Cough can be a vexing issue, whether it is day or night. Irrespective of age and gender, constant coughing causes soreness and irritation in your throat, resulting in an uncomfortable feeling. But don’t worry! With the plethora of home remedies for cough mentioned in this article, you will be able to treat this common ailment effectively.

Read on to know all you need to know about the remedies you can use at the comfort of your home that can kick out the irritation from your throat.


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Best Home Remedies for Cough:

Here is the list of some of the Effective home remedies you can try to reduce the intensity of cough:

1. Pineapple:


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The nutrients present in the pineapple juice help reduce the symptoms of cough naturally. Pineapple contains a protein-digesting enzyme mixture called bromelain that works as one of the best home remedies to stop coughing. According to a study, pineapple juice made with other ingredients thin out the mucus, reducing cough bouts (1).

Ingredients:

  1. One cup of fresh pineapple juice.
  2. Two tbsp of honey.
  3. A dash of salt.
  4. A dash of black pepper powder.

Preparation:

  • Add the ingredients to the fresh pineapple juice.
  • Mix it thoroughly.
  • Refrigerate the drink after consuming 1/4th cup of it.

2. Lozenges:

Lozenges are also called cough drops, which ease the scratchiness and dryness, reducing the urge to cough fast by adding moisture to your throat. These tablets are available in several flavours, and menthol can be a perfect choice if you have a sore throat.

Caution: Lozenges may block your airway if you take them right before you are sleeping.

3. Tea Made with Spices:


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You can say goodbye to that annoying cough with a refreshing yet straightforward cup of tea made with spices, also called masala tea. When you combine the goodness of hibiscus tea, a rich vitamin C source with cloves and cardamom helps clear up the sinus passages efficiently (2). The antioxidant-rich ingredients of masala tea give you immediate relief from cough.

Ingredients:

  1. One hibiscus tea bag.
  2. One cup of hot water.
  3. Cardamom
  4. Cinnamon.
  5. Cloves.

Preparation:

  • Boil the water with all the herbs in the ingredients list or the things you have at your home.
  • Let it steep for a few minutes.
  • Strain the leaves and drink the tea daily until the cough subsides.

4. Probiotics:


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Although Probiotics may not directly reduce your cough bouts, the microorganisms in Probiotics help maintain the balance of the bacteria living in your intestines, among many other health benefits.

Consuming probiotics improves the immune system’s functioning, which tends to decrease infections in the upper respiratory tract, according to studies (3), but more research is needed.

Although Probiotics are healthy, it is better to consult your doctor since there are many variations available. Some of the fermented foods you can consume naturally are:

  • Yogurt.
  • Miso.
  • Sauerkraut.
  • Kombucha.
  • Kimchi.
  • Tempeh.
  • Sourdough.

5. Peppermint:


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The healing properties of peppermint leaves make them one of the good home remedies to reduce cough. The menthol in peppermint acts as a decongestant, breaking down the mucus, soothing the throat in the process (4).

Ingredients:

  1. Half a cup of peppermint leaves.
  2. Honer as per your choice.
  3. Two cups of boiling water.

Preparation:

  • Boil the two cups of water with peppermint leaves in them.
  • Let it steep for a few minutes.
  • Strain the leaves and add the water into a cup.
  • Add honey and mix it well.

6. Over the Counter Medicine:

Many of the over-the-counter medications work differently for each person, which are expectorants and suppressants. Depending upon the type of cough you have, the symptoms and usage of any other drugs are considered before a cough medication is prescribed for you.

Although OTC can give you instant relief from cough, consulting your doctor to see what suits your body the best. Before heading to the drugstore, check with your medical practitioner.

See Also: Best Cough Syrup Names in India

7. Almonds:


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Almonds work as one of the effective home remedies to cure cough by relieving bronchial problems. The immune-boosting properties of almonds give you a soothing and refreshing feeling (5). If you are suffering from a dry cough, try using this home remedy.

Ingredients:

  1. A fresh cup of orange juice.
  2. Seven to eight almonds.

Preparation:

  • Make a fine powder by grinding the almonds.
  • Add the orange juice to the almond powder and blend it well.
  • Sip the juice as frequently as possible until you reduce your cough.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar:


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The never-ending benefits of apple cider vinegar make it one of the best home remedies to treat cough effectively. ACV soothes your throat with the help of antimicrobial and PH-balancing properties (6).

Ingredients:

  1. A glass of warm water.
  2. Two tbsp of apple cider vinegar.

Preparation:

  • Add the apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and mix it well.
  • Gargle with the liquid.
  • Caution: Make sure not to ingest the liquid.

9. Black Pepper:


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Black pepper works as a natural chest decongestant and cough suppressant, making it one of the quick cough remedies for adults (7). Although this remedy may sting a little at first, it suppresses your cough for a couple of hours.

