Everybody knows that a cough is one of those common annoyances that you can’t avoid. Usually, your body will get rid of the bug naturally, but sometimes a cough can last for weeks and become a problem.

You might find yourself hacking up phlegm or gasping for air even during the day. Luckily though, there are a number of natural remedies that will help you feel better in no time!

What Causes Cough?

Coughing is a reflex that helps clear mucus from the throat, bronchi, and lungs. It’s an involuntary action that can be caused by viruses, colds, or respiratory tract infections. Although it may not sound appetizing, your spouse will love you for suggesting honey as a cough remedy. Honey’s antibacterial properties make it excellent at reducing inflammation.

Different Types of Coughs

There are many different types of coughs and it can be difficult to know which one you have. Coughing is often caused by a foreign irritant in the throat or lungs, such as a cold or flu. It’s important to determine what type of cough you have so that we can recommend the proper remedy. For example, if your cough is dry and hacking, then you may want to drink lots of fluids like water and tea. If your cough has mucous in it, then honey or hot lemon water will help alleviate that symptom.

Cough Remedies

There are many different treatments and cough remedies available, but it can be difficult to find which one is right for you. Luckily, we’ve gathered the best ways to clear that annoying cough. We hope that this helps you to find the right cure.

Peppermint Oil Rub

This home remedy is incredibly simple. Peppermint oil can help calm a cough, and it smells fresh and invigorating. Add a few drops of the essential oil to your hands and rub them together or dab a little on your neck or chest. You can also use it in a diffuser to reduce nighttime coughs in infants and toddlers.

You can also make an essential oil rub by combining peppermint oil with some coconut oil. To make the rub, combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint oil in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Another way to utilize peppermint oils as a home remedy for a cough is to take a hot shower with peppermint oil. The heat and steam from your shower will ease any congestion and loosen up mucus that’s blocking your airways.

Honey and Lemon

Honey and lemon are natural remedies that treat coughs due to their soothing qualities. Honey not only reduces coughing but also loosens phlegm in the throat, which is why it’s also good for people with bronchitis or asthma.

The citric acid in lemon helps to break up mucus in the throat, giving you relief from coughing. Simply mix honey and lemon juice with hot water for instant relief of your cough.

The honey-lemon mixture is one of the most popular natural cough remedies out there. It has been used medically for centuries to relieve coughing, sore throat, and inflammation. Raw honey is a great way to soothe a sore throat because it provides antibacterial properties that kill bacteria that cause pain and soreness.

It also contains antioxidants that help protect your body from free radicals which can lead to cancer or heart disease. The lemon will also have immune-boosting anti-inflammatory properties which are excellent for reducing pain, but it also helps loosen up phlegm so you cough less.

This is an old remedy that is often used for chest congestion. The soothing mixture of honey and lemon can soothe the throat and help with coughs. You could also use it as a tea or gargle to relieve sore throats.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is one of the most common and popular home remedies for a cough. It’s easy to make and tastes great, too! Soaking ginger in hot water releases the volatile oils that give it its flavor and medicinal qualities.

You can drink it as-is or add honey to sweeten it. Ginger tea is often recommended as a remedy for the common cold and other respiratory illnesses like the flu because it helps loosen congestion and promotes sweating to help you cool down.

Ginger tea can help you get rid of that annoying cough because it contains less than 1% of the amount of caffeine found in coffee. Plus, it’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps clear congestion and soothe a sore throat.

Ginger has long been used to treat coughing, nausea, and pain. It’s an anti-inflammatory agent that is believed to help increase blood flow to the respiratory tract, easing its soreness. To make ginger tea, boil the ginger root in water for 1-2 minutes. Remove the ginger and add honey or lemon for taste.

Gargling with warm saltwater

Gargling with warm water containing 1/2 tsp salt mixed in will help loosen the phlegm and make it easier to cough up. The addition of salt helps kill bacteria in the throat, helping to reduce inflammation.

Saltwater can help loosen phlegm in your throat and make it easier to cough up. If you have bronchitis, this may be all you need to get rid of that annoying cough.

For this remedy, mix one teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of water. Stir the mixture until the salt has dissolved completely, then gargle for up to one minute, spitting out any extra mixture afterward.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries to combat illness. Its antiviral properties make it especially beneficial for fighting colds. Garlic can be taken in both raw or cooked form, either as an ingredient in dishes or by eating by itself.

You can just eat a garlic clove and you’ll be surprised at the instant relief that it will offer. This is because it is an anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent, meaning it’s good for fighting off many infections.

When taken as a supplement, garlic boosts the body’s immune system and helps fight off any infection that may be aggravating your cough.

