Introduction
Coughing is a reflex that helps keep your airways clear of irritants, obstructions, and secretions. Though it is a normal process, persistent coughing can be annoying, exhausting, and indicative of an underlying medical condition, such as the common cold, flu, allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or pneumonia. Finding an effective remedy for coughing is crucial for maintaining your respiratory health and quality of life.
7 Natural Remedies to Stop Coughing Fast
If you prefer to avoid over-the-counter drugs or want to complement your medical treatment with natural remedies, you may find the following options helpful:
Honey
Honey is a natural cough suppressant and throat soother due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. You can take 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey by mouth or add it to your tea, warm water, or lemon juice.
Ginger tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and expectorant effects, making it an excellent choice for treating coughing and sore throat. You can make ginger tea by steeping 1-2 tablespoons of grated ginger in hot water for 10-15 minutes, adding lemon and honey if desired.
Lemon and honey
Combining lemon and honey can provide a double boost of vitamin C and antioxidants while reducing inflammation and coughing. You can mix the juice of half a lemon and a tablespoon of honey in warm water and drink it throughout the day.
Saltwater gargle
Gargling with salt water can help reduce swelling and irritation in your throat, break up mucus, and kill bacteria and viruses. You can mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle it for 30 seconds several times a day.
Steam inhalation
Inhaling steam can help moisten and loosen your airways, ease congestion, and relieve coughing. You can boil water in a pot, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam for 10-15 minutes. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender can enhance the benefits.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has decongestant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your throat, open up your airways, and alleviate coughing. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser or a bowl of hot water, or mix it with a carrier oil and apply it to your chest or throat.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-tumor activities that can relieve coughing and enhance respiratory health. You can mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with honey and warm milk, or use it as a spice in your recipes.
Say Goodbye to Coughing: Effective Home Remedies You Need to Try
If you want to expand your repertoire of natural remedies, here are some options that have been used for centuries in different cultures:
Onion cough syrup
Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid that can reduce inflammation and mucus production in your lungs and throat. You can make onion syrup by slicing an onion, covering it with honey, and letting it sit overnight. You can then strain the mixture and take a tablespoon several times a day.
Thyme tea
Thyme has antitussive, expectorant, and bronchodilator properties that can loosen phlegm, calm spasms, and improve airflow. You can make thyme tea by boiling fresh or dried thyme leaves in water, steeping for 10-15 minutes, and adding honey and lemon if desired.
Licorice root tea
Licorice root has demulcent and expectorant effects that can soothe your throat, thin your mucus, and reduce coughing. You can make licorice tea by steeping a tablespoon of chopped licorice root in hot water for 10-15 minutes, and drinking it 1-2 times a day. Note that licorice root may interact with some medications and increase blood pressure, so consult your doctor before use.
Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can coat your throat, reduce irritation, and promote healing. You can make marshmallow root tea by boiling the dried root in water, simmering for 30 minutes, and drinking it 3-4 times a day.
Slippery elm
Slippery elm bark has similar soothing and healing properties as marshmallow root, but with a different taste. You can mix the powdered bark with water to form a paste or a tea, and drink it 2-3 times a day.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that can fight infections and relieve coughing. You can add a few drops of oregano oil to a carrier oil or a glass of water and drink it, or apply it externally to your chest or throat.
Experts Share Their Top Tips for Soothing a Persistent Cough
If your cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by high fever, chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention. In the meantime, here are some general tips from experts that can help you feel better:
Hydration
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm water, can help loosen mucus, soothe your throat, and prevent dehydration.
Rest
Resting your body and voice can give your immune system more energy to fight infections and reduce inflammation in your throat.
Avoiding irritants
Avoiding smoke, dust, pollution, allergens, and other irritants that can exacerbate your cough and trigger inflammation in your airways.
Using a humidifier
Using a cool or warm mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, reduce irritation, and help you breathe more comfortably. Make sure to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid bacteria growth.
Elevating the head
Elevating your head with pillows or a wedge can prevent mucus from pooling in your throat and improve your breathing.
Over-the-counter medications
You can use over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants, expectorants, decongestants, and antihistamines to relieve your symptoms. However, make sure to read the labels, follow the instructions, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
When to see a doctor
If your cough persists for more than a week, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may diagnose and treat an underlying condition, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia, or recommend further tests or medications.
