2) Thyme Thyme functions as both a culinary herb and a medicine, says Michael S. Fenster , MD, interventional cardiologist, author, and professional chef. The leaves and flowers contain thymol and carvacrol, which act as antispasmodics, expectorants, and contain antibacterial and antiviral compoundsall of which can help improve coughs, he explains. Add the herb to your meals or enjoy it in a soothing tea. wmaster890 - Getty Images
3) Boswellia This herb, more commonly known as frankincense, has been used for centuries to treat coughs, particularly those than come from inflammation of the lungs or other areas, Dr. Fenster says. Its potent anti-inflammatory compounds can help both in soothing a cough and fighting the oral pathogens that can cause them, he explains. Dissolving boswellia in hot water and inhaling the steam helped reduce coughing from asthma and bronchitis, according to a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine . Madeleine_Steinbach - Getty Images
4) Ginger Eating pungent spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and anise, can help strengthen your respiratory system, Dr. Loo says. These spices can be brewed into a delicious herbal tea and the warm water and steam have the added benefit of helping to open up your lungs, she says. Purified ginger put in a nebulizer helped relax peoples airways and reduce coughing, particularly dry coughs related to asthma, according to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology . Maya23K - Getty Images
5) Chili peppers Spicy foods are a natural way to strengthen your respiratory system, Dr. Loo says. But some spicy foods, particularly ones containing capsaicin, like chili peppers, can significantly reduce the congestion and coughing that come from constant post-nasal drip from allergies or rhinitis, according to a study published in The Annals of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology . Patients who used a nasal spray containing capsaicin saw improvement in under one minute that lasted for up to an hour, they found. Xesai - Getty Images
6) Marshmallow root Marshmallow root has been used for centuries to help deal with cold symptoms, including coughs, and it can actually help, according to a meta-analysis published in International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science in Invention . The marshmallow herb contains a compound called mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation. The researchers recommend taking it in capsule form or drinking marshmallow root tea. matrixnis - Getty Images
7) Almond milk The idea that eating or drinking dairy products causes increased mucus and coughing is a myth, nor does it worsen a cough from an existing cold, according to research published in The American Review of Respiratory Disease . But many people associate dairy with congestion because milk has a similar texture and viscosity to mucus which can make it feel like its sticking in your throat, according to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy . If you have a dry cough and are craving something creamy to coat your throat and ease the scratchiness, but want a thinner texture, almond or coconut milk is a good replacement, Dr. Loo says. jlcst - Getty Images
8) Honey One of Dr. Uypitchings favorite home cough remedies is a big spoonful of honey. Not only is it tasty but its been shown to be just as effective in suppressing coughs, particularly those caused by upper respiratory tract infections, as some over-the-counter cough medicines. Patients given a tablespoon of honey before bedtime got as much, or more, relief than they did when given dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in cough medicines, according to a study published in The Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine . rvbox - Getty Images
9) Salt water gargle Coughing isnt just from issues in your lungs. In fact, sore, irritated, and inflamed throats are a very common cause of coughs, Dr. Uypitching says. A good way to help calm your throat, and your cough, is to make a warm solution of water and salt and gargle it for 30 seconds, she says. fizkes - Getty Images
10) Chicken soup Chicken soup is a time-honored cold remedy in many cultures and for good reason, Dr. Uypitching says. Not only does it combine several other proven cough remedieswarm water, steam, herbs, salt, fluidsbut it may have cough-fighting properties of its own. Chicken soup significantly lowered signs of infection from colds and flus, in a study published in Chest . PhotoGeo7 - Getty Images
11) Neti pot A Neti pot is a small kettle used to flush out the sinuses. You fill it with a warm salt water solution and then pour it gently into one nostril, allowing it to travel through your sinus cavities and out your other nostril. While it may sound weird, its actually an effective remedy for coughs caused by sinusitis or sinus congestion, Dr. Uypitching says. Just make sure youre using purified water so you dont introduce other germs into your sinuses. MaRussya - Getty Images
12) Steam shower The research on steam, by itself, as a cough remedy is surprisingly mixed, with some studies showing that it helps while others show no benefit. But regardless of whether or not it produces statistically significant results, many coughing patients find a hot shower very comforting and soothing and it certainly wont hurt to try, Dr. Uypitching says. One way to make steam more effective is to combine it with other things, like herbs or menthol, she says. Gen Sadakane / EyeEm - Getty Images
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