Ingredients:

  1. One tbsp of freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Two tbsp of honey.
  3. One cup of water.

Preparation:

  • Boil a cup of water.
  • Add the ingredients to the cup of hot water.
  • Let it steep for 15 minutes.
  • You can drink this tea twice a day.

10. Carrot:


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The antioxidants and phytochemicals that promote good health are abundantly available in carrots (8). These properties of carrots help get rid of cough quickly by fighting the infection in your throat effectively. Drink a cup of a fresh cup of carrot juice in-between meals at least twice a day for efficient results.

11. Cayenne Pepper:


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Cayenne pepper has a compound called capsaicin that helps reduce chronic cough, which might be very difficult to deal (9). It helps desensitize the throat reducing the bouts of cough. You can either steep chilli peppers in warm water or add hot sauce to water according to your taste to get relief from cough quickly.

Caution: This remedy is not suitable for kids.

12. Flax Seeds:


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Flax seeds soothe the cough reflex by forming a mucus-like substance when combined with a liquid. It helps treat sore throats, making it one of the best home remedies for a cough with phlegm (10). You can use this remedy as frequently as possible for quick results.

Ingredients:

  1. Ground flax seeds.
  2. Two cups of water.
  3. One tbsp of fresh lemon juice.
  4. One tbsp of honey.

Preparation:

  • Boil the flax seeds in two cups of water.
  • Reduce the liquid in half.
  • Strain the liquid and add lemon juice and honey to it.
  • Mix it well before drinking.

13. Ginger:


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Ginger is another ingredient commonly available in many households that can be effective in treating cough. It helps relieve pain and discomfort in your throat by boosting your immune system with the help of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (11).

Ingredients:

  1. Fresh ginger root.
  2. One tbsp of honey.
  3. Two cups of water.

Preparation:

  • Boil two cups of water and add ginger root to it.
  • Let it steep for a few minutes.
  • Strain the liquid and add honey to it.
  • Mix it well before you drink.

14. Green Tea:


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Green tea is one of the commonly used beverages many of us consume. It is used for a wide range of health benefits. Green tea inhibits microbes, effectively reducing the effect of cough (12). Drinking green tea is quite useful only when taken in moderate amounts.

Ingredients:

  1. One glass of hot water.
  2. One green tea bag.
  3. One tbsp of honey.

preparation:

  • Place the green tea bag into the hot cup of water.
  • Let it steep for a few minutes.
  • Add honey and mix it well before drinking it.

Caution: Make sure not to drink it before bedtime.

15. Have Fluids:

If you want to treat cough during cold and dry months of the year, drinking plenty of water and keeping yourself hydrated is the key. Hot water for cough helps you avoid scratchy irritation by keeping your throat moist.

Drinking warm fluids like broth or herbal tea, fruits, and veggies with high water content can be useful. Try to avoid energy drinks, caffeinated drinks to aggravate the condition further.

16. Honey:


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Honey is a famous homemade treatment for a much more effective cough than many other OTC medications (13). You can use this in combination with cinnamon that soothes your inflamed respiratory passages, clearing away the sinuses.

Ingredients:

  1. A dash of cinnamon powder.
  2. One tbsp of honey.

Preparation:

  • Add the cinnamon powder to the honey.
  • Mix the ingredients well and consume it twice a day till the cough subsides.

17. Hot Shower:

Who doesn’t love a hot shower? The steam from a hot shower bath help reduces the nasal congestion loosening the mucus, making it easier to expel. This process adds moisture to the air by easing the cough. Try closing your bathroom doors and trapping the hot vapours in the area, creating a perfect atmosphere to reduce your throat’s scratchiness.

18. Jeera Water:


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Jeera is a commonly found ingredient in many households and is the best home remedy for cough. It relieves you from the cough and inflammation in your throat by drying all the mucus with its strong anti-congestive properties (14).

Ingredients:

  1. One tbsp of jeera.
  2. Two cups of water.

Preparation:

  • Boil two cups of water with jeera in it.
  • Reduce it to half.
  • Strain the jeera and drink the liquid two to three times a day.

19. Licorice:


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The potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects of licorice root help ease upper respiratory infections. It also reduces the inflammation caused in your respiratory tract, relieving cough and sore throat, making it a quick remedy for cough (15).

Ingredients:

  1. One tbsp of licorice root powder.
  2. One tbsp of honey.
  3. A glass of water.

Preparation:

  • Boil a glass of water with licorice root powder in it.
  • Strain and add the honey to the cup and mix it well.

20. Marshmallow:


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If you want a natural treatment for cough, marshmallow is a perfect herbal option. Marshmallow coats the throat and soothes irritation with the help of the component called mucilage.

The antibacterial, antitussive, mucilaginous properties of this herb’s leaves and roots relieve sore throat and suppress the cough. The inflammation in both mouth and throat creates a soothing effect on membranes.

