Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHome RemediesHoneyMarshmallow RootGingerThymePeppermintTurmericSlippery ElmBromelainN-Acetylcysteine (NAC)SteamSaltwater GargleHot Liquid
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Home Remedies
Honey
Marshmallow Root
Ginger
Thyme
Peppermint
Turmeric
Slippery Elm
Bromelain
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Steam
Saltwater Gargle
Hot Liquid
Home remedies for cough include supplements such as ginger and marshmallow root, and other forms of relief like steam and hot liquids. Although there is limited scientific research to support these remedies, you may find some of them useful.
JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images
Home Remedies for Coughs
Home remedies for coughs range from herbal remedies tohot beveragesand steam. Many of these have a long history of use, but the scientific evidence for their effectiveness tends to be limited. Still, it won’t hurt to try these remedies if you’re looking for relief without medication.
Keen in mind that, in some cases, self-treating with natural cough remedies or medications without seeking a medical evaluation can allow your condition to worsen.
8 Best Teas to Drink When You Have a Cold, According to Experts
Not only does honey make a tasty addition to drinks and desserts, but it is also a time-honored remedy for sore throats. Its thick consistency coats your throat, helping to soothe it.
This is the main reason it is beneficial for thosesuffering from a cough. According to one study, it can relieve night-time coughs more effectively than a placebo.
Try adding 2 teaspoons of honey and a squeeze of lemon to warm water or herbal tea. You can also just take a spoonful of honey on its own.
Children younger than 1 year old should never be given honey because of the risk ofbotulism.
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) has been used for thousands of years to treat coughing and sore throat. It is a demulcent, which means it forms a thin, protective film over mucous membranes, helping relieve inflammation and irritation.
Like many demulcent herbs, marshmallow root may help ease dry coughs.One study showed that marshmallow root lozenges and syrup successfully relieved dry cough, usually within 10 minutes.
Marshmallow root is best prepared using cold water. Simply soak 1 tablespoon of the shredded, dried root (not powdered) in two cups of cold water. Let it sit overnight or for at least four hours in the refrigerator. Strain, then sip your tea as needed.
One study found that when put in anebulizer, purified ginger helped relax people’s airways and reduce coughing, specifically dry coughs associated with asthma.
People have usedthyme(Thymus vulgaris) to relieve dry irritating coughs for centuries. The herb’s leaves contain cough-calming compounds called flavonoids that work to lessen inflammation and relax the throat muscles involved in coughing.
Some research suggests that using thyme, alone or in combination with other herbs, reduces coughing. Specifically, a number of studies show that the combination of thyme, primrose (Oenothera biennis), and English ivy (Hedera helix) reduces the frequency and severity of coughs as well as other symptoms of acute bronchitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis?
Peppermintcontains menthol, which can soothe your throat and help break down mucus, making your cough more productive.
Peppermint is often added to over-the-counter cold-relief products such as herbal teas and peppermint cough drops. You may find these products useful for relieving your cough, or you can try inhaling steam from water boiled with a small amount of peppermint oil.
Though some natural remedies call for using a peppermint-based salve or rub to relieve cold symptoms, avoid applying peppermint under the nose of babies and toddlers or on their chest since it can cause bronchial spasms.
Peppermint Tea for Upset Stomach and Other Ailments
There are a number of different cough remedies incorporatingturmeric, a popular spice made from the root ofCurcuma longifolia. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Many home remedies involve boiling turmeric powder in water and adding honey and other spices such as black pepper, which helps your body absorb the curcumin.Other remedies suggest mixing the powder into a glass of hot milk or adding it to a saltwater gargle.Use caution with milk as it may increase phlegm.
Why You Should Use Turmeric and Black Pepper Together
Slippery elmhas a long history of use as an herbal remedy for cough and sore throat. It is sold in capsules and tablets or as a tea. You can also buy cough drops containing slippery elm.
Slippery elm bark may act as a demulcent, forming a protective coating over the mucous membranes. This may help relieve inflammation or irritation.Slippery elm bark is often used to treat disorders of the GI tract, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may cause coughing in some people.
