12 Home Remedies for a Cough

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.

Home Remedies for Coughs

Home remedies for coughs range from herbal remedies to hot beverages and 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.

1. Honey
2. Marshmallow root
3. Ginger
4. Thyme
5. Peppermint
6. Turmeric
7. Slippery elm
8. Bromelain
9. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
10. Steam
11. Saltwater gargle
12. Herbal tea or warm broth

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.

Honey

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 those suffering 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.

Marshmallow Root

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.

Ginger

Ginger, a common ingredient in most kitchens, has anti-inflammatory and antitussive (cough suppressant) properties that help relieve coughs. This aromatic spice breaks down and removes mucus from the lungs, thereby reducing coughing.

One study found that when put in a nebulizer, purified ginger helped relax people's airways and reduce coughing, specifically dry coughs associated with asthma.

You can make ginger tea at home by peeling and thinly slicing one piece of ginger and adding it to three cups of boiling water. Boil for about 10 minutes, strain, and drink with a little honey and a slice of lemon.

Thyme

People have used thyme (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.

You can make a soothing thyme tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink it as is or add honey.

Peppermint

Peppermint contains 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.

Turmeric

There are a number of different cough remedies incorporating turmeric, a popular spice made from the root of Curcuma 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.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm has 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.

Bromelain

Bromelain is 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)

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

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. 

Saltwater Gargle

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.

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.

A Word From Verywell

It's important to differentiate what type of cough is present. For productive coughs (with phlegm), honey, ginger, warm fluids, and a humidifier are the best relief options. For non-productive coughs (no phlegm), I recommend salt water gargle or honey and lemon. For allergy-related coughs, nasal rinses and avoiding triggers work best. With coughs caused by post-nasal drip, avoid irritants and keep the head elevated. If a cough persists, consult a healthcare provider.

— ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

Summary

There are many home remedies for coughs. Some are backed by limited scientific evidence, while others are simply traditional remedies with a long history of use. Most won't cause side effects and are safe to try.

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.