Cough is very widespread. It's a symptom that accompanies most of the upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and flu. It also comes with allergies and asthma. The point is, we suffer with coughs now and then, if not us, then our kids or loved ones. So, it is good to know a few science-proven natural remedies that can soothe coughs.
Today, I will share with you natural remedies for coughs, which you can make from things that are readily available at home or at grocery shops.
The Effectiveness of Over-the-counter Cough Preparations
Have you ever had a persistent cough that drove you to the pharmacy in search of relief, only to find that after taking the medicine, there wasn't really much improvement?
Many healthcare professionals know that the effectiveness of over-the-counter cough preparations is an area of doubt. Many, if not most, of those preparations are not effective in relieving cough or dissolving mucus (1). Not to mention that they all have adverse effects. That's the reason that some doctors would prescribe a specific homemade cough remedy instead of over-the-counter preparation.
Natural Remedies for Cough
1. Honey
Honey is a famous cough remedy. There are a lot of studies that have looked into the effectiveness of honey as a remedy for a cough. According to one meta-analysis study, giving 2.5 ml of honey to inflicted children over 1 year might have a role in treating cough in those children (2). Cough was also recommended by the WHO back in 2001 as a natural remedy for cough.
Important Precautions
Honey doesn't really have any serious adverse effects, especially when you compare it to active ingredients found in over-the-counter preparations, such as dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, which can cause insomnia and drowsiness, respectively. But there are some precautions that you should be aware of if you are about to use honey for coughs.
Honey is not recommended for infants younger than 1 year. That's because honey might contain spores of Clostridium botulinum that can transfer into bacteria and produce toxins in infants less than 1 year (2).
Diabetic patients should approach honey with care, as it might cause a surge in blood glucose levels.
Avoid honey if you are allergic to pollen, as that is what honey is made of.
Pregnancy and lactation: it is okay as long as you stick to the amounts found in food.
2. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that might make it a good choice for cough. It's one of the remedies that Asians used and still use in traditional medicine for the treatment of coughs. An older study that looked into 10 natural remedies that Asians use for cough, one of them ginger, showed that all of those remedies have some activities that can account for their traditional use as cough treatments (3).
Ginger is the treatment that I go for when I have a cough. I add it to my morning tea when my cough becomes bad.
3. Honey and Ginger
This mixture is one that many use, and a lot of pharmaceutical companies make cough preparations and sore throat lozenges based on it. This combination is one that researchers have studied before and compared to over-the-counter preparations, and what they found is that it's indeed an effective remedy for the treatment of cough (4).
Precautions
Don't use ginger if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, at least not before you talk to your doctor.
Avoid ginger if you have ulcers or gastrointestinal tract disturbances, as ginger might cause heartburn and disturb the GIT more.
Bleeding disorders: ginger might cause bleeding; that's why it is better to avoid it if you have any bleeding disorder.
4. Lemon and Honey
Another famous remedy for coughs is lemon and honey. We have already established that honey is good for coughs; adding lemon to it might add extra benefits due to the characteristics of lemon (5).
Lemon contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that might be beneficial in fighting infections and improving overall health.
Precautions:
Regarding honey, the precautions are similar to the ones above. As for lemon:
Avoid lemon or take it moderately if you have heartburn.
If you are sensitive to tyramine, avoid lemon because it can cause migraines.
5. Warm Saltwater Gargle
Warm saltwater gargle is basically a treatment for sore throat, but it also has benefits as a remedy for cough. It might not suppress cough as effective as other remedies like honey and ginger, but it relieves the symptoms that accompany cough, such as a scratchy throat. It also clears the mucus and reduces the amount of bacteria.
How to Make a Saltwater Gargle
Heat 8 ounces of water.
Add a ½ teaspoon to the water.
Let it warm a little just so it won't burn, then gargle and spit.
Variations:
Some people add black tea or lemon juice to the hot water.
Be careful not to swallow the saltwater.