To date, there hasn’t been much research that supports the use of slippery elm as a cough remedy.
Bromelainis a compound found in the stem and fruit of the pineapple. There is some evidence that bromelain may reduce inflammation, which could help relieve cough.However, the research has so far been limited.
If you take a blood thinner, you should avoid taking bromelain. Bromelain may also interact with certain antibiotics, so talk to your healthcare provider before taking bromelain if you’re also taking a course of antibiotics.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)is an antioxidant that is believed to have a range of health effects, from cancer prevention to cough suppression. In a clinical setting, it is used to treat Tylenol (acetaminophen) overdose.
Research suggests that NAC may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and help dissolve mucus.
NAC is sold over-the-counter as a supplement in powder or capsule form.
Steam is a very old remedy for cough. Try sitting in a steamy bathroom while running a hot shower, or use a humidifier in your bedroom. The moisture helps soften the mucus in your throat and lungs, making it easier to clear.
Choosing Effective Cough Treatments
Warm salt water can also help improve cough symptoms. Try dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water. Gargle with it in the back of your throat for a few seconds, then spit it out. For best results, continue until you’ve used up the whole glass.
This remedy can be repeated several times a day.
Does Gargling Salt Water for a Sore Throat Work?
Herbal Tea or Warm Broth
Hot liquids such as herbal tea or clear broth can help thin mucus, making it easier to clear. For best results, drink teas made from herbal cough remedies like peppermint or ginger and add honey.
Although these natural remedies may give you some immediate relief, the only way to truly treat a cough is to resolve the underlying cause. Because coughing is a symptom of many different illnesses and conditions, contact your healthcare provider if your cough concerns you.
A Word From Verywell
—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Honey, herbs like turmeric and ginger, steam, and hot liquids may help improve your symptoms. If you plan to try an herb or other supplement, check in with your healthcare provider first to make sure it’s safe for you to use.
When You Can’t Stop Coughing
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Lung Association.Chronic cough.Mandal MD, Mandal S.Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(2):154-160. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6Cohen HA, Rozen J, Kristal H, et al.Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):465-471. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-3075Banaee M, Soleimany V, Nematdoost Haghi B.Therapeutic effects of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract on plasma biochemical parameters of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.Vet Res Forum. 2017;8(2):145-153.Fink C, Schmidt M, Kraft K.[Marshmallow Root Extract for the Treatment of Irritative Cough: Two Surveys on Users’ View on Effectiveness and Tolerability].Complement Med Res. 2018;25(5):299-305. doi:10.1159/000489560Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC.Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines.J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;145(1):146-151. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043Townsend EA, Siviski ME, Zhang Y, Xu C, Hoonjan B, Emala CW.Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation.Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2013;48(2):157-163. doi:10.1165/rcmb.2012-0231OCWagner L, Cramer H, Klose P, et al.Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111Sultana S, Khan A, Safhi MM, Alhazmi HA.Cough suppressant herbal drugs: A review.Int J Pharm Sci Invent. 2016;5(5):15-28.Murgia V, Ciprandi G, Votto M, De Filippo M, Tosca MA, Marseglia GL.Natural remedies for acute post-viral cough in children.Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2021;49(3):173-184. doi:10.15586/aei.v49i3.71Abd El-Hack ME, El-Saadony MT, Swelum AA, et al.Curcumin, the active substance of turmeric: its effects on health and ways to improve its bioavailability.J Sci Food Agric. 2021;101(14):5747-5762. doi:10.1002/jsfa.11372Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Hussein RA, El-Anssary AA.Plants secondary metabolites: The key drivers of the pharmacological actions of medicinal plants.Herb Med. 2019;1(3). doi:10.5772/intechopen.76139Bhardwaj K, Kishore L.Natural remedies: For gastroesophageal reflux.J Med Plants. 2021;9(4):114-8.Hikisz P, Bernasinska-Slomczewska J.Beneficial properties of bromelain.Nutrients. 2021;13(12):4313. doi:10.3390/nu13124313Tenório MCDS, Graciliano NG, Moura FA, Oliveira ACM, Goulart MOF.N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on human health.Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(6):967. doi:10.3390/antiox10060967Zhang Q, Ju Y, Ma Y, Wang T.N-acetylcysteine improves oxidative stress and inflammatory response in patients with community acquired pneumonia: A randomized controlled trial.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(45):e13087. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013087Additional ReadingHolzinger F, Chenot J-F.Systematic review of clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of ivy leaf (hedera helix) for acute upper respiratory tract infections.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:382789. doi:10.1155/2011/382789
