Cough remedies

1. Tea

This is an all-time favorite for treating a cough, although reports of its effectiveness are largely anecdotal. A study published in the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy reported that a mixture of eight herbs (anise, black seed, caraway, cardamom, chamomile, fennel, licorice, and saffron) provided significant improvements in cough intensity and frequency among individuals with allergic asthma. Tea alone or with lemon and/or honey (skip the latter if treating a child younger than two years) can help soothe a productive and nonproductive cough. In addition to the herbal teas already mentioned, other options include organic orange, peppermint, lemon, green, elderberry, and thyme (children are more likely to enjoy the taste of the first three).

2. Honey

For kids age two years and older, as well as adults, honey is a winner for treating a cough. In a study of 105 young people ages two to 18, honey was compared with no treatment and honey-flavored dextromethorphan to evaluate its effect on coughing during the night and sleep quality. Parents rated honey as providing the best symptomatic relief. Boost your cough-fighting powers by mixing organic honey and/or fresh lemon juice with herbal tea. Note: Agave syrup can be used for children younger than one year—talk to your doctor.

3. Peppermint

Along with drinking peppermint tea, you can benefit from the menthol in peppermint vapors. Add four to five drops of peppermint oil to 8 ounces of hot water in a shallow bowl. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the vapors for several minutes.

4. Fenugreek

You can use this culinary and medicinal herb both as a tea and as a gargle to soothe your throat and cough. Since fenugreek is bitter, you may want to add a little honey. Be sure to allow the tea to cool before gargling!

5. Marshmallow

No, not the little white puffs that go into hot chocolate—but the herb—Althaea officinalis. The roots and leaves of marshmallow is an ancient remedy for cough and sore throat. Marshmallow contains a substance called mucilage, which soothes the throat. You can buy marshmallow dried leaves to use as an infusion/tea, while the roots are available dried in extracts and cough syrups. Dried leaves may be used in infusions, fluid extracts, and tinctures. Marshmallow roots are available dried, peeled, or unpeeled in extracts (dry and fluid), tinctures, capsules, ointments, creams, and cough syrups. Note: Marshmallow is not recommended for children.

6. Slippery Elm

For centuries, slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) has been valued as an oral herbal remedy for cough, sore throat, stomach problems, and diarrhea. Similar to marshmallow, slippery elm contains mucilage, which helps soothe the throat. To treat a cough, look for slippery elm tea or lozenges, both of which are made from the herb’s inner bark.

7. Andrographis Paniculata

Chances are this Chinese and Ayurvedic herb is unfamiliar to you, but numerous randomized controlled trials have shown it to be effective in treating cough. Also known as “Indian echinacea,” it is frequently used to manage the common cold and boost the immune system.

8. Probiotics

Even though these beneficial bacteria don’t reduce coughing directly, they do have a significant impact on the bacterial population in your gut and can support your immune system. If you have a cold and cough, then probiotics could be helpful.

When you want to treat a cough, there are alternatives to conventional cough medicines. You can easily whip up one of several natural remedies at home, or choose from several all-natural cough syrups on the market.