20 Natural Cough Remedies for Dry and Productive Coughs
Natural cough remedies can be a temporary treatment alternative when an annoying cough suddenly strikes.
A cough is actually an innate reaction of the body's immune system trying to protect the respiratory tract from harmful substances.[1]
Dry coughs are generally caused by pollution, dust, or cigarette smoke. Meanwhile, coughs with phlegm are usually triggered by infections from microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
Although it is a common bodily reaction, a sudden cough can disrupt activities, cause an itchy throat, and cause discomfort.
To quickly relieve this cough, you can use natural cough remedies that you can easily find at home, such as:
1. Natural Honey

Its sweet syrup-like taste makes it suitable as a natural cough remedy for children. According to research, consuming 2.5 ml of honey in children aged 2–5 years successfully reduced the intensity of their cough.[2]
2. Soursop Juice

Wash ripe soursops, then squeeze them to extract the juice. Mix with about 7 liters of boiled water and add 1 kg of sugar.[3]
3. Turmeric Milk

With its antiseptic properties, turmeric is effective in relieving chronic coughs and throat irritation.[4] You can mix about one teaspoon of turmeric powder with 30 ml of warm milk to enjoy its benefits.
4. Kencur Tea

According to a 2022 study, kencur as a natural cough remedy combined with honey and consumed for three days successfully relieved coughs in 80% of the participants studied.[5]
5. Lemon Water

Lemon acts as a decongestant that can thin phlegm, making it easier to expel. Not suitable for children, this natural cough remedy for adults can be made by mixing half a squeezed lemon with a glass of warm water.
6. Raw Garlic

Allicin is an antibacterial and antiviral compound found in garlic that can fight cough-causing microorganisms. To stimulate the production of allicin, you can cut or crush garlic before consuming it raw.[6]
7. Bird's Eye Chili Infusion

The capsaicin content in chilies can treat coughs caused by environmental factors.[7] To get its benefits, this natural dry cough remedy from bird's eye chilies can be made by soaking the chilies in warm boiled water and drinking it.
8. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint contains menthol, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.[8] Peppermint also has an antitussive effect that can suppress the urge to cough by reducing brain stimulation.
9. Ginger Tea

As a natural remedy for coughs with phlegm, consuming ginger can help dry up mucus in the throat and promote phlegm expulsion. To enjoy the benefits of ginger, you can brew it into a warm cup of tea.
10. Masala Chai Tea

Made from a combination of black tea, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper, this drink can relieve dry coughs and sore throats.
11. Sweet Pomegranate Juice

Sweet pomegranate is beneficial for chronic coughs, dry throats, and thinning mucus. Conversely, sour pomegranate can irritate the throat and worsen coughs.[9]
12. Pineapple

The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain help suppress coughs and improve breathing. You can eat pineapple three times a day or drink about 100 ml of pineapple juice.
13. Saltwater

Saltwater can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. You can dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then gargle for several seconds.
14. Eat Yogurt

For coughs caused by colds or fevers, consuming yogurt can boost the immune system, which is useful for various cold or fever symptoms.
15. Chamomile Tea

For coughs, colds, and sore throats, this tea helps reduce inflammation, easing throat pain and suppressing the urge to cough.
16. Lemongrass Tea

Containing saponin, lemongrass tea helps expel phlegm quite effectively.[10] You can make tea by boiling 3 grams of lemongrass stalks in 50 ml of water for 15 minutes.
17. Clove Tea

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of cloves are effective in relieving toothaches, sore throats, and coughs. To make tea, add 4 to 5 cloves and boil for 20 minutes.
18. Lime and Soy Sauce Mixture

Limes contain flavonoids, saponins, and tannins that are effective against two bacteria that cause coughs. Add half a squeezed lime to one tablespoon of soy sauce to make a cough remedy that is not too sour.
19. Galangal Decoction

Mix a little galangal powder or steeped galangal slices with boiled water and lime. This decoction can relieve coughs and soothe the throat.
20. Pear or Baesuk Decoction

This South Korean recipe can be made by boiling pears with added ginger, cinnamon powder, and honey.
Easy to make with readily available ingredients, the natural cough remedies above can be a temporary self-treatment at home.
For other options, you can also try Sido Muncul Tolak Angin Cough, which is more convenient and hygienic. So, for those who want something hassle-free, this Sido Muncul supplement can be the right option.
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