How To Stop Coughing Without Taking Syrup

A lingering cough is downright annoying. A cough is not always the result of something contagious, but it often makes everyone around you worry that you might be spreading germs. Even if you're at home alone, it is frustrating to deal with a coughing fit every few minutes. Before you reach for the cough syrup in your medicine cabinet, there are many natural remedies you can try to improve your symptoms.

According to Mindbodygreen, the first thing you should do when a coughing fit comes on is drink plenty of fluids. Coughing is typically the body's way of clearing irritants from the throat and lungs. Drinking clear liquids like water and broth can help with this process and decrease the duration of your coughing. Warm clear drinks, like tea or warm broth, are even more helpful. Bonus points if your warm tea contains ginger, which acts as a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory. You should also try to relax and slowly breathe through your nose. This can help relax the muscles in your neck and stop a coughing fit more quickly.

Like cough syrup, cough drops are advertised as a way to reduce coughing and provide relief from other cold symptoms. While they shouldn't be considered a miracle treatment, cough drops can provide some relief during a coughing fit. According to The Healthy, lozenges work by producing saliva in the mouth and lubricating the throat. You can get a similar effect by keeping your throat moist in other ways, such as using a humidifier or taking a hot shower.

If you have a cough because of a cold, some cough drops contain other ingredients that can soothe unpleasant cold symptoms. Some contain menthol, which is an ingredient that has a subtle cooling effect that can offer temporary relief from a sore throat (via Cleveland Clinic). Other cough drops may also contain ingredients that can help boost your immune system like zinc, elderberry, or vitamin C. These ingredients won't make your cough go away, but they may help you get over your bug more quickly.