Natural cough remedies
It is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source does not monitor herbs and supplements, so people who use them may be at risk of using low quality products with impurities.
People who want to try natural remedies to treat their cough should consider researching sources and brands. Additionally, some herbs and supplements can interfere with medications, which may result in unwanted side effects.
It is best to consult a doctor before taking supplements.
Honey
Some people may find that honey can help alleviate a cough.
In a 2021 review of studies, researchers looked at the effect of using honey to treat coughs in upper respiratory infections. The researchers found that honey was superior to usual care, both in suppressing the cough and in helping prevent the need for antibiotics.
In another study, researchers compared honey with dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant, finding that both can be effective in cough management.
A person can use this remedy by swallowing a spoonful of honey or adding it to a hot drink, such as an herbal tea.
Hot fluids
Drinking various warm drinks may provide symptom relief from coughs. Hot beverages that may be comforting include:
clear broths
herbal teas
decaffeinated black tea
hot water with honey and ginger
Steam
A wet cough, which produces mucus or phlegm, may improve with steam.
To try this method, a person should take a hot shower or bath and allow the bathroom to fill with steam. They should stay in this steam for a few minutes until symptoms subside. They can drink a glass of water afterward to cool down and prevent dehydration.
While many believe steam will help with cough and other symptoms, not all evidence supports this. For example, a 2017 studyTrusted Source looking at the use of steam for common cold symptoms found that it did not noticeably improve a person’s symptoms.
Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root is an herb with a long history of use as a treatment for coughs and sore throats. However, current research into its efficacy is lacking.
For example, the authors of a 2020 reviewTrusted Source concluded that marshmallow root extract alone, and as part of various herbal remedies, may have a positive effect on cough symptom management. However, the evidence cited included that from older, small, or animal studies. Further research is necessary to assess its efficacy in people.
Marshmallow root is also available as a dried herb or a bagged tea. A person should add hot water and drink it immediately or allow it to cool first. The longer the marshmallow root steeps in the water, the more mucilage will be in the drink
Saltwater gargle
People have long used saltwater gargles to help alleviate sore throats and symptoms associated with the common cold. They may also help loosen mucus and alleviate some pain.
A person can make a saltwater gargle by:
stirring 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water until it dissolves
allowing the solution to cool slightly before using it to gargle
letting the mixture sit at the back of the throat for a few moments before spitting it out
doing this several times each day until the cough improves
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme that comes from pineapples. It is most plentiful in the core of the fruit.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and may also have mucolytic properties, which means it can break down mucus and remove it from the body.
Some people drink pineapple juice daily to reduce mucus in the throat and suppress coughing. However, there may not be enough bromelain in the juice to relieve symptoms.
Thyme
Thyme has both culinary and medicinal uses and is a commonly used remedy for a cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and digestive issues.
In a 2015 meta-analysisTrusted Source of several studies, researchers noted that strong evidence suggests that using thyme preparations helped alleviate people’s cough symptoms. However, they noted that additional studies are needed to demonstrate its overall effectiveness.
A more recent study in 2021 showed that people using a combination of thyme and ivy drops showed improvement in bronchitis symptoms, cough, and overall quality of life. They also noted that people experienced few side effects using the drops.
Dietary changes for acid reflux
Acid reflux is a common cause of a cough. Avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux is one of the best ways to manage this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies it.
Every individual may have different reflux triggers that they need to avoid. People who are unsure of what causes their reflux can begin by eliminating the most common triggers from their diet and monitoring their symptoms.
Common triggers of acid reflux include:
alcohol
caffeine
chocolate
citrus foods
fried and fatty foods
garlic and onions
mint
spices and spicy foods
tomatoes and tomato-based products
11. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
NAC is a supplement made from the amino acid L-cysteine. Reducing mucus in the airways may lessen the frequency and severity of a wet cough.
People may use NAC in the treatment of chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, a prolonged inflammation of the airways that causes mucus buildup and a cough.
NAC can have severe side effects, including hives, swelling, fever, and difficulty breathing. Anyone considering this approach should speak with a doctor first.
Tips to help prevent a cold
It is not always possible to avoid getting a cold or other respiratory tract infection that can lead to a cough, but avoiding contact with people who are sick, regular handwashing, and staying hydrated can help reduce the risk.
Discover other top tips for preventing a cold.
How to prevent coughing
When dealing with a cold or other respiratory tract infection, a person may want more immediate relief. While some of the above remedies, such as honey or steam, may help more immediately, others do not work as quickly.
Some additional steps a person may find helpful for reducing their cough include:
drinking warm fluids, such as broth or tea
avoiding dairy products
avoiding alcohol
breathing in moist air from shower steam or a humidifier
A person may also find some relief with over-the-counter medications, such as those containing dextromethorphan, or cough drops. These can help suppress a cough.
When to consult a doctor
A person should speak with a doctor if the following symptoms accompany a cough:
foul-smelling green or yellow phlegm
chills
dehydration
fever over 102°F
fever that lasts for more than 3 days
weakness
a cough that lasts for a long time or is recurrent
People should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if a cough brings up blood or causes breathing difficulties.
Summary
Several natural remedies may help relieve a person’s cough directly or indirectly.
Though many have at least some scientific backing, they may not work for everyone. Also, natural remedies do not guarantee safety for everyone.
People taking medications or living with certain health conditions should consider talking with a qualified healthcare professional before trying any new supplements or home remedies.