What can one do to relieve coughing caused by the common cold or influenza? Effective remedies might just be in your kitchen pantry or bathroom!
Contrast Showers
Alternating hot and cold showers as tolerated; hot water for 1 ½ minutes and cold water for 30 seconds; do three exchanges. Be sure to make the second and third exchanges hot, then hotter. Finish with cold. Hot and cold showers boost the circulating white blood cells. Perform this treatment twice a day. Rest for 15 minutes afterwards. Both heat and cold improve the mobility and efficiency of white blood cells. Individuals who have circulatory problems, autoimmune disorders, or neuropathy should check with their physician before engaging in hydrotherapy.
Herbal Vapor Therapy
Low humidity causes dry nasal passages, which are more susceptible to cold viruses. Add 2 Tbs. thyme, 1 Tbs. of rosemary, 1 Tbs. of peppermint, 1 tsp. of eucalyptus leaves to one liter of boiling water. Remove the pot from the stove. Hold your face 6-12 inches over the steaming water. Drape your head with a towel while breathing in the vapor.1
Eucalyptus loosens phlegm, possesses antimicrobial properties, and is effective against several influenza viruses.2 Its cineole controls airway mucus hypersecretion and can even inhibit certain pro-inflammatory compounds in asthma. It is easily absorbed by the respiratory tract.
The menthol in peppermint is a decongestant and good expectorant. Peppermint possesses significant anti-viral activity in fighting Influenza A.3 Early studies show that inhaling steam with chamomile extract has been helpful in common cold symptoms.4
Herbal Expectorants
Thyme: Because of its antitussive and expectorant effects, thyme is a natural cough medicine. It reduces spasms in the bronchial tubes and also improves the clearance of excess mucus in the respiratory tract.5
Fennel reduces inflammation of the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract while its antheole and fenchone provide expectorant properties.
Mullein flowers contain anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties and act as an expectorant.6
Herbal Cough Suppressants
For cough suppressants, fresh ginger or anise seed may be used. Fresh ginger also contains sesquiterpenes, which fight rhinovirus (the most common cold virus) and other flu-fighting compounds. Anise seed: Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed anise seed to 1 cup of boiling water, remove from heat, let steep, and strain after cooling. Take at night as this tea acts as a cough suppressant.
Foods
A little honey mixed with fresh lemon often helps to subdue coughing.7 A review found that Honey was superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. 8
Garlic and onions contain anti-viral and other phytochemicals that help the body to clear out mucus. The World Health Organization recommends onions for coughs, colds, bronchitis, and bronchial spasms. Cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, and avocados are rich in the phytochemical glutathione. This compound helps to fight viruses, including the flu viruses.
When to See a Doctor
Various conditions can cause us to have a persistent cough. Coughs accompanied by wheezing or shortness of breath need prompt evaluation. Post-nasal drip from allergies triggers coughing. Coughing may also be an important sign of congestive heart failure. If your sputum is colored or tinged with blood or accompanied by high fever, see your doctor promptly.
Cautions: If you are taking medications, please consult with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking herbal supplements or using medicinal herbs.
The Wildwood Lifestyle Center specializes in helping people who have diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, arthritis, immune optimization, depression, anxiety, and many other chronic conditions.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general and educational in nature. Wildwood Sanitarium, its entities, or authors do not intend this information as a substitute for proper diagnosis, treatment, or counseling from a qualified medical provider who knows the person’s medical history and laboratory work.
Copyright © by Wildwood Sanitarium, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved.
References:
- Dail, Clarence, MD and Thomas, Charles, Ph.D. Hydrotherapy: Simple Treatments for Common Ailments, Teach Publishers, 1995.[↩]
- Claudio Cermelli. Effect of eucalyptus essential oil on respiratory bacteria and viruses. Curr Microbiol. 2008 Jan;56(1):89-92.[↩]
- Rajesh Aror. Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Preventive Management of Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Pandemic: Thwarting Potential Disasters in the Bud. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 586506.[↩]
- Janmeiai K. Srivastava. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Report 2010 Nov 1:3(6):895-901[↩]
- Öner U, Cengiz Z, Erol A. The Effects of Aromatherapy With Thyme Oil on Disease Symptoms, Vital Findings, and Hemodynamic Parameters in COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Holist Nurs Pract. 2026 Sep-Oct 01;40(5):292-306. [↩]
- Duke, James, The Green Pharmacy[↩]
- Goldman RD. Honey for treatment of cough in children. Can Fam Physician. 2014 Dec;60(12):1107-8, 1110. PMID: 25642485; PMCID: PMC4264806. [↩]
- Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021 Apr;26(2):57-64. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32817011/ [↩]