Cough syrup may be a go-to remedy when you've got a persistent cough, but it's not for everyone. You may be looking to avoid the alcohol in the ingredients or maybe you just really hate the taste. Thankfully, there are several effective alternative remedies! Keep reading for the many approaches you can take to combat your cough for good.

2

Try honey to ease nighttime coughing.

  1. Some studies show that honey suppresses coughing. A study published by the Cochrane Library found that honey was able to effectively reduce cough symptoms.[2] To try out this method, mix 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of honey in hot water or tea.[3] Drinking this relaxing beverage before bedtime can also help you fall asleep faster and lessen any nighttime coughing fits.[4]
    • Don’t give honey to children under 1. This can result in a rare condition called infant botulism.
    • Honey can also be used to soothe a sore throat brought on by coughing.[5]
3

Sip on some warm, tasty soup to stop coughing.

4

Gargle salt water to ease coughing brought on by congestion.

  1. A saltwater rinse can clear out the mucus in your system. This can help ease symptoms, as mucus dripping down into your throat can make your cough a lot worse. Place 14 teaspoon (1.2 mL) to 12 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of salt in a glass of warm water. Stir the salt until it's fully dissolved. Gargle the water for 1-2 minutes, then spit it out. Be sure that you don’t swallow it![7]
6

Utilize a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

  1. Dry air makes it harder for mucus to drain, which triggers coughs. Use a humidifier in your bedroom or living room to add moisture to the air and help you clear your sinuses. The air should range from 30% to 55% humidity.[12]
    • If the humidity is too high, mold and dust mites may thrive, both of which are common causes of allergies and coughs.
    • If the humidity falls too low, it may cause dry eyes, throat and sinus irritations.
    • Remember to clean your humidifier often! Contaminated humidifiers can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.[13]
7

Try an air purifier to clear the air of allergens.

8

Drink plenty of water.

  1. Liquids help loosen congestion, providing relief to your cough. Drink water, juice, warm broth, or hot water with lemon for the best results.[15] Aim for 2.7 to 3.7 litres (91 to 125  fl oz) of water a day. If your coughing is accompanied by symptoms like fever, nausea, and diarrhea, it's really important that you drink plenty of fluids. This will help you stay hydrated and get back to your healthy self.[16]
    • Stay away from coffee, soda, and alcohol. These can dehydrate you.
10

Try echinacea supplements.

  1. Some studies show these can shorten the duration of your cough. A study published by the Cochrane Library found that the supplements were able to shorten the duration of a cold by a half-day. The findings also suggested that they can decrease the severity of cough symptoms.[18] Though more medical research is needed, echinacea supplements may be able to provide some relief. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking them. Once you get the go-ahead, take the supplements as directed for 7-10 days upon your first cold symptoms.[19]
    • Never exceed the recommended dosage on the label.
    • Avoid using echinacea when you're pregnant. Reports vary on whether the natural supplement is safe for people to ingest during pregnancy, so it's best to stay on the safe side and pick a different cough remedy.[20]
12

Visit your doctor if your cough persists.

  1. Persistent coughing can be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you experience a cough alongside a sore throat, high fever, whooping cough, or postnasal drip (mucus running down the throat), make an appointment with your doctor. These could be signs of an underlying infection, like pneumonia, whooping cough, a sinus infection, or COVID-19.[22] If you cough up blood or are experiencing difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.[23]
    • Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical exam to look at your throat, ears, and nasal passages.

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What kills a cough fast?
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Erica Docimo is a California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture, a holistic healthcare and lifestyle studio based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in Acupuncture, Herbal Prescriptions, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. Erica holds a Masters of Chinese Medicine from The Emperor’s College with a focus on Women’s Health. She also received training at The Academy of Orthopedic Acupuncture (AOA) to become certified in pain reflex-release technique and manual nerve blocking.
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Expert Answer
    For dry or productive coughs, taking a steamy shower will help open and hydrate your airways. Add some fresh eucalyptus to your shower to further dilate the bronchioles of the lungs and reduce coughing.
  • Question
    What can I drink to cleanse my throat?
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Erica Docimo is a California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture, a holistic healthcare and lifestyle studio based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in Acupuncture, Herbal Prescriptions, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. Erica holds a Masters of Chinese Medicine from The Emperor’s College with a focus on Women’s Health. She also received training at The Academy of Orthopedic Acupuncture (AOA) to become certified in pain reflex-release technique and manual nerve blocking.
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Expert Answer
    Warm herbal teas will definitely help soothe a cough, along with any sore throat that may result from coughing. Turmeric and honey tea, peppermint tea, and ginger tea are all useful for reducing the swelling of your mucous membranes and opening the airways.
  • Question
    What should I do with rumbling in my throat that is caused by phlegm and mucus?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    If you can feel the phlegm in your throat, it is best either to cough it up or to swallow it. The acid in your stomach will destroy any viruses or bacteria in the phlegm. To loosen the phlegm in your throat, make sure you drink plenty of water and try some herbal teas like Echinacea, chamomile, or licorice tea with some honey and/or lemon.
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About This Article

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Medically reviewed by:
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
This article was medically reviewed by Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Erica Docimo is a California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture, a holistic healthcare and lifestyle studio based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in Acupuncture, Herbal Prescriptions, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. Erica holds a Masters of Chinese Medicine from The Emperor’s College with a focus on Women’s Health. She also received training at The Academy of Orthopedic Acupuncture (AOA) to become certified in pain reflex-release technique and manual nerve blocking. This article has been viewed 751,959 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 21
Updated: November 4, 2021
Views: 751,959
Categories: Herbal Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To stop coughing without cough syrup, try applying a warm towel or hot water bottle to your neck or chest, which can help relieve congestion in your lungs. You can also take a warm shower for five to ten minutes to soothe your throat and encourage mucus drainage. Alternatively, you can use a humidifier, if you have one, to improve the moisture in the air. If your cough is due to a sore throat, try gargling warm salt water to soothe your throat and moisturize your sinuses. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to diagnose the underlying conditions behind your cough, read on!

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