Natural Ways to Stop Coughing Without Medicine

Compress

You can help relieve some of the congestion in the lungs and nasal passage by applying a warm compress to the area. The warmth from the compress can help stimulate and increase mucus drainage. All you need is a clean towel and some lukewarm water. Let the towel soak in the water for a few minutes, then wring out the water. Place the towel on your neck or chest for about five minutes. Repeat the step for about twenty minutes.

Steam Shower

A hot shower or bath will not only help drain mucus from the nasal passage and loosen up the bronchial passage, but it also relaxes the muscles and helps keep the body clean, reducing the risk of further infections. For younger children and infants, a lukewarm bath can be the ideal way to help relieve a nasty cough since younger children are not encouraged to take most over the counter cough medicines. 

Salt Water

Gargling warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat. It adds moisture to the sinus areas, helps the mucus drain easier and can help reduce the risk of post nasal drip. Just combine half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of sterilized warm water and stir until the salt dissolves. Gargle the salt water for a minute or two and then spit it out. Repeat this every couple of hours.

Peppermint

How to stop coughing without medicine can be done effectively with various herbs. Since peppermint contains menthol, it can help sooth a sore throat and act as a decongestant. You can find peppermint as an extract, essential oil or herbal tea. You can drink peppermint tea up to three times a day and the oils can be used as a type of aromatherapy. You should not take peppermint oil orally and should not use it for children under the age of two.

Garlic

Garlic has a number of beneficial properties - it is antiviral and is anti-inflammatory. Ingesting garlic can help reduce inflammation in the throat, as well as boost the immune system to help fight against infections. Garlic is best taken raw and should be limited to two cloves a day. Try these ways below to help fight off coughs:

• You can crush a clove of garlic and mix it with a spoonful of honey or olive oil.

• Add minced garlic to your meals, but try to avoid cooking it too much as this will destroy the beneficial properties.

• Garlic can also be found as garlic powder or garlic salt which can be more easily added to your meals.
  

Blue Vervain

Blue vervain can be found as a supplement, syrup or as a tea and helps loosen phlegm and mucus in the throat and chest area. You can take blue vervain one or two times a day and if taken as a supplement, it should be taken with a full glass of water. 

Eucalyptus

How to stop coughing without medicine using eucalyptus can be done by making a tincture or as aromatherapy. Eucalyptus is effective at relieving coughs as well as reducing congestion. You should avoid consuming eucalyptus and eucalyptus oils directly as they can be poisonous when taken orally.

House Plants

There are a number of plants that can act as natural humidifier, filtering and purifying the air and limiting the toxins you breathe in that can cause irritation to the throat, lungs or sinuses. Aloe Vera, bamboo palms, weeping figs and Chinese evergreens are just a few plants you can place in your home to help combat coughs.

Humidifiers

A humidifier can help add moisture to the air. Dry air can often irritate the throat, making the cough worse. With a humidifier, you can help clear the sinuses while also soothing the throat. Keep the air range between 30 – 55% to avoid risk of mold build up or dry eyes. You can measure the humidity using a humidistat which can be found in most hardware stores. 

Drink More Water

You already know that drinking enough water is vital to staying healthy, but when you have a cough, it can be even more important to drink the recommended 2 liters a day. Water can help reduce congestion, post nasal drip, dry throat and help thin the mucus, which makes it easier to be cleared from the irritated area.

Cayenne Pepper

The capsaicin found in cayenne pepper has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help reduce congestion, fevers, and coughs. These properties also promote the healing process to reduce irritation in the throat. However, cayenne pepper should not be giving to infants or those with gastric reflux, those taking blood thinners or people with low blood sugar. 

Change the Way You Sleep

If you are wondering how to stop coughing without medicine, you can try change how you sleep. You want to ensure you're getting enough sleep to help fight off the bacteria that cause the cough, but with a persistent cough, this can be a challenge. Sleeping on your side can make it more comfortable to breathe and will result in less congestion. Also propping your head up with a pillow can be an ideal way to get a full night's sleep. This can help improve airflow and will keep mucus from blocking the throat or sinuses.