How To Get Rid Of A Cough In 5 Minutes

Satomura, K., Kitamura, T., Kawamura, T., Shimbo, T., Watanabe, M., Kamei, M., . and Tamakoshi, A. (2005). Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections by gargling: a randomized trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 29(4), 302-307.

How to Stop Coughing Naturally: 10 Effective Methods

A chronic cough can be more than just a mere annoyance. It can disrupt your sleep, make you feel uncomfortable, interfere with work and social interactions, and even signal an underlying health condition.

The good news is there are numerous natural remedies that can help soothe a persistent cough. Here are 10 ways to stop coughing naturally:

1. Drink plenty of water

Keeping your body well-hydrated is the first line of defense against a cough. When you’re dehydrated, your body produces less saliva and mucus, making your throat dry and more prone to irritation. This can lead to an unrelenting cough. Drinking plenty of water helps to thin mucus in your throat, making it easier to cough up and clearing your airways.

2. Eat a spoonful of honey

Honey is a time-honoured remedy for soothing a cough. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can help clear infection, while its viscosity can coat and soothe an irritated throat. Consider having a spoonful of honey before bed to reduce night-time coughing. A word of caution: Never give honey to children under 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism.

3. Have some herbal tea

Certain herbal teas, such as thyme, chamomile, peppermint and liquorice root, can be beneficial for a cough. These teas are known for their soothing properties and can help to reduce the cough reflex. The warmth of the tea can also stimulate saliva production, further alleviating throat dryness and irritation. Thyme, for example, has been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory illnesses. Its compounds can relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation.

4. Gargle some salt water

Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore or scratchy throat, which often accompanies a cough. Salt water helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, providing temporary relief. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, gargle the solution for a few seconds, and spit it out.

5. Eat a slice of pineapple

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, may help suppress coughs and loosen mucus. It’s best to eat a slice of pineapple or drink natural pineapple juice, but bromelain supplements are also available if you prefer a more concentrated form.

6. Reduce inflammation with ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help ease a cough. It can reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract and may even help to suppress the cough reflex. Try drinking fresh ginger tea several times a day for cough relief.

7. Have a warm turmeric drink

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. A warm turmeric drink may help to soothe your throat, reduce inflammation, and relieve your cough.

8. Add probiotics to your diet

While they don’t directly soothe a cough, probiotics can balance your gastrointestinal flora, which can help to boost your immune system and prevent coughs caused by colds or flu. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or taken as a supplement.

9. Avoid exposure to irritants

Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, or strong odours can exacerbate a cough. Keeping your environment clean and avoiding exposure to irritants can go a long way in managing your cough.

10. Maintain a regular sleep schedule

Last but not least, give your body plenty of time to recover. Sleep and rest are essential when you’re dealing with a cough, as they give your body the time it needs to heal. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable, quiet sleeping environment.

Always remember that while these natural remedies can provide relief, they may not treat the underlying cause of your cough.

If your cough persists for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms like fever, weight loss, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to seek medical attention.

References

Mäkinen, T. M., Juvonen, R., Jokelainen, J., Harju, T. H., Peitso, A., Bloigu, A., . and Hassi, J. (2009). Cold temperature and low humidity are associated with increased occurrence of respiratory tract infections. Respiratory Medicine, 103(3), 456-462.

Cohen, H. A., Rozen, J., Kristal, H., Laks, Y., Berkovitch, M., Uziel, Y., . and Efrat, H. (2012). Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Pediatrics, 130(3), 465-471.

Townsend, E. A., Siviski, M. E., Zhang, Y., Xu, C., Hoonjan, B., and Emala, C. W. (2013. Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, 48(2), 157-163.

Satomura, K., Kitamura, T., Kawamura, T., Shimbo, T., Watanabe, M., Kamei, M., . and Tamakoshi, A. (2005). Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections by gargling: a randomized trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 29(4), 302-307.

Kemmerich, B., Eberhardt, R., and Stammer, H. (2007). Efficacy and tolerability of a fluid extract combination of thyme herb and ivy leaves and matched placebo in adults suffering from acute bronchitis with productive cough: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 57(9), 607-615.

Taub, S. J. (1965). Therapeutic experiences with bromelain in proteolytic enzyme therapy of inflammation and edema. Medical Annals of the District of Columbia, 34, 39-44.

Townsend, E. A., Siviski, M. E., Zhang, Y., Xu, C., Hoonjan, B., and Emala, C. W. (2013). Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, 48(2), 157-163.

Cough

There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough.

• rest
• drink plenty of fluids
• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities

You could also try:

• paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
• hot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)
• a herbal medicine called pelargonium (suitable for people aged 12 or over)

But there’s limited evidence to show these work. Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines.

How to make a hot lemon and honey drink

1. Squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water.
2. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey.
3. Drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children).

Information:

Some medicines and herbal treatments are not safe for everyone (for example, if you’re pregnant). Always check the leaflet or speak to a pharmacist before taking them.

A pharmacist can help if you have a cough

If you have a cough, you can ask a pharmacist about:

• cough syrup
• cough medicine (some cough medicines should not be given to children under 12 years old)
• cough sweets

These will not stop your cough, but may help you cough less.

Decongestants and cough medicines containing codeine will not stop your cough.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• you’ve had a cough for more than 3 weeks (persistent cough)
• you’re losing weight for no reason
• you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• your cough is very bad or quickly gets worse – for example, you have a hacking cough or cannot stop coughing
• you feel very unwell
• you have chest pain
• the side of your neck feels swollen and painful (swollen glands)
• you find it hard to breathe
• you’re coughing up blood

What happens at your appointment

To find out what’s causing your cough, the GP might:

• listen to your chest with a stethoscope
• take a sample of any mucus you might be coughing up
• order an X-ray, allergy test, or a test to see how well your lungs work
• refer you to hospital to see a specialist, but this is rare

Important

Antibiotics are not normally prescribed for coughs. A GP will only prescribe them if you need them – for example, if you have a bacterial infection or you’re at risk of complications.

What causes coughs

Most coughs are caused by a cold or flu.

Other causes include:

• smoking
• heartburn (acid reflux)
• allergies – for example, hay fever
• infections like bronchitis or COVID-19
• mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose

A cough is rarely a sign of something serious like lung cancer.

Video: Coughs

In this video, a GP describes the most common causes of coughs and how they can be treated.

Media last reviewed: 1 May 2024
Media review due: 1 May 2027

Page last reviewed: 08 December 2023
Next review due: 08 December 2026

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