Coughing can be a symptom of a variety of illnesses, including allergies, colds, flu, and respiratory infections. A persistent cough can be one of the most difficult symptoms to relieve, and it can make you feel absolutely miserable. Whether you’re dealing with a wet, productive cough or a dry, hacking cough, there is a remedy that can help. Here’s a list of the best remedies for a cough that can help you find relief.
1. Honey
One of the best remedies for a cough that has been used for centuries is honey. Honey has been scientifically proven to help reduce inflammation and fight off infections, both of which can help relieve a cough. You can swallow a spoonful of honey on its own, or drink it mixed in warm water or tea. Honey taken before bedtime may help provide relief throughout the night so you can get a more restful night’s sleep.
2. Gargle with Salt Water
Salt water can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. When you gargle with salt water, this can help alleviate the throat discomfort and inflammation that is both caused by and causing your cough, making it easier to breathe and relieving your cough. The warm solution also helps soothe your throat and loosen mucus, which can further reduce coughing and make it easier to clear your throat.
3. Steam
Steam is another one of the best home remedies for a cough. When you inhale steam, your respiratory passageways are soothed, and mucus is thinned and loosened. This makes it easier to cough up and clear your airways as well as reduces nasal congestion. Steam can also reduce inflammation in the airways and soothe a sore throat. Try running a hot shower or bath and sitting in the bathroom to inhale the steam. Or, you can fill a bowl with hot water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is another one of the natural remedies for a cough that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in cooking and is known for its medicinal uses. This spice contains curcumin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes turmeric beneficial in reducing inflammation in the airways and throat, which can help soothe your cough. Try mixing a teaspoon of turmeric into a cup of warm water or milk, and drink it a few times a day for cough relief.
5. Warm Fluids
Staying hydrated is very important when you are sick. Your immune system needs water to fight off the infection, and staying hydrated helps thin and loosen the mucus that may be causing your cough. Warm fluids are especially helpful remedies for a cough, as they keep you hydrated while also soothing throat irritation and thinning mucus. Many herbal teas, such as ginger, marshmallow root, licorice root, and peppermint teas, even have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help provide additional relief.
6. Neti Pot
If your cough is triggered by post-nasal drip, then you may benefit from using a nasal irrigation device such as a neti pot as one of your remedies for a cough. You can use a neti pot to clear out mucus and debris from your nasal passages using a saline rinse. This can help reduce the amount of mucus dripping down your throat, which can reduce your cough. Just make sure you use distilled or previously boiled water when making your saltwater solution to avoid the risk of infection.
7. Bromelain
One of the lesser-known remedies for a cough is bromelain. This is an enzyme that is found in pineapples. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, which means it can reduce inflammation and break down mucus. This is why some people try drinking pineapple juice when they are sick to reduce mucus and suppress a cough. However, pineapple juice may not contain enough bromelain to relieve symptoms. A bromelain supplement may be more effective at relieving coughs.
8. Sleep on an Incline
If your cough is caused by mucus in your throat, try sleeping with your head raised up. When you lie flat, the mucus can pool in your throat and irritate it, leading to more coughing. Use gravity to keep the mucus out of your throat by stacking an extra pillow under your head or raising the head of your bed with a stable surface. This can help you get a better night’s sleep, which is necessary when you are trying to heal from a sickness.
Boost Your Immune System with Help from Lakeland Drug Company
These are some of the best remedies for a cough. If you are suffering from a cough and other symptoms of cold, flu, or other respiratory infections, your immune system is working hard to fight off the illness and make you healthy again. You can help strengthen your immune system with vitamins and supplements so it can better fight illness. Check out our Daily Pure Pack - Immune to give your immune system the boost it needs to heal from your current illness and fight off future germs.
If you have any questions about immune health supplements or relieving cold and flu symptoms, please reach out to us at Lakeland Drug Company and we’ll be happy to help!
