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6 Home Remedy Recipes to Cure Cough
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Published on 10/10/24
(Updated on 08/31/25)
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6 Home Remedy Recipes to Cure Cough

Written by
Dr. Harsha Joy
Nangelil Ayurveda Medical College
I am Dr. Harsha Joy, and I mostly work with women who are struggling with stuff like hormonal issues, skin flare-ups, hair thinning, or fertility troubles that don't always have one straight answer. Over the years, I’ve realised that real healing doesn’t come from a standard protocol—it comes when you actually sit with a person, understand what their day looks like, how they eat sleep think feel. That’s where Ayurveda makes all the sense in the world to me. My clinical work revolves around women’s health—especially gynecology and infertility care. Many women who reach out to me have tried many things, felt confused or unheard. Whether it’s PCOS, irregular cycles, or just feeling "off" hormonally, I try to look at the root imbalance—agni, ama, ojas—basic Ayurvedic fundamentals that still explain modern conditions better than most charts or labels. Fertility support is something close to my heart... we don’t rush anything. It’s more like—let’s fix the ecosystem inside first. I also work with chronic skin and hair problems. Acne that just won't leave, hyperpigmentation, postpartum hair loss, oily scalp with dandruff... and again, for these too, it’s usually not a skin problem. It’s digestion, stress, sleep, circulation—internal stuff showing up outside. We work with diet tweaks, gut reset, herbs, maybe some lepas or sneha therapy—but always after tuning into what *your* body wants. Outside my clinic I write a lot. I'm part of content teams that simplify Ayurveda into understandable bits—whether it's about hormonal balance or skincare or daily routines. Writing has helped me reach people who aren’t ready to consult but want to start somewhere. And I think that matters too. I don’t believe in intense detoxes or piling on medicines. The work I do is slow, layered, sometimes messy—but that's healing. That’s what I try to offer—whether someone walks in with hair loss or years of failed fertility cycles. Every body has its own story and my job’s just to hear it right. Maybe guide it back home.
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What can I do to cure my cough? This a common question that is asked by everyone when a cough has a grip on one’s health and has become an irritation and throat sore. To avoid this situation, it is better to prepare even before this situation ever takes a grip on our health, the term “prevention is better than cure” answers the situation that we find ourselves in. so when it comes to preparing yourself to prevent getting cough or curing in case caught one there is an alternative way that does not involve going to hospitals you can build a cure yourselves without having any side effects only added benefits. This is the home remedy or  as we lovingly put it the granny cure.

The home remedy or granny cure is a treatment to cure a disease or ailment that uses certain spices, herbs, vegetables, or other common items. They have been used since earlier times to cure common illnesses and problems from ancient knowledge and experiences. It is growing as an alternative treatment for common problems especially for a busy population that is work-focused and growth-oriented so that they can effectively save more time and resources and also by people who are trying to switch from modern medicine to other practices.

Common Home Remedy Recipes

1. Honey

Honey is the most common and useful ingredient in every kitchen and is also very useful in treating cough. Unlike modern remedy drugs, they do not possess the bitterness of consumption hence consumption is not a problem as it is one of the sweetest things that you can find in your kitchen. In a study conducted in 2021, the researchers found that honey can be used as a medicine to cure cough and can also be a substitute for the antibiotic dextromethorphan. The person suffering from a cough only needs to consume a spoonful of honey every day along with a hot fluid.

2. Ginger

Similar to honey, Ginger is a common member of the kitchen and has a wide variety of uses in the dishes we eat. But its medical properties especially its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good ingredient in treating nausea and pain. But studies also show that it also helps in increasing curing coughs. Ginger along with honey and other 10 ingredients has been part of traditional medicine for a long time. In addition to providing a good flavor, ginger is also very healthy and is a great beverage that is usually consumed with tea.

3. Decaffeinated Black tea

Drinking any hot fluid is seen as a good method that can be used against the common cold and cough but one of the most effective hot fluids that has the most health properties is the decaffeinated black tea. The minerals present provide many health benefits and help in boosting the immune system. The decaffeinated black tea combined with ginger another remedy for curing cough makes it not only a medically favored drink but  also a very good beverage one can serve to others. Furthermore, it reduces the symptoms of sore throat and other common cold-related problems that are accompanied by cough.

4. Steam

Another easy remedy that can help with curing cough is simply inhaling steam. It is true most people cannot do steam baths regularly but there is a simple substitute that anyone can employ to cure cough, All you need to do is boil some water, and once it’s heated enough that the steam comes cover it with your face and inhale it. And if the water is boiled with ginger and holy basil the results are wondrous. It only takes about 5 minutes to prepare and another 5 to do the deed, but the health benefits are of a lifetime.

5. Salt water gargle

Another easy yet effective remedy for cough is gargling with salt water. The steps include only heating the water lightly and adding 1-2 tablespoons of salt to it and then gargling it slowly and then spitting it out. This helps to lose the mucus and also reduces the sore throat. This has been an effective practice in fighting against common colds and coughs.

6. Pineapple Juice

Pineapple is a remedy that not only is a part of curing cough but can also be used as part of a well-balanced diet. The pineapple contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain which also has mucolytic properties, which means that it can break down mucus and remove it from the body. Thus, it destroys and removes the mucus that forms the core of the cough hence helping in curing them. Taking them daily not only helps in curing cough but also helps in filling the required nutrition for the day. Hence, we can safely say that a pineapple a day keeps the cough and doctor away. But avoid eating it with severe fever or congestion.

