Homemade Remedies to Get Rid of a Cough

A cough is a reflex that serves the important purpose of removing mucus, bacteria, and irritants from your respiratory tract. Although most coughs are acute, which means they last less than three weeks and clear up on their own, some can linger for months and become chronic. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of a cough, there are several homemade remedies that may help.

Honey

Honey is a time-honored remedy for a variety of ailments, including coughs. Honey has antimicrobial qualities and is also a natural expectorant, which means it helps loosen phlegm and make it easier to expel.

To use honey as a cough remedy, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons (tbsp) in a cup of warm water or tea. You can also take it straight by the spoonful. Do this four times per day until your cough goes away.

Gargle with salt water

Gargling with warm salt water can help lessen swelling in your throat and break down mucus so you can expel it more easily. It’s also thought to have antibacterial properties.

Make a saltwater solution by mixing 1/2 tsp of salt in 8 ounces (oz) of warm water. gargle for 30 seconds at a time several times per day. Spitting the water out each time after gargling.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint has menthol, which can help thin mucus so you can expel it more easily from your respiratory tract. Peppermint is also thought to have antibacterial properties that may help fight infection.

Add 1 peppermint tea bag to 8 oz of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes then remove the tea bag. add honey if desired and drink up to four times per day until your cough improves or goes away completely

Most coughs will go away on their own within three weeks without treatment. However, if you’re looking for ways to speed up the process, there are several homemade remedies that may help, such as honey, salt water gargles, and peppermint tea. These remedies are inexpensive and likely already in your pantry or medicine cabinet. Give one or all of them a try until your coughing subsides.