Coughing occasionally is the body's natural reaction to clearing out the throat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. But severe coughs can creep up for a number of different reasons. Whether you have a scratchy throat, congestion or your cough is a result of smoking, there are remedies to help alleviate your symptoms.
Cough Medicine
Cough medicines usually take two forms: cough suppressants and expectorants, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Suppressants help coat the lining of your throat and windpipe, easing the scratching feeling that causes some coughs. Expectorants help clear your airways and throat from sticky mucus, which can be a cough culprit.
Honey
One of the most natural and easy-to-find cough remedies, honey may be more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines in helping to relieve cough symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. One popular way to deliver honey effectively to the throat is by putting it in hot liquid, such as tea.
Eucalyptus
A plant found mainly in Australia, eucalyptus has healing properties and is an effective cold remedy solution, and is found in many different cough-relieving products such as cough drops and lozenges, vapor baths and chest rubs.
Humidifier
A humidifier is another solution for loosening the mucus that may lead to a nagging cough. The humidifier increases the amount of moisture in the air, which can in turn help open up and moisten your airways and relieve cough and cold symptoms. Some humidifiers allow you to add vapor solutions, which take advantage of ingredients such as eucalyptus to speed up the process.
