Chronic cough can be both exhausting and frustrating. Generally when a cough remains for more than 3 weeks, it is considered chronic. Some common causes of chronic cough include;
- Allergies
- Post nasal drip
- Asthma
- Smoking
- Bronchitis
- Acid reflux
While it is important to consult a healthcare provider if your cough lasts for an extended period of time or is accompanied with other symptoms, there are many home remedies for chronic cough that can provide you relief.
10 Natural Home Remedies For Chronic Cough:
1. Honey:
Honey is one of the most well-known natural remedies for cough. It has been used for centuries for its healing properties.
According to a review of studies on effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infection, honey was more effective than usual care in improving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
You can make warm honey tea by mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey in warm water or herbal tea. Sipping it slowly will help soothe your throat.
You can also take a teaspoon of raw honey. Its coating effect on the throat will help reduce cough.
It should be noted that honey is not recommended for children under 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism.
2. Ginger:
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties of ginger may help soothe throat irritation caused by cough.
You can take ginger tea to help ease your cough. To make ginger tea, boil fresh ginger slices in water for about 10 minutes and then strain it. You can add honey and lemon in it for additional benefits.
You can also make a mixture of ginger and honey and consume this paste several times a day.
3. Hot Beverages:
Consuming hot beverages can provide comfort and relief for your chronic cough. They help soothe the throat, reduce irritation and promote hydration. Here are some hot beverages you can try;
- Honey and warm water
- Ginger tea
- Licorice root tea
- Turmeric milk
- Clear broth
4. Saltwater Gargle:
Gargling from saltwater can help provide relief from sore throat. It may reduce inflammation and help clear up any mucus or irritant in the throat that might be causing the cough.
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Allow this solution to cool slightly then gargle with it for about 30 seconds. Repeat this twice or thrice a day.
5. Steam Inhalation:
Steam inhalation may help improve coughs that produce mucus or phlegm. It helps loosen the mucus and alleviate congestion in the airways, providing relief from coughing. For steam inhalation, you can try;
Hot Shower: Take a hot shower or bath and let the steam fill up in the bathroom. Then stay in that steam for a few minutes and inhale it. After this, drinking a glass of water will help cool down and prevent dehydration.
Steam From Hot Water: Boil water and pour it into a bowl. Then cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl and inhale steam for about 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Turmeric:
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It contains a compound, known as curcumin that may help reduce inflammation. It also supports overall immune function and helps the body to fight off the infection that might be contributing to the cough.
In Ayurvedic medicine, it is a well-documented treatment for many respiratory conditions like asthma, allergy, cough, and sinusitis.
You can use it by making turmeric milk or turmeric tea.
Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk): To make turmeric milk, add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm milk. Stir well and drink it before bedtime to help soothe your throat and promote healing.
Turmeric Tea: You can brew turmeric tea by boiling a small amount of turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root in water. You can also add honey or lemon for extra soothing effects.
7. Peppermint:
Peppermint contains menthol that helps soothe the throat and act as a natural decongestant. It may help relieve cough caused by mucus build up and congestion. The cooling properties of menthol can also help soothe throat irritation.
You can use it by making peppermint tea and drinking it to calm your throat.
You can also try peppermint oil inhalation. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to hot water, and inhale the steam to clear your airways.
8. Slippery Elm:
Slippery elm is used for its soothing properties. Inner bark of a slippery elm tree contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and calms the throat. It has been traditionally used to treat sore throat and cough. Although there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
You can use it in the form of;
Slippery Elm Tea: Add slippery elm powder in hot water to make soothing tea and drink it once or twice a day.
Slippery Elm Lozenges: Slippery elm lozenges are also available in the market, which provide a convenient way to soothe throat irritation.
9. Thyme:
Thyme is a herb which has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It has been a natural remedy for cough, bronchitis and respiratory conditions for years.
A meta-analysis of several studies suggests that thyme based preparations helped alleviate frequency and severity of cough in people.
You can take it as thyme tea. Steep fresh or dried leaves of thyme in hot water for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink the tea to relieve your cough.
You can also make a mixture of thyme and honey. Mix a few drops of thyme essential oil with honey and take a spoonful to soothe your throat.
10. Dietary Changes To Manage Acid Reflux:
As acid reflux is a common cause of cough, managing it can help relieve cough caused by acid reflux. One of the best ways to manage acid reflux is avoiding the foods that cause it.
Everyone can have different triggers, so it is important to identify the foods that cause your symptoms.
Here are some common foods and beverages associated with triggering acid reflux;
- Spicy foods
- Fatty and fried foods
- Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes
- Chocolate
- Mint
- Caffeine drinks like coffee and tea
- Carbonated drinks like soda
When To Seek Medical Advice:
It is important to consult your healthcare provider if you are having following symptoms;
- Your cough persists for more than 3 weeks or is recurrent.
- You are having a yellow or green foul smelling sputum.
- You are experiencing other symptoms with your cough like fever, chills, weight loss or blood in the mucus.
- You are having chest pain.
Final thoughts:
Home remedies for chronic cough can provide natural and soothing relief. You can try different remedies and see what works best for you. However, it is important to seek medical attention when necessary.
Are you having a cough or cold that is making it difficult for you to attend school or work? To take some time off, you may need a sick note to formally communicate your absence. You can get a sick note online quickly, from an EU licensed doctor, all from the comfort of your home.