7 Proven Methods to Get Rid of Your Cough

Coughing is a reflex action that helps clear your airways of mucus, debris, and irritants. It can either be acute or chronic, and it is commonly caused by respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, or exposure to air pollution. While it may be good for your body, coughing can become troublesome or even painful, especially when it hinders your day-to-day activities. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies you can try to alleviate your symptoms and make your cough go away.

First and foremost, staying hydrated is essential to relieve coughing. Drinking plenty of water, warm tea with honey, or hot soup can help soothe your throat and loosen the mucus that triggers your cough. Additionally, inhaling moist air can also be beneficial, especially if you have a dry cough. Taking a hot shower or using a humidifier can help moisten your airways and ease your symptoms. Moreover, adding essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender to your humidifier or using a vapor rub may provide additional relief for your respiratory tract. Let’s explore some more home remedies that can help make your cough go away in a relaxed and natural way.

Section: Natural remedies to make cough go away

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Staying hydrated is crucial when you have a cough. Drinking fluids like water, herbal tea, and clear broth can help loosen mucus in your throat, making it easier to expel. Experts recommend consuming at least eight glasses of fluids a day, especially when you’re sick.

2. Use honey

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries. It has antimicrobial properties and can help soothe sore throats, which often accompany coughing. To use honey for coughing, add a teaspoon to tea or warm water and drink it several times a day.

3. Apply vapor rub

Vapor rubs contain essential oils that can help clear up coughs and congestion. Applying vapor rub to your chest or back can help relieve coughing symptoms. Just be sure to follow the instructions and avoid getting the rub on your face or near your eyes.

4. Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water is an effective remedy for sore throats and coughs. Salt can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, while warm water can help break up mucus. Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, gargle for 30 seconds, and spit it out.

5. Take a hot shower

Steam can help loosen mucus and clear congestion. Taking a hot shower can help soothe coughing symptoms and provide relief from chest congestion. If you don’t have access to a shower, you can breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water.

6. Use a humidifier

Dry air can worsen coughing symptoms and irritate the throat. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help soothe a cough. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

7. Sip on ginger tea

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve a cough. To make ginger tea, peel and grate ginger root, add it to hot water, and let it steep for a few minutes. Add honey or lemon juice for added benefits.

8. Eat pineapple

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and relieve coughing symptoms. Eating fresh pineapple or drinking pineapple juice can provide these benefits.

9. Elevate your head

Lying flat can make coughing symptoms worse, especially at night. Elevating your head with pillows can help reduce congestion and make breathing easier. Sleeping on your side can also help prevent mucus from accumulating in your throat.

10. Rest and relax

Rest is crucial when you’re sick. Your body needs time to heal and recover. Stress and anxiety can make coughing symptoms worse, so be sure to take time to relax and de-stress. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can all help promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.

Section 2: Natural Remedies for Cough

Coughing can be an annoying symptom, but luckily, there are plenty of natural remedies that may help alleviate your cough. Here are some tried and true remedies:

1. Honey

Honey is a natural cough suppressant due to its antibacterial properties and the stickiness of the honey coats the throat to soothe irritation. You can take it straight or mix it in tea for added benefits.

2. Ginger

Ginger is soothing on the throat, and its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce coughing. Try slicing fresh ginger into hot water with lemon and honey for a delicious and healthful drink.

3. Steam

Steam can help loosen up mucus in your lungs and throat, making it easier to cough up. Take a hot shower or hold your head over a pot of boiling water to breathe in the steam.

4. Saltwater gargle

Gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

5. Pineapple juice

Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme which reduces inflammation in the respiratory system. Drinking pineapple juice may help loosen mucus and reduce coughing.

6. Turmeric milk

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great natural remedy for coughs. Try mixing turmeric with warm milk and honey for a soothing drink.

7. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil can help ease coughing by opening up airways and reducing inflammation. Try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a humidifier or diffuser.

8. Licorice root tea

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can help soothe sore throats and reduce coughing. Drink licorice root tea or chew on a licorice root stick for relief.

9. Thyme tea

Thyme can help break up mucus and reduce coughing. Brew thyme leaves in hot water for a fragrant and healthful tea.

10. Probiotics

Probiotics, found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir, can help boost the immune system and fight off respiratory infections that can cause coughing. Incorporate probiotics into your diet for added health benefits.

By incorporating these natural remedies into your cough-busting arsenal, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also avoid harsh chemicals and medications. Don’t forget to get plenty of rest and fluids to help your body recover as quickly as possible!

1. Stay Hydrated

The first step to treating a cough is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help loosen the mucus in your throat and make it easier to cough up. Warm fluids like tea with honey or lemon can be especially soothing.

It’s also important to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you and make your cough worse. Stick to water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to keep your body hydrated and your cough under control.

2. Use a Humidifier

Dry air can irritate your throat and make your cough worse. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and soothe your throat. It’s important to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

If you don’t have a humidifier, you can also place a bowl of water near a heat source to help add moisture to the air.

3. Try Steam

Inhaling steam can be a great way to help relieve coughing. You can take a hot shower or bath, or even just sit in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes. For extra relief, you can add essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to the water.

You can also use a steam inhaler, which is a device that pumps steam into your nose and mouth to help relieve congestion and coughing. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

4. Use a Cough Suppressant

If your cough is keeping you up at night or interfering with your daily activities, you may want to try a cough suppressant. These medications work by blocking the cough reflex, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of your coughing.

It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a cough suppressant, especially if you have a history of respiratory problems or are taking other medications.

5. Practice Good Hygiene

Many coughs are caused by viral infections that can spread from person to person. To prevent the spread of illness, it’s important to practice good hygiene.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of used tissues immediately.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home from work or school if you are feeling unwell.

Say Goodbye to Coughs

So there you have it, some simple and effective ways to make your cough go away. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself and seek medical attention if your cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms. Thanks for reading and I hope these tips help you get back to your healthy self soon. Don’t forget to check back for more helpful articles in the future!