6. Hot Drinks
Hot drinks are my mom's remedy whenever she has a cough, common cold, or flu, and it seems to work just fine for her. And just like my mother, many use hot drinks to relieve the symptoms of common cold symptoms, including coughs.
A study in 2008 concluded that hot drinks can indeed relieve cough and common cold symptoms (6).
The Takeaway
While coughing is not always a big deal, sometimes it can be truly bothersome. There is limited and conflicted evidence when it comes to over-the-counter cough preparations. Many doctors believe that they are not effective. On the other hand, some natural remedies seem to show some good results at relieving cough or its effect. Such as honey, ginger, lemon, and honey, hot drinks, and saltwater gargle. However, keep in mind that even natural remedies have their adverse effects and precautions. If possible, it's always better to consult your doctor, especially if it's for infants, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
FAQ: Natural Remedies For Cough:
Are natural remedies for cough safe for everyone?
Natural remedies are generally safe, but they do come with precautions. For instance, honey should not be given to infants under 1 year due to the risk of botulism, and ginger may cause issues for those with bleeding disorders or gastrointestinal disturbances. It’s important to consider these precautions and consult with a healthcare professional if in doubt.
How effective are natural remedies compared to over-the-counter cough medicines?
Many healthcare professionals believe that natural remedies like honey and ginger can be as effective, if not more so, than some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines. OTC medications often have limited effectiveness and can come with side effects, making natural remedies a safer alternative for some people.
Can I use honey to treat a cough to my child?
Honey can be used to treat a cough in children over 1-year-old. Studies suggest that 2.5 ml of honey can help soothe a cough in children. However, it should never be given to infants under 1-year-old due to the risk of botulism.
Is it safe to use ginger for a cough during pregnancy?
Ginger can be effective for treating a cough, but pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using ginger, as it can cause heartburn or bleeding in some cases.
How does a warm saltwater gargle help with a cough?
A warm saltwater gargle primarily helps by soothing a sore throat, which often accompanies a cough. It can also help clear mucus and reduce bacteria in the throat, providing some relief from cough symptoms.
What makes lemon and honey a good remedy for a cough?
Lemon and honey are a popular combination for cough relief because lemon adds vitamin C and antioxidants, which help fight infections, while honey soothes the throat and suppresses cough.
Can hot drinks really relieve a cough?
Yes, hot drinks can help relieve cough symptoms. A study has shown that hot beverages can soothe the throat and reduce cough, making them a simple and effective remedy.
Should diabetic patients use honey for cough relief?
Diabetic patients should use honey with caution, as it can raise blood glucose levels. It’s important to monitor blood sugar and consult with a healthcare provider before using honey as a remedy.
When should I avoid using ginger for a cough?
If you’re using ginger, avoid it if you have gastrointestinal issues like ulcers, as it can exacerbate these conditions. Additionally, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding, so those with bleeding disorders should be cautious.
Are there any risks associated with using natural remedies for cough in elderly people?
Elderly individuals may be more sensitive to certain remedies, and their existing health conditions should be taken into account. It’s advisable for elderly individuals to consult with a healthcare provider before using natural remedies to ensure safety.
Sources and Citations
Schroeder, K., & Fahey, T. (2002). Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of over the counter cough medicines for acute cough in adults. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 324(7333), 329–331. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7333.329
Goldman R. D. (2014). Honey for treatment of cough in children. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 60(12), 1107–1110.
J aybhaye, Deepali & Chandra, Shruti & Johar, Sukhmeen & Nagre, Abhijit. (2021). Comparative effect of mixture of ginger and honey with dextromethorphan in dry cough in children. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 10. 545. 10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20211651.
Sadikan, Muhammad Zulfiqah & Mohamad Asri, Muhammad Naeim & Ahmad Hairi, Haryati & Singar, Saiful. (2023). Relevance and Use of Honey and Lemon Water for Cough.
Sanu, A., & Eccles, R. (2008). The effects of a hot drink on nasal airflow and symptoms of common cold and flu. Rhinology, 46(4), 271–275.
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