Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. According to one studyTrusted Source, it can also relieve coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medicines 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.
Shop for honey.
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. EvidenceTrusted Source also suggests that Lactobacillus, a bacterium in dairy, can reduce the likelihood of a cold or flu and sensitivity to certain allergens, such as pollen.
Fortified milk is a great source of Lactobacillus. You should be cautious, however, as dairy may make phlegm thicker. You can also purchase probiotic supplements at most health food stores and drug stores. 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.
This balance can support immune system function throughout the body. EvidenceTrusted Source also suggests that Lactobacillus, a bacterium in dairy, can reduce the likelihood of a cold or flu and sensitivity to certain allergens, such as pollen.
Fortified milk is a great source of Lactobacillus. You should be cautious, however, as dairy may make phlegm thicker. You can also purchase probiotic supplements at most health food stores and drug stores. 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.
You don’t usually think of pineapple
as a cough remedy, but that’s probably because you’ve never heard of
bromelain. There’s 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 is insufficient evidenceTrusted Source to support this. It’s also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Bromelain supplements should not 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 to your doctor before taking new or unfamiliar supplements.
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 150 milliliters of hot water.
Drape a towel over your head, and take deep breaths directly above the
water.There are also claims that it can help relieve sinusitis and allergy-based sinus issues, which can contribute to coughs and mucus. However, there is insufficient evidenceTrusted Source to support this. It’s also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Bromelain supplements should not 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 to your doctor before taking new or unfamiliar supplements.
Get bromelain supplements.
Shop for peppermint oil.
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.
The marshmallow herb contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation.
Today, you can get marshmallow root as tea or in capsule form. The warm tea can be soothing to a cough that’s accompanied by a sore throat. Marshmallow root is not recommended for children.
Get marshmallow root tea or capsules here.
Thyme is used by some for respiratory illnesses. One studyTrusted Source suggests 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.The marshmallow herb contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation.
Today, you can get marshmallow root as tea or in capsule form. The warm tea can be soothing to a cough that’s accompanied by a sore throat. Marshmallow root is not recommended for children.
Get marshmallow root tea or capsules here.
You can make thyme tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.
Find thyme tea.
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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