You can also eat garlic as food by adding it to your diet as an ingredient in many different dishes. If you have a cold or the flu, garlic could help you recover faster because it contains potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Eucalyptus

One of the best natural remedies to combat a cough is eucalyptus. Just boiling some water, then adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil will help break up any mucous that may be causing the coughing.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) has been used for centuries to cure coughs. The leaves are made into tea, and the oil is also extracted from the eucalyptus plant to be used as an inhalant. It is an expectorant which means that it helps expel phlegm or mucous from the body. It’s also antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral which makes it perfect for treating coughs.

Eucalyptus leaves are also effective when they’re crushed and boiled for 20 minutes with some cinnamon. Steep the mixture for 10-20 minutes and drink three cups per day.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium oil is an inexpensive, natural remedy for coughing. It is one of the most popular essential oils on the market today. It has a relaxing effect on the body that may alleviate muscle cramping, spasms, and pain.

Geranium oil is a herbaceous essential oil, derived from the dried flowers of plants of the genus Pelargonium, which are in the geranium family. This plant has been used for medicinal purposes since the 16th century. It is a strong anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent. It is also a potent expectorant and antiseptic with antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Studies have also shown that it can reduce inflammation, provide relief from pain, and even curb the symptoms of anxiety. It is also effective for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, cancer, chronic coughs, high blood pressure, or who are just generally stressed out. You can use it in an aromatherapy diffuser to help you relax when you feel like your stress levels are getting too high.

Pectin

Pectin is a natural ingredient not found in many people’s kitchens. However, it can provide relief from coughs when taken appropriately. Pectin is a soluble fiber that forms the backbone of fruit’s cell walls. The body can’t digest pectin, so it moves through the intestines and binds to anything that irritates the gut, such as gas and stool.

One of the most effective natural remedies for coughs is pectin. Its dry form can be taken as a pill or powder, but it can also be mixed with water to make a thick, gel-like syrup.

This recipe is beneficial for those who are looking for something that tastes better than other natural remedies, especially for children. Pectin can help provide relief from coughs by acting as an expectorant.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root is an herbaceous plant and a member of the Plantaginaceae family. It has been used in Europe to treat respiratory ailments for centuries. Some studies have shown that marshmallow root may support immune function, relieve pain, and ease inflammation.

It can be boiled in water to make a tea, or it can be combined with other herbs like licorice root to make a stronger mix. What makes marshmallow root so special? It contains flavonoids that are good for the skin and mucous membranes. These flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory properties which help with coughing, wheezing, and asthma.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme that comes from pineapple. It is often used in medicine to treat inflammation, bruising, and fever. Bromelain can also be used as a cough suppressant because it breaks down the mucus in our lungs. This helps people get over their colds faster too.

It has been used to help break down food by digesting proteins. This helps with indigestion, inflammation, and circulation. Bromelain is also good for reducing pain from bruising, swelling, or broken bones because the enzyme helps our body break down fibrin.

Thyme

Thyme is an herb that can help to relieve coughs. It does this by loosening mucus and clearing the airways. Thyme also has antibacterial properties that help to fight infections. It can be used in conjunction with other remedies, or it can be taken alone to get relief from coughs.

To make your own thyme tincture, combine dried thyme, vodka, or apple cider vinegar, and peppermint oil in a jar. Let it sit for at least two weeks before you use it so the flavors have time to blend together. You can also place fresh thyme on an open flame on your stove until it smokes then inhale the vapors directly from the burner.

Another way to use thyme as a natural remedy for coughs is to use it as an expectorant to stimulate the immune system. Pour boiling water over a handful of thyme and cover, letting it steep for about 10 minutes. You can then sweeten the tea with honey or lemon.

Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm is a natural, edible substance that has soothing properties. It soothes mucous membranes when taken orally, and it’s believed to have aided in the recovery of many people who have suffered from sore throats. Slippery Elm can be found in powdered form at most health food stores or online.

Slippery elm is a bark that can be steeped in water, strained, and boiled for about 30 minutes. It is the only herbal remedy that gives quick relief to dry coughs. Slippery elm coats the throat and soothes it to stop coughing.

It’s known for its ability to soothe sore throat pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. Slippery elm bark powder has also been traditionally used as a liquid thickener in dishes like soups, gravies, and puddings.

Final Thoughts

Having a cough is very common and there are many home remedies that can be done to reduce its duration and severity. A mixture of hot water and lemon, peppermint tea with honey, boiled ginger, garlic clove with onion or apple cider vinegar can provide relief for most people suffering from a cough.