Remedies to Help a Cough

A cough can be a sign of an infection, a bronchial or lung disorder, asthma or just a reaction to dry conditions. After seeing a doctor to eliminate the possibility of serious complications, there are a number of home remedies and over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the annoyances caused by a nagging cough.

Cold

• Because there is no cure for the common cold, the Mayo Clinic recommends treating the cough that accompanies a cold virus with old-fashioned remedies that will minimize the symptoms while your body heals. Warn water mixed with lemon and honey can help to loosen phlegm and clear the bronchial tubes. Salt mixed in water for gargling will help relieve a scratchy throat that often causes coughing. Researchers also confirm the efficacy of chicken soup as a way to speed up recovery from a cold and decrease the length of coughing spells.

Herbs

• Many herbs can be brewed into tea and provide soothing relief for coughs. Oregano, anise seeds and marjoram are among the herbs that many have used to treat coughs. Herbs should be steeped individually in boiling water for about 30 minutes before drinking to absorb the nutrients from the plants. Honey added to the drink can sweeten the taste.

Inhalers

• Prescribed inhalers provide relief for people with bronchitis and asthma. Homemade inhalation therapies to relieve coughing spells can be made from eucalyptus that's been steamed, report researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The leaves can be placed in a bowl of boiling water. As the vapors rise, the cougher can lean over the mixture and breathe the soothing vapors. A hot shower also can produce the steam needed to help reduce coughing.

Alcohol

• Drinking alcohol mixed into a hot drink can help to deaden the nerves in the throat and provide temporary relief from coughing. One popular drink that's been soothing coughs for centuries is rum and coffee, report experts at Natural Home Remedies. Cough medicines that contain alcohol help to relax the throat and provide periods of relief from coughing. They also produce drowsiness and allow the sufferer to get some much-needed rest to fight off the cold or other ailment causing the cough.

Medicines

• Cough drops can help to soothe a scratchy throat and stop coughing, report doctors at Georgetown University Hospital. Lozenges that contain eucalyptus can reduce nasal swelling and aid with decongestion. Cough syrups help to stop coughing by constricting blood vessels in the throat, which take away the urge to cough. Medicines that contain expectorant can break up phlegm and mucus to increase coughing for a short time, while providing longer relief once the irritations have been expectorated.