Caution: Keep this herb away from the reach of kids.

21. Raisins:


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Raisins are considered one of the best cough treatments that you can easily carry around. The concentrated sugars, along with other beneficial compounds present in raisins, comes in handy. Unlike the concoctions, we make our kids drink; this remedy is attractive for kids. You can ease the coughing in kids by consuming a spoonful of sauce prepared with raisins.

22. Saltwater Gargling:

Saltwater gargling has been a part of home remedies for cough for centuries. When used for gargling, salt or sodium chloride reduces the throat pain associated with cough. It acts as an antibacterial agent soothing your throat by providing humidity. Reduce the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections by following this remedy regularly (16).

Ingredients:

  1. One tbsp of salt.
  2. One glass of warm water.

Preparation:

  • Add the salt to the glass of water and mix it well.
  • Gargle using this liquid at least twice a day.

Caution: Ingesting salt water may cause vomiting in some people.

23. Steam:

One of the quick and easy home remedies to get rid of a cough is inhaling steam. The warm vapor relieves the inflammation in your throat by moisturizing the dry and irritated airways. It helps deal with wet cough associated with respiratory disorders or wet cough caused by allergies. It helps to spit out phlegm by clearing the nasal and chest congestion.

Ingredients:

  1. A big bowl of boiling water.
  2. A few drops of eucalyptus oil.

Preparation:

  • Add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to the hot water.
  • Take a towel and cover your head over the bowl of hot water.
  • Breathe in the vapours for instant relief.

Caution: Maintain a safe distance to avoid burns and keep kids away from hot water.

See Also: Effective Ways to Get Rid of Phlegm

24. Thyme:


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Thyme offers fast relief for a cough with the help of its antimicrobial properties. This delicate help helps treat infections that cause cough. It also helps reduce any throat pain caused due to cough by acting as a mild sedative (17). Drink this herbal tea for soothing relief in your throat.

Ingredients:

  1. One tbsp of thyme leaves.
  2. One cup of water.

Preparation:

  • Add thyme leaves to the cup of water.
  • Boil the contents well till the amount reduces to half.
  • Drink the liquid once or twice a day.

25. Turmeric Milk:


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The warmness of milk gets rid of sputum, relieving the itchy and dry feeling in your throat. The antibacterial and healing properties of turmeric help cure the instance of cough quickly (18). The combination of turmeric and warm milk works as an effective home remedy for cough.

Ingredients:

  1. A glass of milk.
  2. One tbsp of turmeric powder.
  3. One tbsp honey for taste.

Preparation:

  • Add the tbsp of turmeric powder to the glass of warm milk.
  • Add honey according to your taste and mix it well.
  • Consume this concoction till your cough subsides completely.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Make sure to consult a doctor if your cough doesn’t stop in a few weeks and notice any of the following symptoms:

  • If you get in yellowish-green phlegm while coughing.
  • Wheezing.
  • Cough accompanied by fever of more than 100oF.
  • If you cough up blood.
  • And, If you have shortness of breath.

If you are prone to cough often, it is necessary to rule out the root cause and start treating it with the home remedies for cough mentioned in this article. By taking some simple precautionary measures, and a healthy diet, the cough’s occurrence can be reduced to a great extent. Choose the remedy that suits you and try it for yourself. Don’t forget to let us know how this article has helped you!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes and not a replacement for medical advice. It is always better to consult a doctor before you start using anything new regarding your health.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

1. What are the Types of Cough?

Ans: Here is a list of how cough is categorized, and some may require more prolonged treatment, some clear up quickly with home remedies.

  • Chronic cough: If your cough persists for more than eight weeks, and meet a physician as soon as possible.
  • If your cough lasts less than three weeks, it is called acute cough.
  • Also, If your cough lasts anywhere between three and eight weeks, it is called sub-acute cough.
  • If there is no expulsion of sputum, then it is a dry or nonproductive cough.
  • And, If you cough up sputum, it is called a productive cough.
  • If your cough occurs only at night, it is called a nocturnal cough.

2. What are the Symptoms of a Cough?

Ans: Some of the common symptoms of cough are:

  • Pain in your chest.
  • Weariness.
  • Intense heat from your body.
  • Chills.
  • Cold.
  • Breathing difficulty.
  • Headache.
  • Deranged sleep.
  • Nose block.

3. How Safe are Cough Medicines for Pregnant Women?

Ans: Although over-the-counter medications for cough are relatively safe for pregnant women, it is always safe to consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Saanvi

About Saanvi

Saanvi Sharma is an excellent web content writer in health and nutrition. Her expertise in the subject stems from in-depth research and knowledge that she gained over the years. Her interest in science coupled with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology proves as an added advantage and further adds value to her writing. She is highly interested in science, thus writing quality content became her virtue.
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