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Lung Association.Chronic cough.Mandal MD, Mandal S.Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(2):154-160. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6Cohen HA, Rozen J, Kristal H, et al.Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):465-471. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-3075Banaee M, Soleimany V, Nematdoost Haghi B.Therapeutic effects of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract on plasma biochemical parameters of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.Vet Res Forum. 2017;8(2):145-153.Fink C, Schmidt M, Kraft K.[Marshmallow Root Extract for the Treatment of Irritative Cough: Two Surveys on Users’ View on Effectiveness and Tolerability].Complement Med Res. 2018;25(5):299-305. doi:10.1159/000489560Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC.Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines.J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;145(1):146-151. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043Townsend EA, Siviski ME, Zhang Y, Xu C, Hoonjan B, Emala CW.Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation.Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2013;48(2):157-163. doi:10.1165/rcmb.2012-0231OCWagner L, Cramer H, Klose P, et al.Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111Sultana S, Khan A, Safhi MM, Alhazmi HA.Cough suppressant herbal drugs: A review.Int J Pharm Sci Invent. 2016;5(5):15-28.Murgia V, Ciprandi G, Votto M, De Filippo M, Tosca MA, Marseglia GL.Natural remedies for acute post-viral cough in children.Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2021;49(3):173-184. doi:10.15586/aei.v49i3.71Abd El-Hack ME, El-Saadony MT, Swelum AA, et al.Curcumin, the active substance of turmeric: its effects on health and ways to improve its bioavailability.J Sci Food Agric. 2021;101(14):5747-5762. doi:10.1002/jsfa.11372Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Hussein RA, El-Anssary AA.Plants secondary metabolites: The key drivers of the pharmacological actions of medicinal plants.Herb Med. 2019;1(3). doi:10.5772/intechopen.76139Bhardwaj K, Kishore L.Natural remedies: For gastroesophageal reflux.J Med Plants. 2021;9(4):114-8.Hikisz P, Bernasinska-Slomczewska J.Beneficial properties of bromelain.Nutrients. 2021;13(12):4313. doi:10.3390/nu13124313Tenório MCDS, Graciliano NG, Moura FA, Oliveira ACM, Goulart MOF.N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on human health.Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(6):967. doi:10.3390/antiox10060967Zhang Q, Ju Y, Ma Y, Wang T.N-acetylcysteine improves oxidative stress and inflammatory response in patients with community acquired pneumonia: A randomized controlled trial.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(45):e13087. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013087Additional ReadingHolzinger F, Chenot J-F.Systematic review of clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of ivy leaf (hedera helix) for acute upper respiratory tract infections.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:382789. doi:10.1155/2011/382789
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Lung Association.Chronic cough.Mandal MD, Mandal S.Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(2):154-160. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6Cohen HA, Rozen J, Kristal H, et al.Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):465-471. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-3075Banaee M, Soleimany V, Nematdoost Haghi B.Therapeutic effects of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract on plasma biochemical parameters of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.Vet Res Forum. 2017;8(2):145-153.Fink C, Schmidt M, Kraft K.[Marshmallow Root Extract for the Treatment of Irritative Cough: Two Surveys on Users’ View on Effectiveness and Tolerability].Complement Med Res. 2018;25(5):299-305. doi:10.1159/000489560Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC.Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines.J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;145(1):146-151. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043Townsend EA, Siviski ME, Zhang Y, Xu C, Hoonjan B, Emala CW.Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation.Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2013;48(2):157-163. doi:10.1165/rcmb.2012-0231OCWagner L, Cramer H, Klose P, et al.Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111Sultana S, Khan A, Safhi MM, Alhazmi HA.Cough suppressant herbal drugs: A review.Int J Pharm Sci Invent. 2016;5(5):15-28.Murgia V, Ciprandi G, Votto M, De Filippo M, Tosca MA, Marseglia GL.Natural remedies for acute post-viral cough in children.Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2021;49(3):173-184. doi:10.15586/aei.v49i3.71Abd El-Hack ME, El-Saadony MT, Swelum AA, et al.Curcumin, the active substance of turmeric: its effects on health and ways to improve its bioavailability.J Sci Food Agric. 2021;101(14):5747-5762. doi:10.1002/jsfa.11372Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Hussein RA, El-Anssary AA.Plants secondary metabolites: The key drivers of the pharmacological actions of medicinal plants.Herb Med. 2019;1(3). doi:10.5772/intechopen.76139Bhardwaj K, Kishore L.Natural remedies: For gastroesophageal reflux.J Med Plants. 2021;9(4):114-8.Hikisz P, Bernasinska-Slomczewska J.Beneficial properties of bromelain.Nutrients. 2021;13(12):4313. doi:10.3390/nu13124313Tenório MCDS, Graciliano NG, Moura FA, Oliveira ACM, Goulart MOF.N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on human health.Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(6):967. doi:10.3390/antiox10060967Zhang Q, Ju Y, Ma Y, Wang T.N-acetylcysteine improves oxidative stress and inflammatory response in patients with community acquired pneumonia: A randomized controlled trial.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(45):e13087. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013087
American Lung Association.Chronic cough.
Mandal MD, Mandal S.Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011;1(2):154-160. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6
Cohen HA, Rozen J, Kristal H, et al.Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):465-471. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-3075
Banaee M, Soleimany V, Nematdoost Haghi B.Therapeutic effects of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract on plasma biochemical parameters of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.Vet Res Forum. 2017;8(2):145-153.
Fink C, Schmidt M, Kraft K.[Marshmallow Root Extract for the Treatment of Irritative Cough: Two Surveys on Users’ View on Effectiveness and Tolerability].Complement Med Res. 2018;25(5):299-305. doi:10.1159/000489560
Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC.Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines.J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;145(1):146-151. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043
Townsend EA, Siviski ME, Zhang Y, Xu C, Hoonjan B, Emala CW.Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation.Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2013;48(2):157-163. doi:10.1165/rcmb.2012-0231OC
Wagner L, Cramer H, Klose P, et al.Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111
Sultana S, Khan A, Safhi MM, Alhazmi HA.Cough suppressant herbal drugs: A review.Int J Pharm Sci Invent. 2016;5(5):15-28.
Murgia V, Ciprandi G, Votto M, De Filippo M, Tosca MA, Marseglia GL.Natural remedies for acute post-viral cough in children.Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2021;49(3):173-184. doi:10.15586/aei.v49i3.71
Abd El-Hack ME, El-Saadony MT, Swelum AA, et al.Curcumin, the active substance of turmeric: its effects on health and ways to improve its bioavailability.J Sci Food Agric. 2021;101(14):5747-5762. doi:10.1002/jsfa.11372
Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092
Hussein RA, El-Anssary AA.Plants secondary metabolites: The key drivers of the pharmacological actions of medicinal plants.Herb Med. 2019;1(3). doi:10.5772/intechopen.76139
Bhardwaj K, Kishore L.Natural remedies: For gastroesophageal reflux.J Med Plants. 2021;9(4):114-8.
Hikisz P, Bernasinska-Slomczewska J.Beneficial properties of bromelain.Nutrients. 2021;13(12):4313. doi:10.3390/nu13124313
Tenório MCDS, Graciliano NG, Moura FA, Oliveira ACM, Goulart MOF.N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on human health.Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(6):967. doi:10.3390/antiox10060967
Zhang Q, Ju Y, Ma Y, Wang T.N-acetylcysteine improves oxidative stress and inflammatory response in patients with community acquired pneumonia: A randomized controlled trial.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(45):e13087. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013087
Holzinger F, Chenot J-F.Systematic review of clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of ivy leaf (hedera helix) for acute upper respiratory tract infections.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:382789. doi:10.1155/2011/382789
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