Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. According to one studyTrusted Source, it can also relieve coughs more effectively than OTC medications that contain dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant.
You can create your own remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon.
The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can help with congestion. You can also simply eat the honey by the spoonful or spread it on bread for a snack.
Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help to balance your gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are the bacteria that live in your intestines.
This balance can support immune system function throughout the body. A 2015 studyTrusted Source showed a decrease in the number of people contracting upper respiratory infections after being given various strains of probiotics, though the evidence is still inconclusive.
Each supplement manufacturer may have different daily recommended intakes. Probiotics are also added to some yogurt types and are present in miso soup and sourdough breads.
Given the variations of probiotics available, you should talk with your doctor about which probiotic is right for you and your condition. The most natural way to get probiotics is through fermented foods, including:
- miso
- sauerkraut
- yogurt
- kefir
- kombucha
- tempeh
- kimchi
- sourdough 3. Bromelain You don’t usually think of pineapple as a cough remedy, but that might be because you’ve never heard of bromelain. There’s slight evidence to suggest that bromelain — an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples — can help suppress coughs as well as loosen the mucus in your throat. To enjoy the most benefits of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day. There are also claims that it can help relieve sinusitis and allergy-based sinus issues, which can contribute to coughs and mucus. However, there’s insufficient evidence Trusted Source to support this.
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It’s also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Bromelain supplements shouldn’t be taken by children or adults who take blood thinners. Also, be careful using bromelain if you’re also on antibiotics such as amoxicillin, as it can increase the absorption of the antibiotic.
Always speak with your doctor before taking new or unfamiliar supplements. 4. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are well known for their healing properties. Menthol in peppermint soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus.
You can benefit by drinking peppermint tea or by inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam bath. To make a steam bath, add 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil for every 5 ounces of hot water. Drape a towel over your head, and take deep breaths directly above the water. 5. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is made from Althaea officinalis, a perennial that flowers in summer. The leaves and roots of the herb have been used since ancient times to treat sore throats and suppress coughs.
There are no well-controlled studies to support these claims, but the herb is generally considered safe. 6. Thyme
Thyme is used by some for respiratory illnesses. One studyTrusted Source suggested that the essence extracted from thyme leaves mixed with ivy can help relieve coughing as well as short-term bronchitis.
The leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation. 7. Salt and water gargle
While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy throat that causes you to cough. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation.
Note that children under age 6 aren’t especially good at gargling. It’s best to try other remedies for this age group.
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