Conquering Coughs Naturally: A Homeopathic and Natural Guide

Our family has been navigating a wave of coughs recently.  It’s highlighted how versatile and effective homeopathy can be for respiratory support. Coughs are one of those symptoms that often morph over time—starting as dry and non-productive and shifting into wet, sometimes even choking episodes. That’s why it’s incredibly helpful to have several homeopathic remedies ready, each suited to the different stages and types of coughs. With homeopathy’s ability to adapt to individual needs, we’ve experienced firsthand how different remedies work better for different family members. For instance, Phosphorus proved invaluable for one of us, while Natrum Muriaticum was a much better fit for another.

Coughs can indeed be tricky, and knowing when to switch remedies is the key. While Antimonium Tart had worked well in the past for one family member, this time, it didn’t seem to have the same effect. This is a short list of remedies for coughs.  There are many, many more options.

 Homeopathy can support alongside other remedies and natural options. Below, you’ll find a list of homeopathic and natural remedies we’ve found useful for various cough types—hopefully a helpful resource for those managing their own family’s changing symptoms!

Homeopathic Remedies for Coughs

1. Aconitum napellus:

   • Use at the onset of a cough, especially when it begins suddenly after exposure to cold, dry wind. Ideal for a dry, hoarse cough with restlessness and fear. Aconite 30: https://amzn.to/3YBL8LG

2. Bryonia alba:

   • Suitable for dry, painful coughs where movement worsens symptoms. Cough feels tight, and the individual may prefer to lie still. Often accompanied by a thirst for large amounts of water. Bryonia 30: https://amzn.to/3YBL8LG

3. Phosphorus:

   • Helpful for a dry, tickling cough that may worsen at night or when lying down. Suited for people with sensitivity to cold and a desire for cold drinks, even though they don’t help much. Phosophorus 30: https://amzn.to/3YPgijZ

4. Spongia tosta:

   • Ideal for a barking, croupy cough that sounds like a saw going through wood. Often worse at night, and symptoms improve with warm drinks. Spongia tosta 30: https://amzn.to/3Z2sLRD

5. Drosera:

   • For a deep, choking cough with fits of coughing that come in rapid succession. Often feels worse when talking or lying down. A classic remedy for whooping cough. Drosera 30: https://amzn.to/4eferJI

6. Hepar sulphuris:

   • Useful for a wet, rattling cough that is sensitive to cold and worse with cold air. Can help when the cough is productive, and the mucus is thick and yellowish.  This one is great for infections and throat pain. Hepar sulph 30: https://amzn.to/4eferJI

7. Antimonium tartaricum:

   • Good for wet, rattling coughs where the mucus feels hard to expel. Often suited for those who feel weak and tired, especially after coughing fits. Antimonium tart 30: https://amzn.to/3YNO7BT 

8. Pulsatilla:

   • Effective for loose, rattling coughs that change frequently in character. Mucus may be thick and yellow or green. Better in fresh air and with gentle motion.  Pulsatilla 30: https://amzn.to/4hwW5GV

9.      Natrum muriaticum:

o   Useful for persistent, tickling coughs that tend to be worse in the morning or evening, often accompanied by a feeling of dryness in the throat or a sensation as if there’s a lump in the throat. This remedy can be helpful when the cough is accompanied by bouts of sneezing or when the person feels exhausted from coughing. Natrum muriaticum 6x: https://amzn.to/4hyBeD0

These remedies can help depending on the type and cause of the cough. I often suggest giving a remedy about four doses to assess its impact, then moving to another if there’s no improvement. Generally, 30C potencies are used, except for cell salts which we normally use in a 6X.    For persistent or severe symptoms, however, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Natural Remedies for Coughs and a Tea Concoction

Personally I make this concocted tea with a lot of different ingredients such as those below, which seemed to also help colds and coughs. I boil the ingredients for around 10 min, strain, and then add raw honey and fresh-squeezed lemon. You can also use these natural options individually or in any combination.

1. Immunity Tea: Our family enjoys this tea just by itself. But when someone is fighting a cold or cough, I add a lot more items to the tea. The ingredients include hibiscus, elderberry, cranberry, rose hips, currents, blackberry leaves, and rooibos. https://amzn.to/40A28og

2. Thyme:

   • Known for its antispasmodic properties, thyme can help ease coughing fits and soothe the respiratory tract. Steep fresh or dried thyme in hot water for tea. Thyme tea: https://amzn.to/4hC4Kb2

3. Ginger and/or Turmeric Tea:

   • Ginger and turmeric root reduces inflammation and soothes irritation in the throat. Slice fresh ginger and/or turmeric root kept in the freezer or use dried. I save the hunks of ginger and turmeric that are too small to grate into other dishes for these types of issues.  Ginger and turmeric tea: https://amzn.to/3YxNg7e

4. Licorice Root:

   • Has a natural demulcent and expectorant effect, which can soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Licorice root tea: https://amzn.to/4eeY2VK

5. Marshmallow Root:

   • Acts as a natural demulcent, soothing irritated mucous membranes in the throat. Marshmallow root can help with dry, persistent coughs.  This can be purchased just in the root form and I keep on hand for this situation.  Marshmallow root: https://amzn.to/40zDYKy

6. Slippery Elm:

   • Slippery elm bark contains a high amount of mucilage, a gel-like substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. This mucilage coats and soothes irritated tissues in the throat, reducing the urge to cough and easing discomfort from persistent or dry coughs. It’s particularly useful for scratchy, sore throats that make coughing more painful.  This is one my favorites to add especially when throats feel like they need a balm to sooth.  Slippery elm bark: https://amzn.to/4fc0gXb

7. Garlic:

   • Fresh garlic may also be used.  Garlic is known for its potent antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties, largely due to a compound called allicin, which is released when garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin has been shown to fight harmful bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Garlic also has strong anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and heart disease. Additionally, garlic boosts the immune system, making it valuable for fighting infections and supporting overall health.  Beware as the breath may be strong after adding this to the tea. 

8. Bay Leaves:

   • Bay leaves offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mild expectorant benefits that can help ease coughs and congestion, soothes sore throats, and supports the immune system. By simmering a few dried leaves in water, these can provide relief for coughs. Also, add bay leaves for added health benefits to any stew or soup.  Bay Leaves: https://amzn.to/4foTkpk

9.      Red Pepper Flakes:

o    Red pepper can help combat colds and coughs thanks to its high vitamin C content and capsaicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects. Capsaicin helps to break up mucus, making it easier to expel and relieving sinus congestion. Additionally, the immune-boosting properties of vitamin C in red peppers support the body’s defenses, potentially shortening the duration of colds.  While at New Mexico State University, they conducted experiments and determined green chile can help combat colds.  Red pepper flakes have many of the same properties.  Omit pepper if person is sensitive to spices.  Red pepper flakes: https://amzn.to/3AtEBdS

10.  Onion:

o    Onions contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Quercetin is known to reduce inflammation in the body, especially in the respiratory system, making onions helpful for conditions like asthma, coughs, and colds. Onions also have mild antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, contributing to their overall infection-fighting abilities.

11. Honey and Lemon:

    • Honey acts as a natural cough suppressant and soothes the throat. Try a spoonful of honey or mix it into warm tea with lemon.  I recommend raw local honey from a trusted source.  Organic fresh lemons are the best source as they have more enzymes than the lemon juice in a bottle.  For those who are coughing as they try to go to sleep, I will often bring them a spoonful of raw honey and it often helps.  An emergency room doctor told me about that trick. 

Once this tea is strained, add honey and lemon.

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