۴ Natural Expectorants to Relieve Your Cough

Natural expectorants like moisture and certain teas may help relieve a stubborn cough by loosening phlegm.
What is an expectorant?
A cough can affect your work and sleep, and it can disturb others around you, too.
An expectorant is something that helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up. It does this by increasing the water content of the mucus, thinning it out, and making your cough more productive.

An expectorant won’t treat the infection that’s causing your symptoms, but it can help you feel a little better while your immune system does its job.
Over-the-counter expectorants may help loosen up phlegm, but natural remedies can also be effective. Generations of grandmothers have sworn by their own natural cough remedies, but how effective are they?

۱. Moisture
A simple and all-natural way to loosen up chest congestion is to take a hot, steamy shower. Warm and moist air can help relieve a stubborn cough by loosening mucus in the airway.
You can also try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air you breathe. There are many types of humidifiers available.

۲. Hydration
Keeping your body hydrated will help it function at its best. Try to increase your fluid intake when you have a cough or cold. Drinking water or herbal tea is a great way to get more fluids.
You may want to avoid drinking caffeine while you have a cough. Instead, choose water or juice. The moderate use of caffeine is not a problem when you’re well, as long as you drink enough water.

۳. Honey
Honey is delicious, natural, and soothing. It may even loosen up the gunk in your chest.
One 2021 study in children with upper respiratory infections found that honey relieved coughing thanks to its antimicrobial properties. However, the study only looked at cough severity, not whether the cough went away.
Try mixing a teaspoon of honey with a cup of warm milk or tea or just down a teaspoon of it before bed. Honey shouldn’t be given to children younger than 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.

۴. Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is often used as a flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea. It could also be just what you’ve been looking for to treat your cough.
Peppermint contains a compound known as menthol. Menthol may help thin mucus and loosen phlegm.
Pure menthol is considered poisonous and should never be ingested. Menthol or peppermint oil applied to the skin can cause a rash in some people. If you decide to apply a diluted oil to your skin, test a small area first and wait 24 to 48 hours to see whether there’s a reaction.