Constant coughing can stop you in your tracks, and even a small cough can weaken you. Cold and flu season isn’t the only problem that causes coughing. Allergies, asthma, acid reflux, dry air, and smoking are all common causes.
1. Staying Hydrated
An upper respiratory infection like a cold or flu causes postnasal drip, and drinking water can help thin out the mucus. Drinking liquids can also protect against coughing from dry air in the cold winter months.
2. Lozenges
Grab a bag of menthol cough drops from the corner store. They help numb the back of the throat, which tends to decrease cough reflex. A hard candy, such as a mint or jolly rancher, may also relieve a dry throat.
3. Honey
Honey has been used as a cough remedy for ages and studies found giving honey to children reduces their night cough. Honey can actually work as well as medications containing the drug dextromethorphan. Honey is NOT RECOMMENDED for children under one year of age.
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4. Hot Tea
Clinical evidence supports drinking warm tea with honey and lemon can soothe the throat. If you’re not sick yet, green tea may also help protect the body against viral and bacterial infections, including the flu.
5. Removing Irritants
Put away the scented bathroom sprays, blow out the candles, and don’t spray any cologne or perfume. All of these can irritate the sinuses. Avoid scented products and smoke as long as you have a cough.
6. Salt Water & Gargle
This remedy is simple and can help soothe a scratchy throat and that irritating cough. Mix half a teaspoon in 8 ounces of warm water, gargle for 15-25 seconds, and then spit the solution out. Children under 7 aren’t the best “garglers” – it’s smart to try another remedy for this age group.
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7. Thyme
Throughout the centuries, thyme has been used to relieve chest and respiratory disorders, colds, and coughs. It is an antibacterial, antifungal, and spasmolytic. You can find thyme in herbal cough syrups and tea, or you can use a thyme essential oil in your diffuser.
8. Marshmallow
The leaves and roots of the pink perennial flower have been used since ancient times to suppress coughs and sore throats. Marshmallow contains mucilage, which coats the throat and relieves irritation. You can find it in tea or capsule form.
9. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are known for their pain-relieving and healing properties. The leaves are used to soothe the throat and act as a decongestant. Drink a cup of peppermint tea, inhale the vapors from a peppermint steam bath, or use the essential oil in your diffuser.
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10. Steamy Showers & Humidifiers
A hot shower helps loosen secretions in the nose and helps ease all types of coughs. Humidifiers may also help by increasing moisture in a dry home. The ideal humidity for most homes is 40-55%. Be careful not to overdo it.
11. Probiotics
Although probiotics don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help balance your gastrointestinal flora (the bacteria inside of your intestines). Balancing your flora can support immune system function. Evidence suggests probiotics can reduce the likelihood of cold or flu and sensitivity to certain allergens.
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