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10 Tricks to Stop Coughing

Reading Time: 4 minutes

We all know just how irritating an incessant cough can be. 

During the day, a bad cough can make it a challenge to stay focused on the tasks ahead. On top of this, you find yourself stressing about the fact that you might be irritating or spreading your sickness. Come nighttime, a bad cough can drain your energy and prevent you from sleeping altogether. 

If you’re battling a fierce cough, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering the ten best tricks to stop coughing day or night.

After all, a bad cough is a fast and effective recipe for ruining an entire day! It’s time to tackle your cough and show it whose boss! 

1. Opt for a Cough Formula 

First things first, always be sure to try your hand at a cough formula. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of over-the-counter cough formulas available for any variation of cough. If your cough is dry, the right cough formula will help to moisturize your throat and reduce your instances of coughing. If your cough is wet, the formula will help to break down the phlegm in your throat and allow your cough to become more productive. 

2. Inhale Steam 

It’s safe to say that steam is one of the most effective means of reducing a bad cough. Fortunately, there are two quick and simple means of introducing steam into your airways. 

First, try taking a hot shower. Before stepping into the shower, allow the water to reach full hotness. From here, close the door and allow the hot steam to overtake the room. After a few minutes, allow yourself to inhale the hot steam in through your nose. 

Second, boil water and pour it into a temperature-resistant bowl. From here, situate your face close to the steaming water and allow yourself to inhale the steam through your nose. 

3. Use a Vapor Rub 

Do you remember the menthol-scented rub that your parents would rub on your chest when you came down with a cold? 

Well, it turns out that our parents knew exactly what they were doing. Not only does a vapor feel immediately soothing to our chest and our throat, but it’s also effective in reducing the instances of coughing.

4. Swallow a Teaspoon of Honey 

A teaspoon of honey can go a long way when it comes to eliminating a cough. 

Not only is honey noticeably soothing on an irritated throat, but it also helps to suppress a bad cough. A spoonful of honey will calm and soften a sore throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re not keen on consuming a teaspoon of honey, start slow by simply adding honey to your tea. 

However, it’s important to remember that honey should not be given to children under the age of one. 

5. Sip on Ivy Leaf Tea

Who knew that the ivy climbing our garden walls could be so effective in reducing a chronic cough? 

Many years ago, natural medicine enthusiasts discovered that the saponins in the ivy leaf help to minimize and clear mucus in the chest. When put into a tea, patients suffering from a cough witnessed significantly lower instances of coughing. 

Ivy also happens to be one of the top ten air-purifying plants. On top of minimizing instances of mucus, the ivy can also help to remove harmful toxins and bacteria. 

6. Pop a Lozenge 

A lozenge is a great way to moisturize your throat or to provide pain relief for any discomfort that you may be experiencing. This could be anything from a sore throat to incessant itchiness. 

When your throat is properly hydrated, you’re naturally going to experience less of a desire to cough. This is especially the case when it comes to a hoarse and dry cough. 

7. Elevate Your Pillow 

We all know just how frustrating it is for your sleep schedule to be impacted by a seemingly neverending cough. 

One of the best ways to set yourself up the success at night is to elevate your pillow to a semi-vertical position. Similarly, you can also sleep with two pillows stacked on top of one another. 

This helps to significantly reduce the instances of coughing that result from postnasal drip. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, you’re going to be counting your lucky stars come morning time. 

8. Drink Plenty of Water 

Generally speaking, we’re recommended to drink two liters of water per day. 

However, when you’re suffering from a sickness and a cough is present, it’s important to consume even more water. Water helps to alleviate a cough by thinning the mucous in our chest and throat. 

In turn, our cough is able to become more productive and will slowly begin to decrease. 

9. Chew Gum 

In addition to drinking plenty of water, try chewing gum to help moisturize your throat. 

The act of chewing gum works in a similar way to a throat lozenge. It helps to hydrate the throat and, in turn, reduce your body’s inclination to cough. Opt for a menthol-flavored gum which has been proven to help thin mucus and loosen phlegm. 

10. Sleep With a Humidifier 

If you have a dry cough, try sleeping with a humidifier in your room. 

This works by administering moisture into the air and minimizing the dryness of the room. When moisture is present in the air, you’re going to find that you’re feeling less of a need to cough. 

Use These Tricks to Stop Coughing 

Are you desperate for a break from your cough? 

The good news is that on top of cough suppressant medication, there are plenty of ways to help minimize a bad cough. This could be as simple as drinking high quantities of water and having a teaspoon of honey to elevating your pillow come nighttime and sleeping with a humidifier. 

While there’s no one-stop solution to stopping a cough in its tracks, these tricks to stop coughing are sure to prove effective day and night. 

Are you ready to tackle your cold? If so, be sure to shop our products page for the best cough and cold products today.