3 times a day. It is recommended that you juice grapes yourself instead of buying a carton from the store.
15. Turmeric
The 3 types of curcuminoids found in in turmeric (bisdemethoxycurcuminhome, diferuloylmethane and demethoxycurcumin) give this Indian spice its anti-inflammatory benefits. As part of home remedies for bad cough, turmeric also contains antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of carom seeds for boosted effects.
- Boil it all until the water is reduced to half its initial quantity.
- Drink warm 2-3 times daily.
16. Thyme
To conclude our home remedies for cough, we’d like to introduce you to thyme. This lovely herb has been used for centuries on end for soothing violent coughs, thanks to its ability to relax the trachea muscles. Thyme’s antimicrobial benefits will also help battle infection.
Instructions
- Boil 8 ounces of water (the equivalent of a glass).
- Pour it over 2 tablespoons of dried thyme or a handful of fresh herb.
- Wait for 15 minutes, allowing it to steep.
- Drink with honey or lemon, depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, home remedies for cough are numerous and readily available. No matter what home remedy for cold and cough you choose, the symptoms should go away after 3-4 days. If your cough persists after this timeframe, reach out to your doctor for a professional consultation. Your cough, sore throat, cold or congestion should be soothed in the majority of cases after using these home remedies.
What home remedy for a cough was your life saver? Tell us all about your experience below!
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