These are some of the most common methods that can be used to stop coughs and the irritating feelings that come along with them. But unlike modern drugs that only solve one problem and also might cause issues down the line, we can safely say that homemade remedies not only solve the task at hand but also provide additional benefits instead of side effects, and most importantly, you can identify the ingredients in your cure and say what they are. The  taste of the cures is also an additional yet happy factor in switching to home remedies.

But what attracts it more is the fact that in a society where time and resources play a vital role home remedies will come in handy in the case of everyday issues that people usually avoid going to a doctor and intake medicines that may or may not have side effects in the long run. Also, people choosing alternative cures and practices is the first step in understanding the benefits compared to modern medicine and how they are very useful for a healthier and prosperous generation that gains health naturally and more harmlessly.

Ask-Ayurveda is an Online Ayurvedic consultation platform that helps patients connect with expert Ayurveda doctors for holistic treatment for all health and lifestyle-related issues. For an Ayurvedic consultation for cough, tiredness, or any other physical or mental ailments, reach out to Ask-Ayurveda, and book a free Ayurvedic consultation today.

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

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Questions from users
What are some other effective home remedies for cough besides the ones mentioned in the article?
Asher
94 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
93 days ago
You bet! Try turmeric milk—just warm up milk with a pinch of turmeric powder. Tulsi (holy basil) tea is also great, boil a few leaves in water, sip it warm. And let's not forget licorice root tea, known for soothing throats. These remedies may help balance doshas and nourish tissues. If symptoms persist, chat with an Ayurvedic doc. 😊
What are some other home remedies for cough besides the ones mentioned in the article?
Victoria
79 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
78 days ago
You can try a few other things too: Honey mixed with warm water or milk is soothing for the throat. Ginger tea is great too; it boosts your agni (digestive fire) and helps fight the cold. Turmeric milk is another good one – boosts immunity. Just make sure to pay attention to how your body feels with each remedy; everyone's different!
What other natural remedies can be effective for treating a stubborn cough?
Luke
74 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
73 days ago
You can try turmeric milk, help reduce cough with its anti-inflammatory properties. Honey has soothing effects, especially when mixed with warm water or herbal tea. Licorice root tea might also help soothe throats and reduce cough. If cough persists. consider consulting with a healthcare professionals to check for underlying causes. Hope that helps!
How often should I gargle with salt water to help with my cough?
Lily
69 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
68 days ago
You can gargle with salt water a couple of times a day. Maybe try once in the morning and again in the evening. It can help soothe your throat and loosen that mucus. Just don't overdo it, cause too much salt can, you know, irritate things or dry out your mouth. Hope that helps!
What are some other home remedies that work well for cough besides decaffeinated black tea?
Matthew
64 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
63 days ago
Besides decaffeinated black tea, you could try ginger tea, turmeric milk or even a warm salt water gargle. These all help soothe coughs. Ginger helps boost agni and turmeric milk supports healing. Also, inhaling steam with eucalyptus oil can help, but be cautious not to overdo it. Hope this helps!
How can I tell if the ginger and holy basil remedy is working for my cough?
Christian
59 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
58 days ago
You'll know if the ginger and holy basil remedy is working for your cough when you notice less frequent coughing and your throat feels a bit calmer. Keep an eye on other changes too, like a reduction in mucus or easier breathing. Remember, the body may take time to respond, so give it a few days and make sure you're balancing your dosha! 🕉️
What other home remedies can help with a cough besides honey and ginger?
Violet
39 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
38 days ago
You could try some Tulsi (holy basil) tea, known for soothing the throat and balancing kapha, which can cause coughs. Also, turmeric with warm milk can help; it's a great expectorant. Keep that agni strong; digestion's key. Stay warm cuz drafts can worsen imbalances. These might help, but if it persists, consider a detailed consultation! 🌿
What homemade remedies are best for treating a persistent cough?
Lillian
54 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
53 days ago
For treating a persistent cough, some effective homemade remedies include inhaling steam, which can help clear congestion, and taking a spoonful of honey daily; it’s soothing and calming for the throat. Pair honey with a hot drink like warm water or herbal tea. Remember, these remedies help ease the symptoms, but seeing a doctor is always a good idea if a cough sticks around too long!
What are some other effective home remedies for cough besides honey?
Luke
49 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
48 days ago
Besides honey, you can try ginger tea—it helps soothe a sore throat. Boil some ginger slices in water, then add a touch of honey if you like. Turmeric milk is another good one, with its anti-inflammatory properties. A pinch of black pepper with it boosts absorption. Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil can also relieve congestion.
How can I use pineapple and ginger together for a cough remedy at home?
Grayson
44 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
43 days ago
You can make a simple remedy using pineapple and ginger. Just blend a cup of pineapple juice with a teaspoon of grated ginger. Pineapple's bromelain helps reduce mucus, and ginger warms up your agni (digestive fire), balancing kapha dosha. Drink it once or twice a day for soothing the throat. Remember, everyone’s different, so if it doesn’t help much, consider reaching out to a professional.
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