{"id":62476,"date":"2024-01-11T09:30:15","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T14:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62476"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:15:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:15:47","slug":"home-remedies-for-cough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-cough\/","title":{"rendered":"10 home remedies for a cough"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all been there: You have a nagging cough that just won\u2019t go away. Not only is your chest and throat aching, but you\u2019re unable to get a good night\u2019s sleep. If over-the-counter cough medicine isn\u2019t helping, you may search for other options. That\u2019s where home remedies come in. You\u2019ve likely heard the old wives’ tales, but it turns out that some of these home remedies actually work.<\/span><\/p>\n

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10 home remedies for a cough<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because they\u2019re free and easy to access, it\u2019s no wonder people turn to natural cough remedies before trying medications or seeking medical help. \u201c[Home remedies] provide comfort for patients who are sick and are generally readily available,\u201d says <\/span>Gregory Castelli, Pharm.D.<\/span>, the director of academic and clinical pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some common home remedies for cough include:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Honey<\/li>\n
  2. Marshmallow root<\/li>\n
  3. Ginger<\/li>\n
  4. Licorice root<\/li>\n
  5. Thyme<\/li>\n
  6. Peppermint<\/li>\n
  7. Eucalyptus<\/li>\n
  8. Turmeric<\/li>\n
  9. Humidifier or air purifier<\/li>\n
  10. Saltwater gargle<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. Honey<\/h3>\n

    Honey is often recommended as a traditional remedy for cough. According to the <\/span>World Health Organization<\/span><\/a>, honey is cheap, accessible, and safe to relieve coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections in children. It can also reduce the severity and duration of cough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cThere are a few studies that show that honey decreases coughing and is a safe option,\u201d says <\/span>Dean Blumberg, MD<\/span><\/a>, the chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children\u2019s Hospital in Sacramento, California. You can mix honey with hot milk, warm lemon water, or tea to relieve coughing. Or, try taking one spoonful of plain honey on an empty stomach to soothe your throat and reduce coughs. Honey should not be given to children younger than 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Of note, <\/span>some studies<\/span><\/a> have shown honey is not as effective as the over-the-counter medication dextromethorphan for cough.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Marshmallow root<\/h3>\n

    Marshmallow root is an herb that contains a gummy substance called mucilage, which is found in the root and leaves of the plant. It forms a protective coating on your mucous membranes that reduces irritation and cough. A limited <\/span>German study<\/span><\/a>, utilizing surveys and without a placebo control, reported marshmallow root to be effective in treating pharyngeal irritation and associated cough. You can take marshmallow root as a lozenge or a syrup. More research is needed to confirm that marshmallow root is effective at treating cough because many of the existing studies are very small.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Ginger<\/h3>\n

    Ginger is a plant with <\/span>antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a> properties that has been used to relieve coughs and colds. Ginger can also be used against <\/span>allergic rhinitis<\/span><\/a> and other respiratory issues. You can either boil ginger in water or make ginger tea and drink it three to four times a day or chew fresh raw ginger to reduce a cough. Evidence of effectiveness is limited.<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Licorice root<\/h3>\n

    Licorice is an herb that contains a number of compounds that fight inflammation and bacteria and boost the immune system, such as <\/span>polysaccharides, flavonoids, and triterpenes<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Licorice root<\/span><\/a> may help to reduce coughs and prevent asthma symptoms. It can also <\/span>reduce post-operative sore throat and intubation-associated cough<\/span><\/a>. Licorice root can be found in many herbal teas and as a syrup.<\/span><\/p>\n

    5. Thyme<\/h3>\n

    Thyme is an herb that could help to relieve your cough and reduce airway inflammation. Studies also report that thyme, in combination with primrose and English ivy, can significantly improve a cough and other symptoms of bronchitis. Thyme works best for a cough when you boil it in water, strain it, and then drink the liquid.<\/span><\/p>\n

    6. Peppermint<\/h3>\n

    Research<\/span> suggests peppermint oil may be effective in reducing cough and cold symptoms. <\/span>Peppermint oil<\/span><\/a> has three main components that can reduce a cough: menthol, flavonoids, and menthone. You can dilute peppermint oil in warm water and breathe in the steam or drink peppermint tea.<\/span><\/p>\n

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