Coughing is your body’s way of clearing its airways in response to an irritant. Even though a cough is a natural response of your body, it can make you feel miserable–especially when it keeps you up all night. Sometimes a persistent cough can feel like it may never go away. If you are struggling with how to stop coughing, try out some of these home remedies to help calm your cough.
1. Honey
If you are wondering how to stop coughing, you may have the answer already in your kitchen. Honey has been shown to be effective in suppressing coughs. Honey is also one of the oldest known antibiotics, which means it may help your body fight off the upper respiratory infection causing your cough. To suppress your cough with honey, you can try swallowing a spoonful of honey on its own, or add it to a soothing hot drink such as an herbal tea.
2. Warm Fluids
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is very important when you are sick. Drinking warm fluids may be especially helpful if you are trying to stop coughing. Hot beverages such as herbal teas, clear broths, warm water, or warm fruit juices can soothe your throat. Not only can this help calm your cough, but it can also alleviate symptoms such as a sore throat, chills, and even fatigue.
3. Ginger
If you want to know how to stop coughing, ginger may be the answer. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that have been known to alleviate a dry or asthmatic cough. This herbal remedy can also relieve pain and nausea. Ginger has played a vital role in traditional medicine over the course of history. Try adding ginger to your food or drink it in hot tea to help relieve your cough.
4. Steam
Are you suffering from a wet cough? A cough that produces mucus or phlegm may be improved with steam. Run a hot shower or bath, allowing the bathroom to fill with steam. Sit in this steam for a few minutes to improve your cough. Make sure you drink a glass of water afterwards to cool down and rehydrate. Another option is making a steam bowl. Fill a large bowl with hot water, then lean over the bowl and place a towel over your head to trap the steam so you can breathe it in. Do this for about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Saltwater Gargle
Saltwater gargles have been used to alleviate sore throat and cough for years. This home remedy may be effective in loosening mucus and relieving some pain. Stir ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water until it dissolves. Gargle the solution, letting it sit in the back of the throat for a few moments, then spit it out. You can do this multiple times a day to improve your cough.
6. Pineapple
When trying to figure out how to stop coughing, you probably didn’t realize one of your favorite fruits may be able to help. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also have mucolytic properties, meaning it can break down and remove mucus. You can try drinking pineapple juice daily to reduce mucus and suppress your cough. However, bromelain supplements are more concentrated and may be more effective than pineapple juice.
7. Sleep
One of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to find out how to stop coughing is that your body needs time to recover in order to get better. Rest and sleep are vital when you are suffering from a cough because they allow your body to heal itself. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule in a comfortable, quiet environment so you can get plenty of sleep. This will help your body to fight off the illness so it can recover from the underlying cause of your cough.
Tips for Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
Now you know how to stop coughing with the help of a few home remedies. The best way to avoid suffering from a lingering cough, however, is taking steps to avoid getting sick in the first place. Check out these 5 tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season so you can keep your body healthy and prevent unpleasant symptoms like persistent coughs.