Coughing? No Problem. Here’s How You Can Get Rid of It Quickly and Easily
In addition to using natural remedies and following expert advice, you can also make some lifestyle changes that can prevent or reduce coughing:
Diet modifications
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body. Avoiding foods that can trigger allergies, acid reflux, or throat irritation, such as spicy, greasy, or acidic foods, can also help.
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular health, boost your immunity, and increase your lung capacity. However, if your cough is severe or accompanied by chest pain or wheezing, you should avoid exercise until you recover.
Managing stress
Stress can weaken your immune system and exacerbate your cough, so finding ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques, can be helpful. Getting enough sleep, socializing with friends and family, and pursuing hobbies can also reduce stress.
Sleep hygiene
Getting enough restful sleep can help your body recover from infections, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall health. You can promote good sleep hygiene by establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and avoiding screens for at least an hour before sleep.
10 Tried and Tested Ways to Get Rid of Coughing for Good
If you want to explore other complementary therapies or alternative medicine options, here are some examples:
Quitting smoking
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can damage your lungs and throat, increase your risk of infections and cancer, and worsen your cough. Quitting smoking or avoiding smoking areas can improve your respiratory health and prevent complications.
Maintaining good air quality
Avoiding indoor and outdoor pollutants, such as mold, dust, chemicals, or allergens, can reduce your exposure to irritants and prevent coughing. You can use air purifiers, ventilate your home, wear a mask if you work in a dusty environment, and avoid using harsh cleaning products.
Ayurvedic remedies
Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian system of healing, has several remedies for coughing, such as holy basil, black pepper, long pepper, and ashwagandha. However, it is important to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using any herbs or supplements.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, can stimulate your immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. However, you should only receive acupuncture from a licensed and experienced practitioner.
Chiropractic adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments, which involve manipulating your spine and joints to relieve nerve pressure and improve circulation, can enhance your respiratory function and reduce coughing. However, you should consult a licensed and reputable chiropractor before undergoing any treatment.
Reflexology
Reflexology, a type of massage that targets specific points on your feet, hands, and ears, can stimulate your lymphatic system, boost your immune function, and reduce your coughing. However, you should only receive reflexology from a certified and competent reflexologist.
Salt therapy
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy or salt cave therapy, involves inhaling salt particles in a controlled environment. This therapy can help clear your airways, reduce inflammation, and relieve coughing. However, you should consult your doctor before trying salt therapy, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health conditions.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s healing processes, has several remedies for coughing, depending on the type, duration, and intensity of your cough. However, you should consult a qualified homeopath before trying any remedies.
Probiotics
Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and help maintain your immune system and digestion, can also boost your respiratory health and reduce coughing. You can consume probiotics through fermented foods or supplements.
Adequate vitamin C
Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is important for collagen production, immunity, and healing, can also reduce the severity and duration of your coughing. You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits, kiwis, berries, melons, papayas, peppers, and other sources.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Relieving Coughing: Say Hello to Healthy Lungs
If you want to create a personalized and effective plan for relieving your cough, you can follow these steps:
Assessing the severity of the cough
Determine how often, how long, and how intense your cough is, and whether it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, chest pain, or shortness of breath. This can help you identify the possible causes and the best remedies for your cough.
Choosing the right remedy
Based on the severity and type of your cough, you can choose the most appropriate natural remedies, expert tips, or complementary therapies from the ones discussed above. You can also consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional advice.
Creating a relief plan
Once you have chosen your remedies, you can create a daily or weekly plan that includes when, how much, and how often you will take or do them. You can also list any potential side effects, interactions, or precautions you need to consider.
Sticking to the plan
Stick to your plan for at least a few days or a week, and monitor your progress. Take notes on whether your symptoms are improving, worsening, or staying the same, and adjust your plan accordingly.
Knowing when to re-assess
If your cough persists for more than a week, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor or re-assess your plan. You may need to change your remedies, add more interventions, or seek further medical evaluation.
Conclusion
Coughing can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By using natural remedies, following expert advice, making lifestyle changes, and seeking medical attention when needed, you can get rid of your cough and breathe easier. Remember to listen to your body, stay informed, and be persistent in your efforts to maintain your respiratory health.
